2016 Georgia Thespian Conference
Troupe Director’s Handbook
www.gathespians.org
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 1 2016 GEORGIA THESPIAN CONFERENCE Join us for the best three days of high school theatre in Georgia. The Georgia Thespian Conference
features numerous productions presented by high schools from throughout the state. Plus, you'll be able
to participate in a variety of workshops led by theatre professionals from around the country.
And if that weren't enough, you can also perform or view individual performance and tech events, audition
for scholarships, talk to college representatives from around the country, shop with commercial vendors
selling theatre merchandise, and hang out with more than 4,000 other Georgia Thespians.
This handbook contains useful information to help you register for, plan for, and learn more about the 2016
Georgia Thespian Conference. It is as complete and accurate as possible by the publication date.
Remember, however, that your primary source of information is the Georgia Thespian website:
www.gathespians.org
Online Registration The 2016 Conference registration is conducted online via the Georgia Thespians Website
(​
www.gathespians.org​
).
Troupe Directors are responsible for registering their troupe’s attendees.
In order to register for conference, you will need to have a website user account. If you already have one,
you do not need to create a new one. If you do need to create a user account, please send an email to the
webmaster requesting a website user account be created for you. Each time you visit our website, look in the top right­hand corner of the screen to see if you have logged in. If you see: Create User // Login That means you have not logged in. Click the "Login" link to log into the website. Conference Registration Fees $125 ­ All attendees (students and adults) $55 Georgia Thespians Troupe Assessment This fee includes all workshops, performances, events, programs, t­shirt, entertainment, social events (dance for students/social for directors and guest artists), and four meals: Thursday dinner Friday lunch Friday dinner Saturday lunch Important notes: •
Students must be inducted, registered Thespians to attend the conference. EdTA provides updated membership information on their website per troupe for verification. Student status must be “ACTIVE” to be included in your registration (“ELIGIBLE” status does not qualify). The database we get from the national office daily doesn’t include anyone who is not “Active.” Troubleshooting: ● Students become “Active” once their membership fees are received by the national office. Do not register any students for Thespian Conference whose status is “Eligible.” ● Be very careful when inputting the Thespian ID number per student. Make sure the number you input is the correct number for each student. ● Thespian ID numbers are 6 digit numbers. Each student has a unique number. This is NOT your troupe number. ● If a Thespian transfers into your troupe, you cannot register him/her for Conference until you make the transfer official at the national office. 2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 2 ●
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Some Thespians are moved to the Alumni status by the national office if their graduation date was missing or incorrect when the student was inducted. If that is the case, you must make that change at the national office before you can register those Thespians for Conference. Names on the Conference registration form should match the names on the national office troupe list. Do not include Thespian ID numbers for adults/chaperones, even if they were Thespians at one time. The phone number for the national office is 513.421.3900. Ask for the Membership department. •
Individual school rules/policies apply to students while attending the Georgia Thespian Conference. •
No unregistered attendees are allowed to remain at conference. •
There is no cap on the number of students and/or adults a troupe can bring. •
Registration will close when the maximum capacity has been reached. You may meet the deadline but not be included if we fill up before the deadline. Some schools may be offered the opportunity to attend conference but not receive tickets to All Conference Events. •
Chaperones cannot bring unregistered children or adults with them. •
Chaperones are recommended at a 1 to 10 ratio – 1 chaperone for every 10 Thespians whenever possible. •
Registered troupe directors and chaperones are able to attend all conference events but should also consider themselves supervisors of students throughout the conference. •
No infants/small children can be present at any conference space/function, as dictated by the stipulations of our liability insurance. •
There are no day passes ­ no a­la­carte registration. •
Bus drivers must be registered attendees to eat with us. •
Students are expected to attend the planned conference events. Students should not create their own conference events. Directors are responsible for monitoring their students’ participation in the planned conference events. •
Troupe Directors must understand that participation in a variety of conference events requires more coordination on their part, not less, and that there are some conference events that overlap. •
Georgia Thespians cannot provide first aid to attendees. Directors and chaperones for troupe members are responsible for their own group and their own first aid. Georgia Thespians can contact local emergency medical personnel whenever needed and/or secure transportation to local hospitals. Emergency information needed for 911 calls has been added to the Agreement Form every student is required to carry in his/her neck wallet at all times should you need it for the 911 dispatchers. Conference Registration Packet When mailing in your conference registration fees, your packet must include: • Payment • Copy of your troupe’s registration (screen print out) with required signatures (Administrator and Troupe Director) •
Complete Agreement Forms (every box/signature is required) for all attendees in ​
alphabetical order. 2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 3 •
Note: If you make attendee changes/substitutions/additions after your initial registration, those will not become official until a completed Agreement Form and any applicable fees are also submitted and received. Registration opens ​
October 1, 2015​
and closes on ​
November 16, 2015​
, ​
or​
when the maximum capacity of has been reached. Remember, you may meet the deadline but not be included if we fill up before the deadline. Mail registration materials and payment to: Georgia Thespians 2897 North Druid Hills Road Box 225 Atlanta, GA 30329 NOTE: ​
Hand delivery of the conference registration fees and forms to personal mailboxes/addresses is not permitted. NOTE: ​
If your bookkeeper needs a new W­9 form, please email ​
frankpruet@yahoo.com​
and request one. NOTE:​
You are not officially registered until all of your fees and Agreement Forms have been received. At that time, your online registration status will be changed from “Submitted” to “Complete.” A list of registered troupes will be posted on the website. NOTE:​
Your registration form is your “Invoice” you give to your bookkeeper. The on­line change from “Submitted” to “Complete” is your receipt. The webmaster will email you when your registration is complete and post a list of completed troupes on the website. NOTE:​
If you need to know if your registration materials have been received, please secure tracking when you send the package. We are not be able to honor emailed requests to confirm receipt of materials. NOTE:​
Seating at All Conference Events (Opening, Closing, Other unique special events) is assigned according to the order of the dates your registration status is “Complete.” The earlier your registration is complete, the better your seats will be. Acceptable Forms of Payment: ●
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Certified checks
School checks School booster club checks Money orders U.S. Funds (on a U.S. Bank only) NOTE: ​
Make all checks/money orders out to ​
Georgia Thespians​
. NOTE: ​
Personal checks will not be accepted. A $50 returned check fee will apply. All fees are non­refundable. 2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 4 Alphabetical Listing of Important Items Agreement Form (Health/Security/Conference Rules) Every attendee (student, teacher, parent, chaperone) must complete an Agreement Form.
You will need THREE copies of each completed Agreement Form for everyone who be attending with your
troupe – students and adults.
● You will place one copy in each attendee's name badge once you arrive at conference.
● You will keep one copy with you at all times during conference.
● You will submit one copy per attendee with the Registration Package (In alphabetical order by last
name)
● Note: If you make attendee changes/substitutions/additions after your initial registration, those will
not become official until a completed Agreement Form and any applicable fees are also submitted
and received.
Agreement Form:
http://www.gathespians.org/Forms/Conference/Conference.Agreement.Form.pdf
Security rules:
http://gathespians.org/Conference/ConferenceSecurityRules/tabid/179/Default.aspx
All­State Show There will be auditions for an All-State show at this year’s conference. Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior
thespians registered for conference are eligible to audition. Please check the website for specific details
about the show and audition requirements. If you have any questions, please contact
jenny_morris@putnam.k12.ga.us​
.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 5 Awards Georgia Thespians Hall of Fame
Georgia Thespians annually recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves to the cause of theatre
education. Any member of EdTA (Troupe Director or Individual member) who has 20 years of service is
eligible to be nominated for this award.
http://www.gathespians.org/Forms/Conference/Awards/Hall.Of.Fame.Application.pdf
Administrator’s Award
Georgia Thespians present this award to outstanding school administrators who have demonstrated
exemplary support for educational theatre. Administrators from all schools or school districts affiliated with
Georgia Thespians are eligible for the Administrator’s Award. Troupe directors may submit nominations for
individuals or administrative teams serving at the department, building, or district level by filling out an
application that is then reviewed by the awards coordinator of Georgia Thespians. Previous award
recipients may not apply.
http://www.gathespians.org/Forms/Conference/Awards/Administrators.Award.pdf
Outstanding Theatre Educator
Georgia Thespians recognizes an individual who has dedicated himself or herself to the cause of theatre
education and the promotion of the fine arts in his or her community. Any member of EdTA (Troupe
Director, Technical Director, or Individual member) is eligible to be nominated for this award.
Any student wishing to nominate their director for consideration will be required to fill out an application
and include a letter of recommendation and may also submit a video submission. This video submission is
to be sent to ​
STOtroupeoutreach@gmail.com​
. Video submissions should be 1 to 3 minutes in length. These
video submissions may be uploaded on the Georgia Thespians Youtube Channel for public audience. The
student who nominates the Outstanding Theatre Educator will help present the award at conference. In
addition, the recipient will receive a grant of $500.
http://www.gathespians.org/Forms/Conference/Awards/Outstanding.Educator.pdf
Outstanding Student Achievement Awards
Outstanding Student Achievement Awards and Outstanding Student Technical Achievement Awards have
been created by Georgia Thespians to recognize those students who exemplify the ideals of Georgia
Thespians.
To be eligible for either award, a candidate must be in good standing with the International Thespian
Society, and an active member of his/her high school Thespian troupe (must be in grade 9–12 this school
year). Recipients will receive $200 each.
http://www.gathespians.org/Forms/Conference/Awards/Student.Acheivement.Awards.pdf
Communication All changes to dates/events/ schedules and any emergency information prior to and while at conference
will be posted on our website (​
www.gathespians.org​
), posted on our Facebook page (Georgia Thespians),
posted on our Twitter account (@GAThespians), posted on Guidebook and announced publicly as
effectively as possible.
Conference Seating Tickets to All Conference Events and selected shows will be in the troupe registration materials picked up
at the registration table at conference. Tickets to All Conference events are assigned to troupes by the
order in which their registration is completed. The earlier your registration is complete, the better your seats
will be.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 6 Conference Schedule (This schedule is tentative and may change. The final schedule will be posted on the website before
conference and in the conference programs.)
Thursday (February 4, 2016)
Friday (February 5, 2016)
Saturday (February 6, 2016)
12:30 PM – 11:00 PM (Registration opens at 12:30 PM)
9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
NOTE: We will use a dual track schedule this year with a staggered beginning. Schools will make their
preference known on the registration form. Both tracks offer the same conference experience for students;
the only difference is one track starts and ends earlier than the other track. (See tentative schedule below).
Show placement into tracts will announced mid-December.
NOTE: The following is a​
draft​
conference schedule intended for your planning purposes. Actual times
throughout the day may vary from the final schedule which will be posted on our website as soon as it is
finalized. Start and end times of shows will be made specific on the final schedule. Attendees will have 15
minutes transition time before and after each performance (so that they do not need to leave workshops
early).
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 7 Dance Dance Chaperone Duty Assignments
Thursday Night’s Dance—YELLOW Track—9:30 - 10:30 PM
Adults from schools with names beginning with letters A-L - SHIFT—9:30 - 10:10 PM
Adults from schools with names beginning with letters M-Z - SHIFT—10:00 - 10:40 PM
Friday Night’s Dance—BLUE Track—9:30 - 10:30 PM
Adults from schools with names beginning with letters A-L - SHIFT—9:30 - 10:10 PM
Adults from schools with names beginning with letters M-Z - SHIFT—10:00 - 10:40 PM
Dance Chaperone Guidelines
Duty Stations
● Each chaperone will be assigned a spot or area to monitor during his or her shift.
● Chaperones are asked to remain in their assigned spots until relieved or until all students have left
the area after the dance ends.
● Be visible and attentive. Be proactive.
Look for Badges
● Students’ badges must be visible at all times—despite their costuming.
● Monitor badge colors. Yellows only at the Yellow Dance. Blues only at the Blue Dance.
● Students without the appropriate badge may not enter.
Monitor student attire
● The Basic Rule: School rules apply.
● All the body parts that should be covered need to be covered.
● Dance attire should not pose a danger to the participant or any other person.
Monitor student behavior
● Intervene when students’ behavior becomes dangerous—i. e., when somebody’s going to get hurt.
● Intervene when students’ behavior becomes blatantly offensive—i. e., when somebody’s goal is to
shock or offend.
● (To ​
intervene​
is to step in and ask that the unacceptable behavior stops. If you are ignored, contact
the Chapter Director, the Security Chair, or a law enforcement officer. Do not seek an unwise
confrontation.)
● Do not allow any student’s behavior or actions to intimidate other students.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 8 Fee Summary
Registration
Troupe Assessment
Changes to Registration
IEs
Scholarship Auditions
Tech Challenge
Freestyle Theatre
Performance Screening
Improv
Lost badge replacement at conference
$125 per attendee
$55 per troupe
$50 per change (after January 9, 2016)
$20 per entry
$20 per student
$20 per team
$10 per individual not on teams
$25 per entry
$100 per one act (1 hour or less)
$20 per team
$50 (Thursday, Friday); $20 (Saturday)
Freestyle Theatre Festival If you have a performance piece that runs between 10 and 30 minutes and requires little (if any) technical
support, then consider submitting it for our annual Freestyle Festival. This is the perfect showcase for
student written works, scene studies, short plays, improv troupes, mime performances, musical theatre
dance numbers, puppet shows, and almost anything else that would work well in an intimate setting. We
especially hope to showcase student created works. Fee: $25 per entry.
http://www.gathespians.org//Forms/Conference/Freestyle.Application.pdf
Honor Troupe Georgia Thespians has created the “Georgia Thespian Honor Troupe” program to recognize those troupes
that do tremendous work in their school and community and achieve a high level of excellence, both on
and off stage. There is no limit on the number of troupes who can apply each year.
The application process includes submission of a portfolio ("brag book") about the positive impact your
troupe is making. Directions for submission must be followed exactly with no duplications in multiple
categories. Portfolios will be submitted at the 1st Planning Session and awards will be presented at the
following Georgia Thespian Conference. A certificate will be given to each school; however a plaque may
be ordered as a permanent memento of your year. In addition, each school will receive a letter addressed
to their principal celebrating their achievement.
Honor applications are for the school year just completed. The applications received at the 1st LeadCon
need to contain information about your troupe’s activities during the 2014 - 2015 school year.
More information can be found online on our website:
http://gathespians.org/Troupes/HonorTroupes/tabid/212/Default.aspx
Hotels There is a list of Columbus area hotels on the website. Each school is responsible for making its own
lodging reservations.
http://visitcolumbusga.com/visitors/accommodations
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 9 Improv Improv combines students from schools who have all been working on playing specific improvisation
games with students from other schools who have been working on playing the same games. A strong
improv student will embrace the opportunity to work with new identities on familiar games as students get
to work with peers they are meeting for the first time.
This event will take place during one workshop session in each schedule.
Each school may submit one team of five students who have been working solidly on the games; teams will
be scored by the Improv Judges.
Participants must learn the three games that will be adjudicated prior to arriving at Conference.
Teams are expected to practice these games and learn their rules to the best of their abilities.
Instructions and models for how to play these games will be posted on the Georgia Thespians
Webpage. The Improv Coordinator will e-mail troupe directors when these links become available.
For this event, five players from each school are broken up and placed on a new team consisting of five
students from five different schools. At the beginning of the workshop session, each team will have 15
minutes to meet in their assigned area, warm up, and go over the three games they will be playing together.
The team with the highest accumulative score will be announced at the end of the workshop session and
will receive a prize.
Individual students may be awarded special recognition by the coordinator.
Points are Awarded Based On:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each group’s ability to play together as a cohesive unit. The games in this event are to be played
by all members of the team. Group participation and each individual’s ability participate in a way
that helps build something unique and as a team is essential. This most definitely includes being
able to give and take focus in a way that is polite and helps to share the stage without railroading
one another.
A group’s ability to follow the rules set forth by the selected games. This is especially important, as
many games are taught by different names or with slightly different rules. In order to maintain
consistency across the board for the event, it is imperative that all teams learn to play these games
by the same rules by viewing the model videos online.
Ability to play each game within the allotted time limit.
Playing at the top of their intelligence. i.e., no blue or shock value humor, please… & thank you!
The scoring rubric used by the moderators will be sent to Troupe Directors to share with their
participants.
Registering for Improv
Teams will be registered on a first come, first served basis. Once all spots have been filled, schools will be
placed on a waiting list. Registration opens on October 1, 2015, and closes on December 7, 2015. The final
Improv Team List will be released once the Conference schedule is finalized in January. Remember that to
fully participate in Improv each team member needs to view the STO video examples posted online to learn
the rules of the games used for the Improv event and to practice them with their home team.
To register for Improv troupe directors need to complete the Improv registration form, pay the $20 fee and
submit by the SUPER DEADLINE.
Contact Mallory Nonnemaker (mallory.nonnemaker@hallco.org) for more information.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 10 Individual Events Individual Events are intended to be an educational program that offers delegates the opportunity (using
the audition approach) to receive constructive feedback on prepared theatrical material and technical
designs. The goal for participating students is to find their talent, strengths, and weaknesses and to grow
as theatre artists. The auditions culminate in the selection of a performance showcase cast from the top
scoring entries.
Commonly called “IE's”, these events give theatre students opportunities to perform in either performance
or tech events including solo, duet, or group musical and monologue and duet/group acting.
In addition, students may also enter design/technical IE's which allow tech students the opportunity to
show and be adjudicated on what they know and display the work they've done.
IE Registration
Online registration for the 2016 Georgia Thespian Conference IEs will open October 1, 2015, and will close
December 7, 2015.
After registering, troupe directors must print the registration form from the website and have their principal
or head of school sign it giving approval for these entries.
All completed forms and payments MUST then be delivered no later than the Super Deadline December 7,
2015 to:
Georgia Thespians 2897 North Druid Hills Road Box 225 Atlanta, GA 30329
Entry Fee
A $20.00 entry fee is required for EACH act. Please submit a single payment covering the total amount for
your troupe’s entries.
Payments MUST be school or booster organization check (payable to Georgia Thespians), or cash/money
order. NO personal checks will be accepted.
If proper payment is not received, the incorrect form of payment will be returned and your IEs will be
ineligible unless the form of payment is corrected and received by Georgia Thespians by the December 7,
2015 deadline. Please note that getting your IE registration and payment in well ahead of the deadline will
greatly increase the chances of finding a mistake and correcting it before the deadline.
Permission to Perform
Please read and follow the guidelines in “Securing Performance Rights Simplified” and make sure that you
are following these for each entry.
http://www.gathespians.org/Conference/IEs/GeneralInformation/IEsSecuringPeformanceRights/tabid/214/
Default.aspx
Failure to acquire and prove performance rights when needed will result in that IE being ineligible to
compete.
Number of Entries
No more than FOUR Performance entries are allowed per troupe and ONE combined troupe Performance
IE is allowed in addition to these four. Design/Tech IEs are unlimited. This means that a troupe COULD
have 5 performance IEs if they are using their four entries and a combined troupe IE. Again- Tech IEs are
UNLIMITED.
Please be aware that at the International Thespian Festival a student can only participate in ONE event
regardless of the number of Overall Superior Ratings received at the Georgia Thespian Conference.
Specific Title of Piece
Title of piece(s) to be presented at conference must be on entry form and must be the piece(s) screened by
the sponsor and approved by the principal/head of school prior to the deadline. Acts will be disqualified if
the piece performed is NOT the specific piece listed on the registration forms.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
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s Handbook 11 Rules for Each Event
Please read the Rubric for each event that you have entered. The information on each rubric is specific to that category​
. NOT ADHERING TO ALL RULES WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. Georgia rules are
based on International Thespian Festival rules for IE Events.
Introduction of Piece(s)
Each act must be introduced (time begins after the introduction). The introduction must include the
student’s name, troupe number, title of selection(s), and the name of the playwright, composer, or lyricist.
This opening slate is part of the assessment rubric and is scored as part of the overall score.
Technical Provisions
The IE rooms do not allow any special lighting (only the basic "on/off" general lighting).
For musical performance IEs, a CD player with auxiliary cord for MP3 players will be available for your use.
Music must be already cued and a volunteer will provided to start and stop your music.
Providing your own sound system is strongly recommended if you would like to do so in order to control
the volume and quality of sound. You may run your own sound or have the CSU vounteer do so for you.
Up to 6 chairs and 1 table will be available for your use according to IE rules.
No Shows
"No Shows" will result in the school’s losing the privilege to have IE Entries at next year’s conference.
If you arrive late for your appointed time, the possibility of re-scheduling is highly unlikely and you will be
considered a no show.
If you must withdraw, you MUST notify Cece Conrath at 770-597-6756 NO LATER than NOON on Monday,
February 1, 2016. Failure to do so may result in the troupe being placed in the “no show “ category for the
following year.
Arrival and Performance Time
The IE schedule will be posted on the website and on the Guidepost App prior to the conference. An IE act
must arrive at LEAST 15 minutes prior to appointed performance time.
Superior Rating
All acts receiving an Overall Superior Rating are eligible to enter the act in the IE events at the 2016
International Thespian Festival (provided the act meets all international requirements including proof of
permission to perform from the publishers of the piece). The student(s) and Troupe Director(s) are
responsible for double-checking International IE rules.
The Troupe Director is responsible for accompanying and making arrangements for his/her students who
have earned the right to enter the "Overall Superior" act at the International Thespian Festival (a parent may
accompany but cannot be the Thespian’s sponsor at International.)
Linda P. Wise IE Showcase
Participants of up to twelve selected performance events will present their selections on main stage.
Participants will also be selected from the technical events (Theatre Marketing, Costume Design, Costume
Construction, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Stage Management and Sound Design) to participate in the
showcase.
Because the showcase will be cast with representatives of the highest quality performances, not all
categories may be represented. Selected participants from technical events will be recognized in the
Closing and have their designs prominently displayed in the theatre lobby when possible.
Those acts which earn the highest scores will be placed in a group to be selected from the Overall Superior
ratings by the adjudicators as "Critic’s Choice". These acts will perform in the IE Showcase during the
closing ceremonies on Saturday.
ALL acts in the IE Showcase MUST attend the dress/tech rehearsal on Saturday (see conference schedule).
Acts must appear in BOTH showcases or they forfeit their Overall Superior rating and will not be eligible to
perform at the International Thespian Festival.
CDs ONLY must be provided for Showcase musical performances (no MP3 players, phones, computers,
etc.) and MUST be delivered to the IE Coordinator at the registration table no later than 9:00am on
Saturday morning.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 12 NOTE: See the Georgia Thespians website (http://www.gathespians.org) for updating scoring rubrics and
information starting September 20, 2016.
Junior Thespians Contact Richard Frazier at ​
richard.frazier@hcbe.net​
for all inquiries about the 2016 Georgia Junior Thespian
Conference or about establishing a Junior Thespian Troupe.
New Troupe Directors If you are a new troupe director, we can pair you with a mentor director. We want to help make this year as
easy as possible. Contact Valerie Longshore-Sargent for more information about mentoring, chartering a
troupe, re-chartering a troupe, or any other troupe needs you may have. Please sign up for the New Troupe
Directors Remind account for text/email updates about GA Thespians! Visit:
www.remind.com/join/thesteach​
or email ​
longshore-v@harris.k12.ga.us​
.
Opening Number Opening Number is a show created to introduce and kick-off the GA Thespian Conference. Auditions will
be held the Friday night before 1st LeadCon (September 11, 2015) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Saturday,
September 12 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (during the 1st LeadCon) at Baldwin County High School,
Milledgeville, GA. Each Georgia troupe director is allowed to send “4” of their best singers, dancers, and
actors (who are Registered Thespians) to the auditions. They may send an unlimited number of techies to
the interview process. There are specific details about Opening Number on the Georgia Thespian’s
website. Contact Jenny Morris at ​
jenny_morris@putnam.k12.ga.us​
if you have any questions.
Parking There is parking available at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center (801 Front Avenue,’Columbus,
Georgia 31901) and along the streets in downtown Columbus. There is a two hour limit on downtown
parking during weekday work hours.
School buses should unload outside the CSU Theatre at the corner of Bay Avenue and 10th St. Buses will
need to come down 11th​
​street to Bay Ave., turn left, and drop off on the curb by the Theatre Box office.
Buses may also drop students off in front of the Trade Center. Overflow parking if necessary will be on
Front Ave. by the CSU Coca-Cola Space Science Center, one and one-half blocks from the Trade Center.
Passport to Prizes Troupe Directors or Adults from your school may pick up “Passport”s from the Vendor table in the
Registration area. Visit each of our Vendor booths (located in the Vendor area in the North Exhibit Hall of
the Trade Center) listed on the “Passport” and get it stamped. After all spaces are filled in, place your
completed form in the prize box located in the Vendor area. There will be a drawing for a variety of exciting
prizes at noon on Saturday, February 6, 2016 in the Trade Center lobby. You must be present to win (or
someone from your troupe)! Don’t miss this opportunity to win great prizes for you and your troupe!
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 13 Performances Georgia Thespians is looking for high-caliber productions to showcase at the 2016 Georgia Thespian
Conference. If you would like to share your show with other Georgia Thespians, we encourage you to apply
for a screening.
Plenty of opportunities abound for getting your production presented at one of several venues in
Columbus. Our goal is to provide conference attendees with as wide a selection of genre, performance
style, theme, and scale as we can find. And this being Georgia, we know variety and quality are just waiting
in the wings ready to be discovered.
The adjudicator(s) will also suggest the conference venue they feel best suits the show. Directors must
agree to this condition of placement on the initial screening agreement.
Selected shows will be given notice of acceptance by Monday, December 7, 2015.
All show directors must attend a 10:00 AM production meeting at the Second Planning Session at Baldwin
High School, Milledgeville, GA on January 9, 2016.
Screening fee is $100.00 for one-act shows that are ONE HOUR or less.
Screening Date Summary:
●
●
●
●
Screening Application Deadline: October 9, 2015.
Show Screening Window: until November 20, 2015.
Show schedule announced on December 11, 2015.
Mandatory Production meeting for directors of accepted shows: January 9, 2016.
Screening Application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1koUh6thlVn3uMiXLlevWjrr_jVUVMWrjFu1zpDbfRs4/viewform?c=0&w=1
Screening Agreement:
http://gathespians.org/forms/conference/Screening.Agreement.pdf
PlayWorks This program is an opportunity for Georgia Thespians to see their original scripts workshopped with
professionals. Various selections of submitted dramatic literature will be chosen to participate in a staged
reading with an audience feedback session. In addition, complete plays selected will have the option to
submit their work to International Thespian Conference.
Eligibility
Any current Thespian is eligible to submit to PlayWorks.
Submission Guidelines
Students may submit a monologue, single scene, one act, or full-length play to participate in Georgia's
PlayWorks. However, to be considered for International Thespian Conference a submission must be a full
play.
A play can be about any subject. It must be the original work of a single individual; no collaborative works
or adaptations from other media will be considered. Musicals cannot be considered, nor can plays that
include copyrighted music or lyrics. In order to be considered for International Thespian Conference, plays
must have a running time of between ten and thirty minutes (approximately 10-30 typed pages). You may, if
you wish, submit more than one play.
Script Support
Teachers and students are welcome to utilize the Playwriting Unit Plan as a tool to get started writing. This
unit plan coordinates with the Georgia Performance Standards for Fine Arts Education. The unit is designed
for new and emerging playwrights to build the skills that are essential for creating successful plays. It is
comprised of writing exercises and smaller projects that culminate in the writing of a one act play suitable
for admission to PlayWorks.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 14 Submission Guidelines and Final Deadline
Play scripts must be typed and submitted online to the following email:
gathespianplayworks@gmail.com​
by 6:00 PM on December 7, 2015. Early submissions are encouraged.
PlayWorks Event at Conference
A selection from chosen works will be presented for script-in-hand readings at Conference on Saturday.
The playwright and actors will collaborate with the guest artist to bring the text to life. Student playwrights
will observe the readings and participate in a guided talk-back with the guest artists. The reading and
talk-back process may be attended by a Thespian Conference audience.
Rights
Your work is protected by copyright from the moment it is created. As the writer, you own the play and
have exclusive control of the rights to produce, publish, and adapt it. By submitting your script to the
Georgia Thespian PlayWorks program, you are agreeing to allow Georgia Thespians to mount a staged
reading of your play and the possibility to have your play performed at the following year's conference. All
other rights remain the exclusive property of the playwright.
The website has lots of information and guidance for writers.
http://gathespians.org/Conference/Playworks/tabid/77/Default.aspx
Program Advertising Opportunities Colleges, universities, vendors, and businesses who become sponsors of the Conference receive ad space
in the playbill sized souvenir program for the 2016 Conference which is given to more than 4,200 attendees
of the Georgia Thespian Conference. See the Sponsorship link on the Georgia Thespians website for more
information.
Safety and Security Guidelines All attendees will sign the Agreement Form indicating agreement with these guidelines. These forms should
be mailed with your registration packet.
http://gathespians.org/Conference/ConferenceSecurityRules/tabid/179/Default.aspx
Scholarship Auditions Scholarship auditions are held at the Georgia Thespian Conference each year. Juniors and Seniors may
audition for representatives from colleges from many states in the nation. In addition, seniors may audition
for the twelve Georgia Thespian Scholarships given each year.
The twelve Georgia Thespian Scholarships are awarded to seniors who demonstrate talent, leadership, and
exemplary work and involvement within their Thespian Troupes. Seniors may audition for these
scholarships in addition to auditioning for colleges.
The Georgia Thespian Scholarship committee is composed of guest artists, college representatives,
international officers and guests, and/or out-of-state Thespian sponsors. They interview all Thespian
Scholarship candidates and watch their auditions. From these interviews, auditions, and Troupe
Involvement resumes, they determine the Georgia Thespian Scholarship recipients using the following
criteria:
Performance/Portfolio 50%
Interview 30%
Troupe Involvement (Resume) 20%
Senior Thespians and Junior Thespians ​
may audition for college representatives in the areas of:
Performance
Design Tech/Management
Theatre Education
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 15 Senior Thespians​
may audition for the Georgia Thespian scholarships in the areas of:
Performance
Design Tech/Management
Theatre Education
Audition Criteria
To audition, a student must:
● Be an inducted Thespian active in his/her school's Thespian troupe.
● Plan to attend a college or university beginning in the fall of 2016 for seniors or 2017 for juniors.
● Have a 3.0 or better GPA or an 80 or better numerical average. Students auditioning for Thespian
scholarships must plan to major in the communicative arts (theater, film, speech, radio and
television, broadcasting, music or dance).
● Plan to major in theatre for college auditions.
● Pay the $20 audition fee
● Complete all areas of the application.
● Follow the established audition guidelines
● Be registered and in attendance at the conference with his/her registered troupe.
Note​
:​
A student may audition in design tech/management and performance. That student pays one $20
fee.
College Audition Application Procedure​
● Complete the form on the Georgia Thespian website (www.gathespians.org).
● Hand deliver the completed form plus the $20.00 application fee to the registration desk at the 2nd
LeadCon, January 9, 2016. Applications and fees will be accepted from 9:30 AM -1:30 PM.
Applications and fees must be hand delivered; mailed applications will not be accepted.
● Prepare for the performance audition and/or interview and portfolio presentation. The audition call
sheet with times and locations will be posted on the website after the 2nd LeadCon. Audition
suggestions are posted on the website.
Georgia Thespian Scholarship Audition Application Procedure
● Complete the form on the Georgia Thespian website (www.gathespians.org).
● Complete and submit a Troupe Involvement Resume. (Involvement in your troupe is one focus of
the Georgia Thespian Scholarship. Your resume should reflect what you have done with your
troupe at school, in the community, and elsewhere. You should not list your acting experience. You
should submit this with your online portfolio.)
● Prepare for an interview with Thespian Scholarship adjudicators. After the auditions, the committee
will call back those students they would like to interview more thoroughly.
● Prepare for the performance audition, to be held at the same time as the interview. The audition
call sheet with times and locations will be posted on the website after the 2nd LeadCon. Audition
suggestions are posted on the website.
Georgia Thespian Scholarship Theatre Educator Scholarship Application Procedure
● Complete the form on the Georgia Thespian website (​
www.gathespians.org​
).
● Complete and submit a Troupe Involvement Resume. (Involvement in your troupe is one focus of
the Georgia Thespian Scholarship. Your resume should reflect what you have done with your
troupe at school, in the community, and elsewhere. You should not list your acting experience.)
● Respond to Senior Theatre Educator Essay Prompts and include that form with your application.
● Prepare for an interview with Thespian Scholarship adjudicators. The Thespian Scholarship
committee will briefly interview all Thespian Scholarship candidates individually as part of the
audition. After the auditions, the committee will call back those students they would like to
interview more thoroughly.
● Prepare to show and discuss your experience in theater education as part of your audition. For
that audition, you must prepare drama lesson plans for one week for any level drama class. You
may also prepare and display a portfolio and/or display board showing your experiences in the
area of theatre education. The audition call sheet with times and locations will be posted on the
website after the 2nd LeadCon. Audition suggestions are posted on the website.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 16 Georgia Thespian Scholarship Design Tech /
Management Theatre Scholarship Application Procedure
● Complete the form on the Georgia Thespian website (​
www.gathespians.org​
). The Dwight Gilstrap
Technical Theatre Scholarship is a Thespian Scholarship, so the Troupe Involvement Resume is
required.
● Complete and submit a Troupe Involvement Resume. (Involvement in your troupe is one focus of
the Georgia Thespian Scholarship. Your resume should reflect what you have done with your
troupe at school, in the community, and elsewhere. You should not list your acting experience.)
● Prepare for an interview with Thespian Scholarship adjudicators. The Thespian Scholarship
committee will briefly interview all Thespian Scholarship candidates individually as part of the
audition. After the auditions, the committee will call back those students they would like to
interview more thoroughly. Prepare to show and discuss your experience in technical theatre as
part of your audition. You may also prepare and display a portfolio and/or display board showing
your experiences in the area of technical theatre. The audition call sheet with times and locations
will be posted on the website after the 2nd Planning Session. Audition suggestions are posted on
the website.
Sponsorship We offer valuable Sponsorship opportunities for companies/booster clubs that will be Vendors or Exhibitors
at our Conference. All program ads will be available through Sponsorship only. Prime table locations, links
to your website on our homepage, and sponsorship of our adult social are all benefits of different levels of
sponsorship. Also, our Georgia Thespian app ​
(Guidebook)​
is downloaded on student’s phones giving them
access to the Thespian program digitally. We are selling sponsorship on the homepage of ​
Guidebook​
in
​
addition to our other sponsorship opportunities. The deadline for Sponsorship is December 8, 2015. See
the Sponsorship link on the Georgia Thespians website for more information.
State Thespian Officers
What is an STO?
An STO is a Student Thespian Officer. The STO’s job is to plan, manage, and host the next year’s
Conference. Also, the STO serve as a constant communication link between the students and the adult
state board; therefore, it is their job to serve as an advocate for the students.
Who Can be an STO?
Any Freshman, Sophomore or Junior who is an inducted Thespian and in good standing with his/her troupe
and school is eligible to run. The student must have a desire to be a strong leader and be prepared to work
for the good of GA Thespians. Only one student per school may run.
How Do I Become an STO?
At the fall LeadCon Planning Session, you must declare your intention to run. At the 1st Planning Session
on September 12, 2015 (Baldwin High School, Milledgeville GA), you will have a brief meeting with the STO
liaison, Mrs. Kimberly Staples. The STO application (available online) must be MAILED to Mrs. Staples to be
received by December 7, 2015. (Kimberly B. Staples, 2750 Sawnee Avenue, Buford, GA 30518) If your
application is not received by the deadline, you will not be considered as a candidate. If your paperwork is
submitted on time, you will progress to the next step of the process. Please follow the information on the
application. You will be notified by email on the status of your application. At the planning session, you will
also meet with the representatives and the current STO. Please be prepared to answer questions from the
current STO.
The next step: At the 2nd LeadCon Planning Session, January 9, 2016, (Baldwin High School, Millidgeville
GA) you will be asked to demonstrate your leadership abilities. You will be asked to present a prepared 90
second statement about yourself and your leadership abilities as well as answer questions from the STO in
order to demonstrate your qualifications for the state student officer position.
Who Votes?
Each school can be represented by two students at both LeadCons. THOSE SAME STUDENTS MUST
ATTEND BOTH PLANNING SESSIONS IN ORDER TO CAST A VOTE. Also, current STO gets a vote. The
new STO will be announced at the 2nd LeadCon. The new STO will meet with Mrs. Staples and the current
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 17 STO immediately after the session from 1:00-1:30 PM. The new STO will be involved with the conference,
shadowing the current STO and will also be introduced at the conference. New STO must stay through the
second showcase at conference.
I Got Elected, Now What?
● Newly elected STO will be expected to shadow current STO and assist with various jobs at
Conference 2016, staying through the second closing.
● STO attend various meetings throughout the year and your transportation and cost of
transportation is your responsibility. All meetings are required.
● STO must attend the International Thespian Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska in June 2016.
Registration is paid for by Thespians but airfare and bus transfer fees are paid by the STO.
● STO must attend the fall Board retreat, usually the third weekend in August, location to be
announced. Once again, transportation to and from this event are the responsibility of the student.
● You must have the ability to stay in constant communication with fellow STO, region students,
adult board, and thespians in general via email and phone.
● STO must meet monthly deadlines and have good time management skills.
● STO must be proactive and responsible.
● STO will be encouraged to travel to surrounding schools to see shows and support the Thespian
troupes in his/her region.
● STO must serve as an example of the ideal Thespian.
● If you serve as an STO as an underclassman and wish to remain on the board the following year,
you must run again.
All STO will be required to sign a contract of participation. If any rules of the contract are not followed the
STO can be relieved of his/her position.
See website for form:
http://www.gathespians.org/Forms/Conference/STO/STO.Candidacy.Application.pd​
f
Tech Challenge
The Tech Challenge is a series of event that are designed to test your knowledge of basic skills that every
technician should have. The combination of team and individual events underline the principle that theatre
technicians work alone and in ensemble groups depending on the required task in order to make the
production successful. Time and accuracy hold equal weight in scoring. Penalties are applied based on
incorrect / improper execution as outlined in the Tech Challenge handbook.
Please read the handbook in its entirety before conference:
http://gathespians.org/Conference/TechChallenge/tabid/105/Default.aspx​
.
Evaluation
The event is evaluated on both time and efficiency. Each component will count 50% of the overall score.
Teams
Each school may send one team composed of four members with at least one representative of each
gender. A team must be comprised of only thespians from one school.
Individual
Schools also have the option of sending up to two individual competitors whether or not a team is
participating. An individual can compete in a maximum of two individual events.
Events
TEAM: One of the team members will compete in an individual event and the team will compete together in
the team events. Each event will be timed and penalties recorded by the judge. Each event will have a first
place winner and then there will be overall second and first place team.
INDIVIDUAL: Each individual entry that is not part of a team may compete in up to two of the individual
competitions – light / hang and focus, costume quick change, or knot tying. Each event will be timed and
penalties recorded by the judge and or timer/ recorder. Each event will have a first place winner.
Entry Form:
http://www.gathespians.org/Forms/Conference/Tech.Challenge.Form.pdf
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 18 Ticketing Procedures Thespian troupes will submit requests for tickets to the shows through an online form that will be available
on the Troupe Director's page starting January 11, 2016. Directors should complete the form online using
the link on the Thespian website. The ticketing form will not be available after January 14, 2016 at 6 pm.
Ticket orders will be filled in the order that the forms are received. If a show is sold out, that show will no
longer be offered on the form. If a director requests tickets for a show that is sold out, the director will be
notified via email and allowed to make a second choice.
Tickets will be divided up and included in the director's packet at Thespian Conference registration.
Directors will receive an email confirmation by January 18, 2016.
If changes need to be made at Thespian Conference, a Ticket Exchange table will be available for directors
to switch tickets. The Ticket Exchange table will be open Thursday and Friday in the Lobby of the Trade
Center.
Vendor/Exhibitors
We offer opportunities for schools and businesses to participate in our Conference by selling merchandise
or displaying information. Vendors, exhibitors and colleges are located in the North Exhibit Hall of the
Trade Center. Make sure your students know to bring some extra money to purchase fun theatre souvenirs!
Venues RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
(Bill Heard, Legacy, Studio Theaters)
900 Broadway
Columbus, GA 31901
Columbus Convention and Trade Center
(Registration/GA Thespians Office)
801 Front Ave
Columbus, GA 31901
Columbus Marriott
800 Front Ave
Columbus, GA 31901-2799
Springer Opera House
(McClure Theatre, Woodruff Hall, Foley Hall)
th​
103 10​
St
Columbus, GA 31901
Columbus State University RiverPark Campus
CSU Riverside Theatre Complex
(CSU Main Stage, Studio, Lab Theaters)
6 W Tenth St
Columbus, GA 31901
Yancey Center at One Arsenal Place
901 Front Ave
Columbus, GA 31901
Carpenters’ Building
4 Ninth St
Columbus GA 31901
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 19 Workshops During the annual conference, students have the opportunity to participate in dynamic and exciting
workshops led by theatre professionals in all areas of the theatre arts, including many types of dancing,
movement, vocal, accents, the audition process, improvisation, makeup, costuming, stage management,
set design and construction, lighting and sound, team building, and theatre games, just to name a few.
The workshop schedule will be posted on the website as soon as possible before conference so that you
and your troupe members can plan their conference workshop experience in advance.
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 20 Important Dates and Deadlines September 11, 2015
September 12, 2015
September 12, 2015
September 12, 2015
October 1, 2015
October 9, 2015
November 2, 2015
November 16, 2015
November 20, 2015
November 21, 2015
December 7, 2015
December 8, 2015
December 11, 2015
December 18, 2015
January 8, 2016
January 9, 2016
January 11-14, 2016
February 3, 2016
February 4-6, 2016
February 4, 2016
Opening Number Audition 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Baldwin HS, Milledgeville
Optional Planning Session LeadCon 1; 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Conference Grant Applications DUE
Opening Number Auditions 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Callbacks 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Cast announcement and practice 1:30 PM-4:00 PM
Registration opens
Screening Applications/Fees DUE
Videos of Rehearsals due
Registration closes
Screening window closes
Opening Number Practice 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Baldwin HS, Milledgeville
SUPER DEADLINE
Awards Nominations
STO Candidate Application
PlayWorks submission
Improv Application/Fee
Freestyle Application/Fee
IE registration/Fee
Tech Challenge/Fee
Sponsorship Deadline
Conference Show Schedule announced
Conference Program Deadline for any ads, copy or information
College Registrations Due
Exhibitor/Vendor Deadline
Opening Number Practice 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Optional Planning Session LeadCon 2; 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Opening Number Practice 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Scholarship Forms and Payment DUE (hand-delivered ONLY)
Production meeting for all Conference Show Directors 10:00 AM (Baldwin
High School)
PlayWorks finalists notified
Ticket Requests
Opening Number Practice 6:30 PM-10:00 PM
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference
Opening Number Practice 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Lunch 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Shows 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 21 Chapter Board Responsibility
Coordinator(s)
Guests
Hospitality
Jan Ewing
Vendors/Exhibitors
Betty Walpert
Adjudicators/Guest Artists/Workshops
Pam Ware
Performances
Shows/Scheduling/Management
Sarah Lindahl, Miro Gomez
House Management
Susan Pierce
All State Show
Jenny Morris
Ticketing
Paul McClain, Emily McClain
Events
Tech Challenge
Cassandra Edwards
Individual Events
Cece Conrath, Nic Sostillio
PlayWorks
Paul McClain, Emily McClain
Scholarship Auditions
Cheryl Baraban, Mallory Nonnemaker, Gail Jones
Freestyle Theatre Festival
Bob Ramseur
Improv
Mallory Nonnemaker
Junior Thespians Conference
Richard Frazier
Publications
Program
Bob Ramseur
Webmaster
Eric Ebell
Public Relations
Robby Davis
Secretary/Recognition/Awards Michelle Morea Registration Eric Ebell, Frank Pruet Social Media Nicholas Sostillio 2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 22 Administrative
Chapter Director
Paul Hampton
Treasurer
Frank Pruet
EdTA Director of Chapter Relations
Diane Carr
Security
Robby Davis
Student Leadership
Kimberly Staples
New Troupes/Mentoring
Valerie Longshore-Sargent
Connections
State Thespian Officers
MacKenzie Staples, Chair, Emma Adams, Carlee Cosper, Sam Dubin, Alexandra Patterson, Bryce Payne, Maya Rubin Columbus State University
Tim McGraw
Volunteers, Alpha Psi Omega
Molly Burch
2016 Georgia Thespian Conference Director​
’​
s Handbook 23