2020 International Thespian Festival Goes Home

NEARLY 80 YEARS ago, Indiana University hosted 700 high school theatre students and teachers at the inaugural national gathering of the Thespian Society, then called the National High School Drama Conference. Fast forward to this year, and roughly 5,000 Thespians will converge at IU from June 22 to 27 for the 2020 International Thespian Festival, now the nation’s premier high school theatre event.

Thespians are invited to discover their character and explore all things theatre at what promises to be the biggest and best weeklong celebration yet. Check out these insider tips to make the most of your ITF journey this year.

The IU Auditorium on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington. Photo courtesy of Indiana University.

The Bradford High School performance of The Scottsboro Boys. — The Bradford High School performance of *The Scottsboro Boys*. Photo by Susan Doremus.

The Sahuarita (Ariz.) High School Chapter Select performance of I Never Saw Another Butterfly. — The Sahuarita (Ariz.) High School Chapter Select performance of *I Never Saw Another Butterfly*. Photo by Susan Doremus.

Experience performances

ITF is the only place you can witness some of the very best high school theatre performances from across the country in one location. Catch a Chapter Select one-act show in the afternoon, then watch a full-scale main stage production that night. See a favorite musical one day, then encounter new works written by Thespians for Thespians the next. And don’t forget to cheer your friends participating in the showcase of the International Thespian Excellence Awards, or Thespys^TM.

TIP: Plan your schedule around performances you don’t want to miss and try to take in at least one show in each of IU’s three venues.

Thespians talk to representatives from college programs and theatre-related companies during ITF. Photo by Susan Doremus.

Thespians show off their skills at the 2019 ITF college dance auditions. Photo by Corey Rourke.

A student shares her costume designs for the 2019 ITF college technical auditions. Photo by Corey Rourke.

Expand your theatre world

At ITF, you’ll be working with expert teaching artists from across the U.S. and around the world. Plus, you can meet with more than 60 colleges and audition for admittance and available scholarships.

TIP: Allow flexible time in your schedule for networking with theatre professionals and college representatives. These connections reap future benefits no matter where your post-graduation path leads.

Thespians await their time to shine during the National Individual Events (now Thespys) program. Photo by Susan Doremus.

A Thespian supports her friend following her National Individual Events performance. Photo by Susan Doremus.

Thespians join Educational Theatre Association Executive Director Julie Cohen Theobald at the 2019 International Thespian Festival. — Thespians join Educational Theatre Association Executive Director Julie Cohen Theobald at registration for the 2019 International Thespian Festival. Photo by Susan Doremus.

Build your theatre family

Theatre builds community like no other activity, and at ITF that community includes thousands of Thespians from around the world. You can make lifelong friendships so you’re never a stranger in any city where you may travel.

TIP: Don’t just hang out with your classmates. Take advantage of ITF’s educational and social events by introducing yourself to at least one new person every day. Learn something about their troupe that you might implement when you return home to your own.

Workshops on sewing basics help Thespians take their skills to new levels. Photo by Corey Rourke.

Through a puppetry workshop, this Thespian brings her furry character to life. Photo by Corey Rourke.

Musical theatre workshops teach young actors better training and performing techniques. Photo by Corey Rourke.

A group of Thespians turn costume ideas into reality in this ITF workshop. Photo by Corey Rourke.

Grow your knowledge

At ITF, you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to discover new skills thanks to hundreds of workshops and hands-on classes guaranteeing something for every theatre interest.

TIP: Primarily an actor? Expand your versatility with a beginner’s sewing workshop. Cringe at the thought of being in the spotlight? Benefit from learning how to think on your feet in an improv class. You may uncover a new passion or even a potential career.

The 2019-20 International Thespian Officers were selected during the ITF Student Leadership Program. Photo by Corey Rourke.

Student Leadership Program participants enjoy a weeklong series of leadership and advocacy workshops. Photo by Corey Rourke.

A Thespian participates in the 2019 ITF Student Leadership Program. Photo by Corey Rourke.

Learn to lead

Interested in taking on a leadership role at your troupe, chapter, or national level? Consider participating in ITF’s Student Leadership Program. Delegates attend leadership-themed workshops taught by the International Thespian Officers and help elect next year’s ITOs.

TIP: While other workshop attendance is always first come, first served, Thespians interested in participating in the Student Leadership Program must register in advance.

Learn more on the 2020 International Thespian Festival website and follow updates on social media using the hashtag #thesfest20.