Regionals sneak up fast following the Holidays (which are sneaking up fast right now … just two weeks to Thanksgiving and Hanukkah … yikes)!

The registration deadline is January 16.  THAT is definitely too late to begin gathering information.  Start laying the groundwork now, so after the Winter Break your Troupe can assemble and submit an accurate registration representing some fine and well-prepared work.  (Registration will be live beginning December 10.)

Take a look at the information here, including entry limits and guidelines, and get the ball rolling!  If you are planning to attend the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln in June (remember that you don’t “qualify” to attend this event, though you can qualify to participate in Individual Events there) you may wish to visit this site and pay particular attention to material selection (important resources are at the end of the NIES Guide).

Remember that Pantomime is an event in Oregon that is no longer included in the National Individual Events Showcase (NIES) process (but it’s no less fun!).

Click here for Oregon Thespians Regionals event guidelines.

Click here for NIES guidelines.

An empty stage can be a magical place, with so much promise and possibility.  At State, though, we want to fill our empty stage with a celebration of what high school theatre in Oregon is all about!

As your Troupe prepares and presents your season of productions this Fall, consider helping to fill the empty stage at The Historic Elsinore Theatre for our State Festival in April.  Apply for one of the Main Stage Production slots!

Applications take advance planning and preparation, and there are some very important deadlines, so review the information found here.

Shows performed from January 2013 to January 15, 2014 are eligible.  The application deadline is December 15, 2013.  Contact Kelley Marchant with any questions!

We had a great time together at Improv Fest last weekend, where we learned that a few ambitious Troupes have already mounted and struck the first successful productions of the year.  For most of us, though, the next few weeks contain an Opening Night, and an opportunity to get out and share some of the great work being done across the state.

Use the Facebook Pages to promote your show (see the links at the bottom of the right-hand side-notes on this page).  Many schools offer low or no-cost admission to card-carrying Thespians!

Remember that if you want a production considered as a possible Main Stage Production at the State Festival, specific time and technical requirements exist.  Take a look at the information and apply well in advance!

Break a leg, everyone!

The 2013 Improv Festival is being hosted by Crook County HS in Prineville on October 5.  Make plans now to attend for this terrific mixer to start off a year of unity!  Remember, at Improv, your teammates are all from other Troupes!  Everyone works (and plays) with everyone else!

No preparation is necessary (it’s improv!), as members of your Troupe arrive for check-in between 8:30 and 9:15 am.  After an introduction to the day’s prompts, you’ll join teammates from other schools to create a scene based on the provided inspirations.  You’ll perform the scene twice in two different rounds, once before lunch and once after lunch. And the final round will feature a handful of the highest rated scenes, performed in front of everyone for all to enjoy!  The day ends around 3:45 or 4 pm.

JUNIOR THESPIANS, we’re planning a special opportunity at Improv for you to join other middle school students for a special workshop in the morning, and a chance to create your own theatre fun in the afternoon!  Register at the same online site to secure your place in this inaugural Junior Thespian activity with Oregon Thespians!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 26.

Troupe Directors are reminded that the most substantial Troupe Director Meeting of the year happens at Improv.  Even if you can’t bring students, please plan to attend!

Welcome Back!

As the 2013-2014 School Year gets underway, Thespian Events are in full-swing with two immediate opportunities for your Troupe to jump in on!

Act NOW!  Get your Troupe Leadership together and get the ball rolling!  Here we go!

The Leadership Summit is in Ashland this year!  This provides unique opportunities for interaction with professionals both at OSU and at OSF.  Delegates will be invited to see THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.  The Summit begins at 3 pm on Saturday, September 21 and will conclude following the show (around 4 pm) on Sunday, September 22.  Put your head together with other troupes to share transportation costs.  Optional Home Stays are being arranged for Saturday night in Ashland to help mitigate costs.  REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 12.

The Improv Festival is being hosted by Crook County HS in Prineville on October 5.  Make plans now to attend for this terrific mixer to start of a year of unity!  REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 26.

Troupe Directors are reminded that the most substantial Troupe Director Meeting of the year happens at Improv.  Even if you can’t bring students, please plan to attend!

Thank you all for a wonderful year!  We wish our Seniors all the best with their new adventures, and look forward to seeing everyone else at next year’s OREGON THESPIANS EVENTS, as we continue to welcome new Thespians to our ranks!

Click here for next year’s listing of events and activities, and make plans now to meet the deadlines and get in on the act!  Have a great summer!

Looking for a way to give your Troupe Leadership some direction?  Read on!

Several ambitious Oregon Thespian Troupe Directors gathered together last summer to create a leadership camp experience for their Troupe leaders.  It was a terrific success, and CAMP THESPIS was born!  Check out the information here, and then contact Jo Lane at Roosevelt HS with any questions.  There are several handouts available here, including  General Information and a Registration Form!

THIS YEAR’S CAMP THESPIS IS AUGUST 19-21.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

CAMP THESPIS is intended for Troupe Directors and Student Leadership to attend together.

Another terrific State Festival is in the history books!  And it took a community of contributions to make it all happen.

Thanks to all!

And congratulations to our new Oregon Thespians Leadership.  In the “pie-crazy” finale of our closing event, we recognized our new STO, but neglected to announce to students (the adults already knew) that Jessica Murray of West Linn HS will be joing the Adult Board for a two-year term.

Most importantly, though, we neglected to give special recognition to Zena, who is rotating off The Board at the end of three consecutive two-year terms.  Her six years of leadership and guidance only scratch the surface of her contributions to Oregon Thespians, and we know she will continue to play a valuable role in our future.  Thank you, Zena!

• The complete schedule is now available online, including workshop and one-act descriptions.  You will receive a printed version when you check in at State, but look ahead now to a full weekend of theatrical thrills!
• Remember that all participants must have a CODE OF CONDUCT FORM and a MEDICAL RELEASE FORM signed and in their Troupe Director’s possession upon arrival.  Click here to download and print!
• Several workshops give participants the opportunity to work on prepared songs or monologues.  If possible, bring along copies of monologues you would like to work on, or music for songs you hope to workshop.  Bringing along monologue or song materials will help participants make the most of opportunities!
• Each Troupe is able to register up to three students to audition for a special performance opportunity in Lincoln during the International Thespian Festival.  Troupe Directors have more info in their email.

Get ready to have a GREAT STATE!  See you Thursday!

Is your Parade of Troupes slide in?  Get the info and submit it before Spring Break.  Click here.

There are LOTS of ways to contribute to the success of this year’s State Festival.  Talk to your Troupe about serving as timers, street guides, game room hosts, etc.

Get ready for as much theatre action as is legally possible … at LEGALLY STATE!

Click here for a preliminary STATE schedule!