Short Play Contests 2026!
Registration will open February 2nd, 2026
** Ross Sterling Event has been updated to 4.18.26
SHORT PLAY CONTEST MATERIALS
Troupe Day Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a receipt or invoice?
Click the button below and log-in to your registration. You will be able to download your receipt or invoice from there.
Do I have to have a Troupe to attend?
NO! Any Junior High or High School theatre program may attend!
Can I register and then DROP if we advance in another competition?
No! Once a Troupe has registered, they have confirmed their eligibility to participate and will be held accountable for the Non-Refundable registration fee.
Is a unit set provided?
Yes! Each location will have a standard gray unit set. Each company may bring Doors/Windows. You do not have to use the provided Unit Set. See Rules & Guidelines for more scenic details.
Does it have to be a non-musical?
No, any Theatrical Title may be performed as long as the producing Troupe has performance rights. This may include Original Written Work, Musicals, and Plays. Documentation will be requested in Registration.
Do Directors have to stay the whole time?
Yes! Directors MUST attend with their troupe and actively participate.
Does each attendee need a consent & acceptance form?
Yes! Anyone attending will need to submit a consent & acceptance form.
Is there a limit to cast and crew size?
No! You may have as many cast and crew members. An on-site crew may assist in the setup and strike of your production as long as they have a consent form on file.
Can students stay and watch the other shows?
Yes, awards will be shared after each feedback session & we encourage all to view the other productions.
NO! Any Junior High or High School theatre program may attend!
Can I register and then DROP if we advance in another competition?
No! Once a Troupe has registered, they have confirmed their eligibility to participate and will be held accountable for the Non-Refundable registration fee.
Is a unit set provided?
Yes! Each location will have a standard gray unit set. Each company may bring Doors/Windows. You do not have to use the provided Unit Set. See Rules & Guidelines for more scenic details.
Does it have to be a non-musical?
No, any Theatrical Title may be performed as long as the producing Troupe has performance rights. This may include Original Written Work, Musicals, and Plays. Documentation will be requested in Registration.
Do Directors have to stay the whole time?
Yes! Directors MUST attend with their troupe and actively participate.
Does each attendee need a consent & acceptance form?
Yes! Anyone attending will need to submit a consent & acceptance form.
Is there a limit to cast and crew size?
No! You may have as many cast and crew members. An on-site crew may assist in the setup and strike of your production as long as they have a consent form on file.
Can students stay and watch the other shows?
Yes, awards will be shared after each feedback session & we encourage all to view the other productions.
What is a Texas Thespians Short Play Contest?
Overview
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest is a new opportunity for secondary theatre programs to engage in a professionally adjudicated play competition. This contest is designed to serve junior varsity theatre companies and schools that have been eliminated in the early rounds of spring competitions, offering them a valuable platform for growth, feedback, and recognition.
1. Expanded Access and Equity
2. Educational Focus Over Competition
3. Support for Eliminated Schools
4. Recognition of All Aspects of Theatre
5. Alignment with Texas Thespians’ Mission
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest offers students constructive critiques from three adjudicators—specialists in acting, directing, and technical theatre. For developing programs, junior varsity ensembles, or schools eliminated early from spring contests, this is a valuable opportunity to continue their work in a supportive and professional setting.
Participation demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the arts, aligns with state theatre standards, and supports the Texas Thespians' mission.
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest is a new opportunity for secondary theatre programs to engage in a professionally adjudicated play competition. This contest is designed to serve junior varsity theatre companies and schools that have been eliminated in the early rounds of spring competitions, offering them a valuable platform for growth, feedback, and recognition.
1. Expanded Access and Equity
- A non-elimination-based experience for more schools to participate.
- Opportunities for junior varsity casts to engage in authentic contest experiences.
- A space for Title I and rural schools that may struggle to compete but still want meaningful performance opportunities.
- No limit to cast and crew size
2. Educational Focus Over Competition
- Three-judge feedback model (acting, directing, technical) offers a well-rounded educational critique.
- Students and directors gain deeper insight into their craft without the pressure of advancing or being eliminated.
3. Support for Eliminated Schools
- Extends the life of their work.
- Gives directors and students a chance to refine and reflect.
- Maintains momentum and morale within the department.
4. Recognition of All Aspects of Theatre
- Technical theatre achievements (lights, set, costumes, sound).
- Directing and ensemble work, not just individual performances.
- The importance of collaboration, creativity, and storytelling over rigid rules.
5. Alignment with Texas Thespians’ Mission
- Inclusivity, education, and opportunity.
- Provides a low-cost, high-impact event that schools can budget for.
- Encourages participation from a broader demographic of students and schools.
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest offers students constructive critiques from three adjudicators—specialists in acting, directing, and technical theatre. For developing programs, junior varsity ensembles, or schools eliminated early from spring contests, this is a valuable opportunity to continue their work in a supportive and professional setting.
Participation demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the arts, aligns with state theatre standards, and supports the Texas Thespians' mission.
TEA CPE Provider #902-342
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