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Bring a Play to FestivalPROCESS FOR SUBMITTING A PRODUCTION FOR SELECTIONAs you plan your 2023–24 season, the IHSTF invites you to submit a production for consideration to perform at the Festival. Please read this page for detailed information about:
PLAY RESPONSE PROCESSFestival Play Selection Committee responders strive to keep ownership of the art in the hands of the artists. It is not the place of play responders to re-create your art for you. By making meaningful statements, answering the artist’s questions, and asking questions, we can help the artists to discover within themselves what needs to be done to take their art to the next level. Every school’s theatre program has different strengths and weaknesses. With this philosophy, we believe one can give and receive truly effective feedback. This aspect is beneficial for all programs. FULL-LENGTH AND SHOWCASE PRODUCTIONSA FULL-LENGTH production is generally between 1-2½ hours and performed in a more traditional theatre space, using theatrical lighting, sound, stage, costumes, sets, props, etc. For example, a director might choose to submit the school’s fall play for evaluation as a Full-Length production. Schools will have a maximum of three hours to set up (not necessarily consecutive) and a maximum of one hour to strike. Actual set-up and strike times are based upon the length of the show, Festival schedule, scenic and technical requirements and staff schedules. (Low-tech, full-length shows which fit within the time restrictions may be submitted for a Showcase spot.) A SHOWCASE production is shorter, 60 minutes or less; it is often performed in smaller theatre spaces or non-traditional stage areas. Showcase productions might include (but are not limited to) digital scripts, experimental projects, oral interp., and student-directed one-acts. It uses small sets (or no sets) and lighting is generally simple lights up and lights down. Costumes, props, some sound, etc. may be used. Showcase productions will have a maximum of 15 minutes to set up and a maximum of 10 minutes to strike. Note: Some Full-Lengths may be asked to be considered as a Showcase. TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FORMThese forms will be updated on June 15, 2023 to reflect the final 2024 Production spaces and tech requirements. Please be aware, that there will be changes to production spaces regarding accessing the space due to renovations that are removing the loading dock by the Center for Performing Arts and Centennial East buildings. View the Safety and Technical Guidelines for Full-Length Productions (PDF)
PLAY SELECTION CRITERIAThe Festival is not a competition. There are no “rankings” of first, second, etc. Plays do not come to the Festival in competition with each other but as part of a cooperative effort to bring a diverse sampling of high school theatre from throughout the state. Being chosen to perform at the Festival is not “winning” any more than not being selected is “losing.” An invitation to perform at the Festival should be seen as an honor and an opportunity to share students’ talents and accomplishments with their peers. A wide variety of factors are considered in the Criteria for Selection used by the Play Selection Committee:
The Festival Committee reserves the right to commission one or more Full-Length or Showcase productions. SUBMITTING A PRODUCTION FOR SELECTION
HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS!
Schools have a better chance of being selected to perform at the Festival if they submit a Showcase production for consideration. Full-length shows with minimal technical needs that fit within the time window can be submitted as Showcase productions. Consider one-acts and student-directed shows for Showcases. It is a great opportunity for students to shine.
IN ORDER FOR A PRODUCTION TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PERFORMANCE AT FESTIVAL, THE DIRECTOR, SPONSOR OF STUDENT-DIRECTED PRODUCTIONS, OR SCHOOL MUST BE EITHER AN INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATIONAL ITA MEMBER. Email lindsay@bigbuzzideagroup.com to join today. PLAY SELECTION PROCESS
NEXT STEPS
SPECIAL PRODUCTION NOTES
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Payment can be made online with a credit card, or a check payable to University of Illinois can be sent to:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Associate Director for Play Selection:
NOTE: We ask that you consider a smaller company for your productions to give more opportunities for more schools to attend festival. |
![]() | Illinois High School Theatre Festival General Questions: | IHSTF 2023 Executive Director Ryan Lambert:
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