Join us March 12–14 at Oak Hall School in Gainesville, Florida for the only national event specifically for middle school thespians.
We welcome all middle school theatre programs! This year, we’re exploring mythology as a backdrop to educate your students and help them expand their theatre skills. This fun, safe, and nurturing environment focuses on the educational process in addition to the end result. Participation and registration materials are available right now.
Now, in its ninth year, the Junior Thespian Festivals have continued to grow, not only in terms of attendance, but in the number of opportunities and programming now available for attendees, such as:
• The Team Play-Create program, in which students collaborate to create an original short play centered on the Festival theme.
• Workshops geared to the developing middle school theatre student.
• Performance opportunities for your troupe and the chance to enjoy the work of other middle schools.
• The Individual Events program, giving students the chance to develop their audition skills and receive instructional feedback.
You can bring a 30-minute, one-hour, or full-length play. Space is limited, so send your show submission form in as soon as possible. The deadline for the show submission form (located on page 4 of the registration) is February 1.
Visit our online registration system at register.jritsfest.org and begin by setting up an account before entering your delegates’ names. Early registration is open until Friday, February 12. After February 12, a late fee will be applied and registration for Individual Events cannot be accepted.
• If you are not affiliated with Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) or the International Thespian Society (ITS), there is an additional fee as an unaffiliated school. If you are interested in membership, visit How to start a Junior Thespian troupe.
• You may be familiar with the International Thespian Festival. The Junior Festival is similar in that it is a celebration of school theatre. However, it is a condensed event culminating with the presentation of the all-inclusive, highly imaginative Team Play-Create!
• Arranging for lodging is the responsibility of each school. Page 2 of the registration materials contains information on Gainesville hotels where we have negotiated special room rates. Ask for the Junior Thespians rate at the time of booking. But make your reservations as soon as possible, as there is another event going on that weekend and rooms are going quickly. We cannot guarantee space or group rates.
• We provide dinner on Friday, and lunch and dinner on Saturday. Each of the hotels we have negotiated rates with offers complimentary continental breakfasts.
• The Individual Events program costs an additional $25 per event, which is not included in basic registration.
Whom to contact with questions: Craig Branch, (513) 421-3900 ext. 242, cbranch@edta.org
Where to mail materials: Junior Thespian Festival, Attn: Craig Branch, 2343 Auburn Avenue,
Cincinnati, OH 45219-2815
February 1
• Show submission form must be received
February 12
• All registration materials and full payment must be received (see pg. 3 for a complete checklist of materials to be submitted)
• Final day to cancel a registration (less the $25 per registration cancellation fee)
• Individual Events registration due with proof of permission to perform material
March 12
• Junior Festival 2010 begins
Prior to registering, please read the 2010 Junior Festival Participation & Registration Materials. It is recommended that you print the packet for reference, as it is a comprehensive guide to all things for Junior Festival!
PDF download: 2010 Junior Festival Participation and Registration Materials
One of the opportunities at the Junior Festival is participation in Individual Events. Students—either singularly, in a duet, or as a group—can perform prepared material and receive constructive feedback, as they continue to sharpen their artistic skills. Adults are strongly encouraged help make Individual Events a success. Teachers and chaperones who would like to volunteer should contact Craig Branch (cbranch  edta.org) to find their perfect niche.
PDF download: 2010 Junior Thespian Festival Individual Events Showcase
Thespians: $75 per student
Troupe Directors: $35 per teacher
Chaperones: $35 per adult
Individual Events: $25 per event (not per student)
Courtyard by Marriott
3700 SW 42nd Street
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 335-9100
$119.00 per room per night (plus 9.75% FL sales tax)
Complimentary breakfast provided
Comfort Inn West
3400 SW 40th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 264-1771
$129.00 per room per night (plus 9.75% FL sales tax)
Complimentary Continental breakfast provided
|