Main Stage Selection Process and Requirements

Each year two schools are selected to present their high school production on the main stage in the Wells Fargo Theatre. This is an exciting opportunity for the selected schools and for the state thespian membership. We would like you to consider bringing your show to the Colorado State Thespian Conference. Schools interested in being screened for the main stage, should fill in the following information about their show and send it to info@cothespians.com. The Venue. The Colorado Convention Center is a multi-purpose convention center located in downtown Denver, which has a proscenium theatre known as the Wells Fargo Theatre. The theatre has a seating capacity of 5,200 seats.

Technical Aspects. The proscenium is 100' by 50', with teaser height at 16'.  There is a cyclorama available if needed, stage drapes are black. Depth of the stage from apron to back wall is 40'. There are three loading docks that support a full semi trailer. Dressing rooms, star rooms and green room are provided for each school performing. There is an apron on the stage, which will be used for pre-show awards and musical numbers, the area can be used as an additional acting area. Colorado Thespians provides for a 48 fixture wash of lights across the stage, any additional fixtures can be rented by the school from the Colorado Convention Center, request a price list if interested. Schools performing should bring colored gels if needed for their productions, and all supplies needed to place those gels. Please not there is not the ability to fly anything in the Wells Fargo Theatre.

Damages. Each school is responsible for listening to and working with the union house technicians and the Colorado Thespian Stage Manager, Michael Wright. Any damages to the facility and/or equipment will be the sole responsibility of the school presenting.

Requirements. In order to fulfill our contractual agreements with the Colorado Convention Center, all shows must be screened prior to November 1st. Shows can be screened in the dress rehearsal stage, but this is not considered the best possible viewing experience for the school submitting. A set of drawings or photographs depicting the set must be submitted with the show information. Colorado Thespians is looking for the best show that will increase the entertainment and educational value of the conference experience for the individual thespians present. Screening requests must be made at least tow weeks prior to your screening date. School must be registered or have initiated the registration process for the conference, prior to screening. Only schools that intend to participate in the Colorado State Thespian conference will be screened and considered for the main stage.

Main Stage Considerations. The tension grid system can accommodate rigging points virtually anywhere over the stage area. Although numerous rigging points and options are available at the CCC, Colorado Thespians will not pay any additional fees that are not covered in their contract with the Wells Fargo Theatre. All scenery must remain on your truck until your load in time and must be removed from the theatre immediately following your performance. You cannot screw anything to the stage and no painting is allowed. Floor plan is available at: http://www.denverconvention.com/center-floor-wellsfargo.htm

Back Stage: The full-service backstage offers individual dressing rooms, chorus dressing rooms, show offices and a greenroom. The Wells Fargo Theatre has its own loading dock with two end-load bays with one having side-load access.

Lights: General front lighting with forty-three ERS lighting fixtures to utilize, gels are not provided. Schools are responsible to pay any additional lighting charges beyond what Colorado Thespians has contracted for, this includes follow spots and union follow spot operators. General “wash” lighting is provided for simple area lighting; you will not have the luxury of adding numerous lighting cues or specials. You should be able to identify a few specials, but your instrument choices and hang locations are limited. Lighting Plot, Special instrument schedule and Cues should be clearly listed and organized.

Sound: Sound is contracted through ACAAudio.com. Wireless microphones and floor microphones are required and are not provided. They can be rented from ACAAudio.com. It is imperative that you have good sound for your performance. Colorado Thespians contracts professional theatrical sound, please utilize their expertise. A professional CD player and multi-channel sound board is provided for sound effects and sound cues.

Security and Damages: Colorado Thespians is not responsible for damage to the facility caused by your group, school or organization. Any damage to sound, lighting, rigging equipment, or facility will be billed back to the responsible parties.

Set-up times: Evening shows: Load-in, Set-up, and Rehearsal, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Lunch break: 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Thursday Evening Opening Ceremony Numbers: Rehearsal 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Theatre opens for seating at 7 p.m. Please be advised that the time allotted for Load-in, Set-up, and Rehearsal, is historically tight. It is highly advised that you prepare an organized plan and schedule for all aspects of Load-in, Set-up, and Rehearsal, time, so that you can maximize your ability to mount a successful show.

Strike: Strike takes place immediately after the performance. Cast, crew and all Main Stage equipment must be out of the theatre and completely loaded by midnight. Additional charges can be charged to schools that do not vacate the building by midnight or fully strike and clean up the facilities.

Supervision: An adult director and sponsor, that is a registered attendee, must be present during the entire set-up and tear down time. Students will not be allowed to work on their production without the supervision of a registered adult. These adults must be listed on this screening application.

Professional Behavior and Etiquette: The Wells Fargo Theatre and CCC is a professional venue monitored and assisted by professional theatrical technicians and union employees. Your group, school or organization is a representative of Colorado Thespians as well as your school and school district. Professional behavior, organization, working atmosphere and rehearsal are essential and expected at all times from your group.

Thespian Technical Director: Colorado Thespians provides a technical director for your time in the Wells Fargo Theatre. Mr. M.C. Wright will be your contact person; he is your liaison between your group and the Union representatives and employees in the Colorado Convention Center. Any and all questions regarding the Wells Fargo Theatre must go through M.C. Wright. DO NOT CONTACT THE COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER, ALL COMMUNICATIONS MUST GO THROUGH M.C. WRIGHT, AT ALL TIMES. Your group can incur additional charges for violating this communication rule.

Agreement: Any school selected to be screened and selected to perform at the Colorado State Thespian Conference, agrees to all of the rules and regulations listed here.

E-mail or fax this information to 720-972-2444, info@cothespinas.com.

Adjudicator's Screening Form This form will be filled out by the screener who observes your show. The purpose of the form is purely educational in nature. Schools that desire to have the screening experience, but do not intend to participate in the Colorado Thespian Conference, are encouraged to apply for the screening experience outside of the conference screening window of September through November of any calendar year.