Student Opportunities

Colorado Thespys and the National Thespys are an educational program that offers conference delegates the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on prepared theatrical material and technical designs. The goal for participating students is to receive feedback from industry professionals on their skills, strengths, and weaknesses to grow as theatre artists and individuals. The events culminate in the selection of a performance showcase cast of outstanding entries. Outstanding films will be shown during the opening ceremonies. The Thespy showcase will be cast with representatives of the highest quality performances, and not all categories may be represented. All participants in the Colorado Thespys must be registered attendees for the conference.

The eligibility requirements and rules regarding Thespys at the national level are described in this document, Colorado follows the same rules, but does allow students to participate in two Thespys, and does not require blacks to be worn. The Colorado Thespys are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis, at our in-person conference we are limited by space, time restraints, and adjudicators. Troupe Directors are encouraged to register early for these events. Please note the Technical events are presented in an electronic format. Technical events rules are included in the Colorado Thespy Guidelines below. All IE’s submissions that require a video file must be uploaded as a .mov or .mp4 file and then submitted in the registration system by the November 18th deadline. After the video is uploaded it may say “sorry your video does not exist” once it is processed and approved on our end, it will be visible. This may take a couple of days.

Colorado Thespy Guidelines       National Thespy Guidelines 21-22  Approved Publishers List

Get more information on submitting a Student Tech or Film Thespy.

Schools can register their entire improv performance group, or any part of their improv performance group – up to 25 members. Groups will present and work as an ensemble to demonstrate a unique and specific style of improv performance. It has been the mission of Colorado Thespians to showcase improvisation as a form of theatre, as opposed to merely being humorous. Colorado Thespians believes that students who enter the Improv Showcase are ready to stretch their skills into a more authentic form of self-expression.

Each School may register one performance group, with a maximum of 25 troupe members allowed for this event. There will only be 40 performance spots available.  On the day of the event, each group will be given a 15 minute performance slot at the conference.   In this time frame your group will be required to introduce your troupe, solicit and receive suggestions, and engage the audience with your performance.

We highly encourage teams who enter the Improv Showcase to work with a sponsor or a director to allow their own authenticity to be strengthened through their performance. The more comfortable the performers are with going into a place of truth during their performance within their ensemble, the more the audience will be engaged in the showcase. Each troupe’s performance will receive feedback following the conference, in order to better hone your craft. The charge for this event is $25 per participant.

The rubric for the Improv Showcase can be found on the within the troupe directors login in the registration system and on EasyCritique.net.

Colorado follows the National Guidelines for One Acts, and selects a One Act to recommend for performance at the National Thespian Conference. At the National level the Chapter Select Showcase each show is allowed forty-five minutes performance time, ten minutes to set, and five minutes to strike.

To qualify, shows must be adjudicated at a chapter conference by an evaluation team selected by the chapter director or governing board. The evaluation team may recommend one top-quality show (and an alternate in case the first school is unable to attend) for the Chapter Select Showcase from each chapter. These recommendations must be submitted to the home office by the chapter director.

Recommended schools will receive the Chapter Select Showcase regulations as listed below and available at schooltheatre.org, and an acceptance sheet. The acceptance sheet must be submitted to the home office; upon receipt of the acceptance sheet, a performance slot will be tentatively assigned provided openings are still available. The performance assignment will be confirmed once the entire Festival registration and proof of royalty payment/permission forms are received at the home office.

The Chapter Select Showcase is a chance to see what’s going on (theatrically speaking) in the rest of the state and at the national level—three short plays, one-acts, or cuttings will be presented each afternoon in the Howell Theatre. Chapter Select Showcase shows are screened and selected at chapter conferences. Each selection may run up to 45 minutes and will be given 10 minutes to set, 5 minutes to strike.

Eligibility

• All chapters that hold conferences will be given the opportunity to be represented in the Chapter Select Showcase.
• The chapter director must submit the school selected on the Chapter Select Recommendation Form. If the first choice cannot accept the invitation, an alternate selection may be recommended.
• There are 15 performance slots available in the Chapter Select Showcase in the Howell Theatre. Slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis until the schedule is full.
• If your troupe would like a chance to perform in the Chapter Select Showcase, contact your chapter director.
• If invited to present, a troupe must be registered for the entire Festival week.

Technical

At the national level a follow-spot is available, but may be used only if requested in advance. General area lighting is available (stage right, stage left, up center, center, and down center stage) as well as blue and amber washes, which is also consistent with what can be accomplished at the Colorado Convention Center. Special lighting effects are not available. The stage space at the convention center is 12′ x 24′.  The theatre will provide a CD player, amplification, and speakers at the national level, but Colorado will not. Groups may use their own “boom box” or MP3 player (through the theatre sound system or convention center room sound system). The usage of microphones is not permitted in this venue.

Sets

A prop is any item that will fit through a single door and can be carried by a single person. Set pieces are anything bigger. Hand props are those items to be carried onstage by the actors in one hand. Set pieces and flats are not allowed. Conference room style chairs are available at the Colorado Convention Center. If your school is invited to present in the Chapter Select Showcase, you will be sent the detailed guidelines along with a list of stock set pieces that will be available from the theatre.

Materials for the technical Theatre Challenge can be found here. Registration for this event must be done through Troupe Director logins in our registration system.

All State Opening Number Audition Information: We’re looking to cast 15-20 student performers from around Colorado to participate in the 2022 ThesCon Opening Number! The audition is open to all students grade 8-12 who attend the Colorado State Thespians Conference. We are looking to cast students who complete the following process by October 20th at midnight, no exceptions. More info here.

You can apply to be a State Thespian Officer and represent your school at the state level. Application Deadline is February 1st.

Application Process

1) Applications are accepted online at Thespian Point Tracker, deadline Feb. 1st. 

2) Applicants must receive a recommendation from their teacher, Colorado Thespians will contact your teacher for this recommendation. No applicant will be reviewed or interviewed without a teachers recommendation. Colorado Thespians will contact your teacher after Feb. 1st to obtain their recommendation. For your online application, make sure you fill in the “Events” and “Awards” section within Thespian Point Tracker, which can be done before or after you pay for your application. Filling in these two areas, tells us what you have accomplished. Once you have paid, you have officially submitted your application.

3) If applicants receive an acceptable recommendation score, they will be notified by email, text, or phone fora phone interview. Phone interviews take place on the following Saturday from 8:30 – 12:00 pm, if you are in rehearsal, please inform your director that you will have to step out for five minutes to take the interview call.

4) The final STO list will be posted here on or after the phone interviews are completed.

2022 State Thespian Officers

2021 State Thespian Officers

2020 State Thespian Officers

2019 State Thespian Officers

2018 State Thespian Officers

2018 State Thespian Officers

Colorado’s Arts Advocacy Day – at the Capitol. March 8, 2018

2017 State Thespian Officer’s 

2016 State Thespian Officers

2015 State Thespian Officers

2014 State Thespian Officers

2013 State Thespian Officers

2013 STO’s with their new sashes.

Watch this page for updates on what your state thespian officers are doing.

Watch for updates on Facebook for our next meeting.
The Henry Awards 2013

2013 Henry Awards presented to Colorado Thespians at the Arvada Center

Award Winning 2012 STOs Video

2012 Video

Honor Troupe Application Requirements

In the enclosed pdf form, you will be asked to include:

• Troupe #
• Full and Legal School Name
• Sponsor’s Name, and Contact
• Troupe President’s Name and Contact
• School attendance population numbers

ThesCon 2015 – 12/3-5/15

The following items will be included in your troupe’s check list:

• Community/educational service projects
• Fund-raisers for school program
• Fund-raisers for organizations other than home school and the title of each organization
• New, innovative, creative project(s) initiated by the troupe
• Campus productions (titles and performance dates)
• Touring productions and/or performances
• Number of active Thespians in your troupe for the application year
• Off campus Thespian involvement (state or national conference, STOs, etc.)
• Organized digital evidence of involvement and accomplishments in the above applicable categories
• Select the level you feel your troupe has attained. Gold, Silver, Bronze
• Provide your administrator and Troupe Directors signature on the pdf form

Honor Troupe Criteria Descriptors

The following descriptors are meant to serve as examples of what a troupe can provide as evidence for achieving success in the various categories.  This is not an exhaustive list.

Remember: You are not in competition with other Thespian troupes in order to achieve the status of a Gold, Silver or Bronze Honor Troupe.

1. Honor troupe awards are divided into three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Tally your numbers for projects completed from December 1st to December 1st of the following academic year, or as we like to think about it, between Thespian conference to Thespian conference.
2. Any troupe that earns the minimum number of points in the Gold, Silver or Bronze categories, completes the necessary evidence, and submits the digital portfolio on time may earn an Honor Troupe designation.
3. Any number of troupes may be honored in each category.
4. The deadline for submitting your digital portfolio is November 10. The digital portfolio must be organized in the order of the checklist.
5. A brief description must accompany any photographic evidence to fully illustrate the scope of the work undertaken. Descriptions should not exceed one page per artifact.
6. Examples of artifacts include, but are not limited to: photographs, short video clips or links to short videos not in excess of two minutes each, photographs of production processes, letters from audience members, news clippings, calendar listings, any print or digital media used to promote your programs, ticket stubs, posters, Facebook posts, etc.

Descriptors

Community/Educational Service Projects  (Each project equals 1 point) These projects give back to the community of either your school or at large.  The troupe will participate in such events as community food drives, fundraising for non-profit organizations, beautification projects, summer camps for elementary or middle schools, etc. The projects can, but do not have to be, theatre related.  The project counts if at least 1/3 of your troupe participates for one hour on the project.  Example: a troupe with 60 registered Thespians must have at least 20 members working for one hour on a project.  The members working on the project do not need to be inducted Thespians, but can include students working towards Thespian induction.

Fund Raisers (Each project equals 1 point) Fund raising projects must be of different types, such as concessions done more than once during the year will only count as one project. The description of this artifact should include how this money will be or was spent to improve or supplement your program, or support a community service project.

New, Innovative Projects  (Each project equals 1 point) This project must be theatre related and connected with the school’s theatre department.  This project can count in one other category to allow the troupe to continue the new project into the next season.

Social Service/Educational Plays (Each project equals 1 point) This may, but does not need to, double as the new, innovative project.

Touring Productions/Alternate Audiences (Each production equals 1 point) This is any production the company produces that is presented in more than one location or to an audience that is outside the school community, i.e. elementary and middle schools, senior citizen groups, etc.

Full Length Productions (Each production equals 1 point)

One Acts (Each project equals 1 point) This includes scripted one-act performances, improvisation shows, talent shows, IE Showcases, or other performance opportunities you organize within your troupe

Active Thespian Roster (Equals 1 point)

Total Points: ____________, Gold status equals 15+, Silver status equals 14, Bronze status equals 12-13 points.

Screening Selection, Process, and Requirements

Colorado Thespians selects two schools each year to present their high school production on the main stage in the Bellco 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; our screening period is from August to the first weekend in November. We can also screen a show in the rehearsal process or simply for educational purposes for the school. Please schedule early as it takes us time to arrange a screener.

Video Submissions Required: All schools that are being screened must also provide a video submission. Your school must submit a video of the first 30 minutes of your production that is being screened for main stage. This must be a long shot of the acting area, with no editing. The submission must be a URL, uploaded below.

Submit a Main Stage Event Video

Note: The deadline for main stage submissions is October 21 – show screenings must take place prior to November 5. Info needed for submissions:

• Name of the school

• Thespian troupe number

• Name of the Director(s)

• Director(s) contact info (cell phone)

• Name of the show being screened

• Show dates and times

• A photo of the set and/or ground plan is due at the screening date

You will receive an invoice for your screening once we receive your application. The following is information about the screening process and the technical requirements and limitations of the Bellco Theatre.

The Venue

The Colorado Convention Center is a multi-purpose convention center located in downtown Denver, which has an adjustable proscenium theatre known as the Bellco Theatre.  The Bellco theatre has a seating capacity of 5,200 seats, and the average audience size for Colorado Thespians is approximately 3,000+.

Supervision

An adult director and sponsor, registered for the Conference, must be present during the entire set-up and strike time. Students will not be allowed to work on their production without the supervision of a registered adult. These adults must be listed on the screening application.

Professionalism and Etiquette

The Bellco Theatre and Colorado Convention Center is a professional venue monitored and assisted by professional theatrical technicians.  Your group, school or organization is a representative of Colorado Thespians, as well as your school and school district; and therefore, a professional behavior, positive work atmosphere, and proper rehearsal etiquette are essential and expected at all times.  Use of the Bellco Theatre and access to professional stage hands and equipment is a privilege, and can be an extraordinary educational experience.  Keep this in mind at all times.

Thespian Technical Directors

Colorado Thespians provides a technical director for your time in the Bellco Theatre. Skylar Ely will be your contact person; they are your liaisons between your group and the staff of the Colorado Convention Center. Any and all questions regarding the Bellco Theatre and/or the convention center must go through Mr. Ely. Do not contact the Colorado Convention Center; all communication must go through Mr. Ely. Your group can incur additional charges for violating this communication rule.

BELLCO Technical Package

• Adjustable Proscenium Opening: Maximum Opening 100’
• Stage depth of 48’-10”
• Height to Tension Grid 34’ -7” (Attachment point at 41’-3”)
• Height of Stage Floor to bottom of Teaser 25’
• 4 Sets of Legs -Adjustable
• 4 Sets of Boarders – Adjustable
• 1 Mid-stage Traveler- Adjustable
• Front Teaser & Grand Curtain -Motorized
• Adjustable Stage Extension (variable pieces of 6’x8’x36” platforms into the orchestra pit)
• 2 Loading Docks which support a full semi trailer
• Carts & Dollies for Loading
• 1 Green Room available
• 4 Large Dressing Rooms available
• 48 Conventional Lighting Fixtures pre-hung – “general wash”
• 1 ETC Expression 48/96 (or connection for your own Lighting Console). Schools can also bring their own lighting console, with DMX capability
• 1 Yamaha PM5D v2 Dugan (console controlled by House Crew with output to individual console as needed).
• 10 Clear Com Head Sets & Belt Backs ( DSL, DSR, USL, USR, FOH Control Position,  3 in Audience, Green Room)
• Fixed Projectors (House Left, House Right and Center Stage)
• 2 Thespian Technical Directors/Liaisons/Stage Managers

BELLCO Technical Options (inquire for prices)

• Additional Lighting Fixtures Rental
• Cyc Rental & Cyc Lights
• Scrim Rental
• 2 Follow Spots & Operators on Head Set
• Piano
• Fixed Point Rigging Available (extra labor per hour incurred)
• Upgrade to GrandMA Light Console

BELLCO Other Information

• All scenery must remain on your truck until your load in time and must be removed from the theatre immediately following your performance. Charges are incurred after midnight.
• Schools must provide their assigned Thespian Technical Director with a complete scale ground plan, and elevation drawings and/or pictures of the scenery at least 2 weeks prior to conference
• Schools must provide their assigned Thespian Technical Director with a Light Plot and Channel Hookup (with modification plan for the Bellco space, if required)
• Specials should be limited. You will not be able to recreate your entire lighting design.
• Students are not permitted to work above the stage, in the catwalks, tension grid or spotlight booths
• Schools must provide their own gel cut to fit Bellco instrumentation
• Schools are encouraged to bring their own Sound Console, and microphones etc.

(If schools wish to rent sound equipment, please contact Colorado Thespians for more details.)

• Schools have access to 1 multi-purpose room where food and water is allowed
• Backstage to House access available on both sides (about a 1 minute walk)
• Painting is not allowed on the stage area. Emergency touch ups with drop cloth are available in loading dock.
• Nothing may be fixed into the stage floor
• Some sandbags/stage weights may be available. Plan to bring your own.
• If quick change is required, schools must provide their own private partitions to set up backstage to ensure safety and privacy of students
• Contact Colorado Thespian Technical Directors for the floor plan of the Bellco Theatre, or access that information online.

Damages

Each school is responsible for listening to and working with the union house technicians and the Colorado Thespian Technical Directors. Any damages to the facility and/or equipment will be the sole responsibility of the school presenting. Colorado Thespians is not responsible for damage to the facility caused by groups, schools or organizations, damages will be billed back to the responsible parties. Colorado Thespians is not responsible for any damages to any personal/school equipment brought into the Bellco

Tentative Load-In Times (confirm with Thespians Technical Director)

Many variables may impact the approximate schedules below leading up the the conference. If your show is selected, more precise times will be communicated via the Colorado Thespians Technical Director assigned to your school.

Please be advised that your school should be prepared and organized for all aspects of the 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.

Fees

Colorado Thespians has a leveled fee schedule depending on services requested. We will provide qualified screeners to view any of your productions during the year and provide the theatre educator with quality feedback and educational support for their program.

• $200 Main stage fee. If you desire your show to be screened for the main stage at conference.
• $225 Feedback screening. If you desire your show to be screened only for educational feedback by qualified screeners.
• $250 Non-Thespian screening fee. If you do not have an established troupe with the International Thespian Society.

Agreement

Any group, school or organization that desires their show to be screened agrees to all of the rules and regulations listed here.
Adjudicator’s Screening Form This form will be filled out by the screener(s) 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 a feedback screening.  A PDF of this page and guidelines can be downloaded here.

Main Stage rules and process for the International Thespian Festival can be found at schooltheatre.org