Colorado Thespians offers numerous opportunities for students at ThesCon and beyond. Students can participate in Individual Events or Thespys, apply to be a student leader through our State Thespian Officer program, audition for a number of colleges and universities, and so much more.
We’re looking to cast 15-20 student performers from around Colorado to participate in the 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. Find the audition combination and more information HERE.
ITF’s Chapter Select One-Act Showcase features simply staged one-acts that celebrate storytelling and highlight outstanding student performances from EdTA chapters around the country and world.
To be considered for the Chapter Select OneAct Showcase, one-acts must be adjudicated at International Thespian Society (ITS) chapter events (ThesCon). State Chapters then recommend one outstanding short performance from their festival/conference to present their work at the International Thespian Festival (ITF). A limited number of performance slots are available at ITF.
At the National level, the Chapter Select Showcase, each show is allowed one hour for set up, performance and strike. It is recommended schools adhere to the forty-five minute performance time, ten minutes to set, and five minutes to strike recommendation.
In Colorado, Schools may perform a 30 minute one act or an up to 75 minute one act published for stage production. Only one entry per school is allowed. Original work IS accepted. Please choose your slot accordingly, and do not register for a 75 minute one act slot if your performance is only 40 minutes. If a 75 minute performance is selected as Colorado’s Chapter Select, that school would need to cut to fit within the time frame for performing at ITF.
Adjudicators may recommend one top-quality show (and an alternate in case the first school is unable to attend) for the Chapter Select Showcase held at ITF. These recommendations will be submitted by the chapter director.
Eligibility
All chapters that hold conferences will be given the opportunity to select one One Act for performance in the Chapter Select Showcase, but all may not be accommodated at ITF.
Registration closes November 10 and performance spaces are open until full.
If invited to present at ITF, a troupe must be registered for the entire week of ITF, and performers must be inducted Thespians.
While we encourage a creative use of costumes and props, other elements such as lighting and set are limited.
SOUND AND LIGHTS
SCENERY, PROPS AND COSTUMES
Stage Dimensions: 16’x24’x16″, stairs SR & SL
Due to the limited set and strike time, please limit the number of items you bring.
Audition Application Deadline to register is November 18.
Deadline to upload a self-tape performance or technical presentation is November 18th. You may also choose to audition in-person as well, but live auditions are IN ADDITION TO not INSTEAD OF the self tape upload.
If you choose to audition in-person in addition to your tape, please have your teacher register you via the Colorado Thespians website (Thespy/IE registration). You will be responsible for uploading your video by the deadline (this is not the responsibility of your teacher).
There is a limited number of in-person audition spots available. Teachers/sponsors should register interested students early, as spots will be assigned on a first-come first-serve basis.
Colorado Senior University Audition Instructions
Who is Eligible?
Colorado State Thespians offers the opportunity for senior thespians to audition for over forty Universities, Colleges, and Conservatories from across the nation.
REQUIREMENTS:
Students may only participate in an audition for ONE category: Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Design – no multiple auditions in multiple categories are allowed.
What are the Audition Requirements?
The deadline to upload your audition in your personal student account is November 18.
Audition Form Tip: Each auditor will be viewing your application and audition online through students.cothespians.net, so the auditor’s first impression of you is your online presence. Please follow directions to make your first impression a good one!
How To Participate in Callbacks and Interviews:
Callbacks through a personal interview with college and university representatives will occur at ThesCon. Be sure to check the method of contact (email address) you provided in students.cothespians.net to see what schools would like to meet with you individually about your future with their school. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your goals in theatre, and to ask questions about the school’s program. Theatre is a business of networking. Please have the courtesy to contact all schools that call you back (even if it’s only stopping by their table in Lobby B). Scholarships and admission, based on your audition, may also be offered to you by mail, phone or email after the conference is over.
How To Participate
Your university audition doubles as your audition for a Dr. Jay Seller Colorado Thespians Scholarship. $2,000 scholarships are offered to one student in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre. Runners Up will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the school of your choice. Colorado Thespians will determine scholarship winners and runner ups based on the self submitted auditions: teachers who are current or past instructors of applicants will need to remove themselves from the selection process to ensure equity in selection. The award will be made directly to your college or university on confirmation of your intent and enrollment. No checks will be issued to individuals. Colorado Thespians scholarships in any amount cannot be deferred. The award is presented at the closing of the conference and the recipient/troupe must be in attendance to perform or accept their technical theatre award.
AUDITION CATEGORY DEFINITIONS:
Note: It is important that you pick pieces that are demonstrative of your highest abilities. Challenge yourself and take risks. Picking easy, one-dimensional pieces will not be clear demonstrations of your abilities. All monologues need to be from published plays, do not pick pieces that are the first ones you see when you do a web search for acting monologue.
Acting: Perform two contrasting selections from published theatrical plays within the two-minute time limit. Choose characters reasonably close to your own age that provides opportunity for physicalization. The character should have a clear journey (how do they change from the beginning to the end of the piece?), objective/tactics, and emotional life. Make sure you feel comfortable with the selections and make your characters come fully alive in the short time you have.
Musical Theatre: Perform one acting and one musical selection within the two-minute time limit. Accompaniment for musical auditions can be recorded or a student can choose to sing acapella. Dance auditions fall under Musical Theatre. To audition for dance, perform one acting or musical selection and a one-minute dance routine. Follow the applicable rules above. A dance only audition will not be allowed. Musical Theatre audition monologues should be from a published theatrical play and demonstrate a clear character journey (how the character changes from the beginning to the end of the piece), objective/tactics, and emotional life.
Technical: Present your portfolio of designs, renderings, plots, books, pictures, etc. which illustrate your expertise in one area of technical theatre. You should prepare to discuss your work, the production for which you’ve done the work, and your expectations of future theatre involvement.
Students can only participate in an audition for ONE of the above categories. No multiple auditions in multiple categories are allowed.
TROUPE DIRECTORS
Encourage your student to register for this event, this is not something that a parent or teacher should do for the student (students.cothespians.net) Pay special attention to the restrictive time limit. Encourage your students to contact college representatives who call them back. Remember that each student represents you, your school, and Colorado State Thespians. Due to limited space and at the request of the auditors, sponsors will not be allowed to observe the scholarship auditions.
If your student wishes to also audition in-person, please register them using the Thespy/IE registration process. Students may compete in two Thespy/IEs in addition to their in-person audition. Students who are not registered this way, will not be allowed to audition in person. There is a limited number of in-person audition spots available, so it is best to register them early.
SELF TAPE BEST PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Taping environment: You need to find a neutral space where you will not be disturbed or interrupted. A neutral space means that there is a blank wall or backdrop behind you and that there is enough space for you to move. If you cannot find an empty wall, pulling curtains or hanging white sheets can be effective alternatives. Check with your teacher, they may be able to lend you a classroom or performing space that will be effective.
Lighting: Your adjudicators need to be able to see you. If you are borrowing a theater space from a teacher, ask if they can turn on the theatrical lighting instruments to appropriately light your performance. Otherwise a three-point lighting set-up can often be achieved in any room by using house lamps. In order to achieve a three point lighting set-up, place one lamp on either side of your camera set-up at a 45 degree angle, and then aim another lamp behind you to knock out any shadows.
Camera: Most smart-phones have cameras that are more than capable of making a successful self-tape. If you do not have access to a camera, see if a teacher or peer might be willing to help you. Taping should be done horizontally, NOT vertically. For performance you will be performing two pieces, one should be close-up framing (mid-chest to head) and the second piece should be whole body to ¾ framing (thighs to top of head). This will allow your adjudicators to see both whole body character physicalizations as well as more subtle choices. Your least physical piece should be the close-up, as it’ll allow the adjudicators to watch your eyes (this is typically your drama). Musical Theatre performers should treat their songs with the same acting intentionality as they would with a monologue.
Please watch your self tapes before submitting. Please make sure you can be adequately heard and seen. If you cannot hear what you are saying or see yourself, please re-tape your audition.
MONOLOGUE AND SONG SELECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
Monologues and songs should be from published plays and musicals. Please refrain from pieces found from general web searches that are not associated with a full script. Monologues and songs should all consider the following:
Pieces should be contrasting tones from one another. This does not mean one has to be a drama and the other has to be a comedy (although this is certainly a way to do this). Ways to consider contrasting characters are as follows:
When auditioning for Musical Theatre, you should choose your song and monologue package to contrast one another. That means if you are choosing an emotional ballad for your song, you should consider choosing a lighter feeling monologue.
TECH THEATRE VIDEO RECOMMENDATIONS
For your portfolio presentations, you will be most successful creating a slideshow presentation that you can then tape via screen recording, allowing you to narrate using voice over. Your presentation needs to be in one area of study (lighting, sound, costumes, sets, props, stage management). In the presentation you should track at minimum one production or project that was taken from early conception to final production. This should include any necessary text analysis, production paperwork, research images, thumbnail sketches, final renderings, and final production pictures. If you have enough time, you are welcome to present multiple projects, but you will be more successful fully exploring one realized project than rushing multiple presentations.
Make sure that you are speaking clearly and that you give enough time for your adjudicators to take in each slide before you move to the next.
If you are unsure of typical production artifacts for a design/portfolio presentation, please consult the International Thespy tech theatre rules, guidelines, and recommendations.
Rising juniors and seniors can apply to be a State Thespian Officer and represent your school at the state level. The application window opens January 2 and closes February 1 at midnight.
A Colorado Student Thespian Officer is a leader in the community, representing the youth voice at select events during their time as an officer. In addition, they teach workshops at conference, help organize the Share the Dream campaign, work as ambassadors at ThesCon, and work alongside the adult board to make sure ThesCon and Jr ThesCon run smoothly.
1) Applications are accepted online at the Student Login Portal. The deadline is Feb. 1, midnight.
2) Round One: To apply, a student must create an account in the CO Thespians Student Portal and build their profile including required fields in personal information, complete events and awards, provide their artist statement. Please be sure to add your school and mark you are an inducted Thespian (even if you’re not) and when ready to apply select “State Thespian Officer Application” under “Available Auditions.”
3) Proceed in your application process by clicking the Green “APPLY” button in the left had corner. Then, click “Confirm Registration.” This will return you to the audition menu where you’ll see “subscribe” next to your State Thespian Officer Application.
Note: For your online application, make sure you fill in the “Events” and “Awards” section within Thespian Point Tracker, before you submit your application. Filling in these two areas, tells us what work you’ve done in theatre and academics and serves as your first round application. Once you have hit “Confirm Registration” you have officially submitted your Round One application. There is no fee to apply
4) Round Two: After you submit your resume and profile, Colorado Thespians will reach out to a selected educator for a recommendation. Applicants do not need to do anything to request this recommendation other than provide the name and email address of the preferred educator. No applicant will be reviewed or interviewed without a strong teacher recommendation (we will request contact information from you after February 1).
Round two finalists will be contacted via email to submit a video Q&A. Those who are not finalists will also be contacted via email.
5) Round Three: After videos and recommendations are evaluated from second round candidates, individuals may be contacted via email or phone for round three interviews. Virtual interviews take place on a Saturday in late March or early April from 9:00 am – 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) Requirements to be an STO
| First Name | Last Name | Pronouns | Grad Year | School | Troupe Number |
| Nina | Bernhard | She/Her/Hers | 2026 | HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL | 5012 |
| Harper | Bezemek-Aguilar | She/Her/Hers | 2026 | ROCK CANYON HIGH SCHOOL | 7206 |
| Gisela | Gibbons-Philippon | She/Her/Hers | 2026 | DENVER ACADEMY | 6580 |
| Luke | Gilchrist | He/Him/His | 2026 | LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL | 1697 |
| Mi-Young | Kraft | They /Them | 2027 | CHATFIELD HIGH SCHOOL | 4126 |
| Jocelyn | Langlois | She/Her/Hers | 2027 | PALMER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL | 7440 |
| Lucy | Lavonas | She/Her/Hers | 2026 | NORTHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL | 8710 |
| Ada | Lawson | She/Her/Hers | 2026 | THUNDERRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL | 5774 |
| Piper | Loyd | She/Her/Hers | 2026 | ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL | 3145 |
| Reagan | O’Connor | She/Her/Hers | 2027 | LITTLETON HIGH SCHOOL | 83 |
| Sarah | Samal | She/Her/Hers | 2026 | CHEROKEE TRAIL HIGH SCHOOL | 6971 |
| Joseph | Summers | He/Him/His | 2026 | FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL | 4391 |
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.
Colorado offers the National Thespys programming, 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 showcase cast of selected outstanding entries. The Thespys 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 are provided below. Colorado follows National guidelines with some exceptions:
Thespys Updates: Both at Colorado and National level conferences, solo acting students may choose to do one monologue or two contrasting monologues.
Additionally, Thespys performers and presenters are not required to wear all black. Performers and presenters are encouraged to dress in a way that does not distract the adjudicators from the performance or material.
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. Waiting lists for Thespys exist in the troupe director registration portal.
Please carefully review all the guidelines for Individual Events/Thespys for Colorado (with special attention to Technical Theatre Thespys, Film, and Playwriting Thespys) before registering. Failing to comply with event rules and regulations will not result in financial reimbursement.
Educational Theatre Assocation Official Thespys Program Guide
Submit Your Production!
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. For in depth information see Main Stage Shows.
Colorado Thespians will screen middle school one acts or selections from fall productions to appear at the middle school mainstage event. We seek to elevate the outstanding work of middle school theatre communities and hope students can see themselves reflected in the work presented onstage, be inspired by exciting performances, and cheer on their same aged peers. Our selection process considers:
The Student Leadership Summit is a one-day event that brings together students from across the Colorado Thespians community to attend workshops designed to hone student leadership and advocacy skills.
Students have the opportunity to network with other passionate individuals, learn important skills, and take away strategies for effective leadership in their communities.
The Summit will feature workshops, led by Colorado Thespian Executive Board leaders and professionals in the community that cover a range of topics encompassed by the four Cs of leadership: Competence, Connection, Character, and Culture. Students will also participate in interactive activities and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers.
The Colorado Thespians Leadership Skills Summit is the perfect opportunity to take your student leaders to the next level and make lasting connections within the theater community.
Who is Invited? | Student Leaders within your program (officers, if you have them)
When is the Event | Friday, January 16, 2026
Where is the Event? | Northglenn Arts Parsons Theatre, 1 E Memorial Pkwy, Northglenn, CO 80233
What is the Cost? | $100 for up to five student participants| $25 each additional participant (lunch is not provided)
Troupe Directors must register their participants and may attend with their students.
Please have students complete and return the Student Participant Waiver to you prior to beginning your registration.
Register here by Friday, January 7 at 5:00pm
Registration for this event must be done through Troupe Director logins in our registration system.
Tech Challenge showcases student skills in six technical theater events. Competing against the clock, participants must complete each event while upholding industry standards. Tech Challenge is a timed event. Materials for this event can be found here.
