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An Inside Look at the ITF Short Film Festival

Jose Triana — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:04:43 +0000

The inaugural Thespy Short Film Festival brought together Thespians from around the country to showcase and celebrate students’ creative work in film. Dramatics chatted with some of the creators and collected all the films to celebrate these talented Thespians once again.

At ITF, a packed house enjoyed 18 films created by 30 Thespians from 10 different states exploring themes ranging from preparing for college to growing older to first loves. “It was an incredible experience to be part of the first Thespy Short Film Festival,” said Patrick Cashion, Washed Up. “It was both inspiring and humbling to have my own film showcased among my fellow Thespians, and the supportive and dynamic atmosphere made it a truly memorable night.”

From Stage to Film – Unique Challenges for Thespians

Featuring 21 categories, the Thespy awards celebrate student achievement in a range of practices, many of which focus on and around the stage. That’s why the short film category provides a unique departure that challenges Thespians not only on their medium, but also their creative process.

“It’s a different type of ‘suspense of disbelief’ that resonates with a larger audience. It also has so many moving parts that anyone and everyone can find a home in to fulfill their passions,” said Ella Wissing, When the Grass Was Greener. “The challenges of continuity and needing to understand your story fully from writing to filming to editing; the artistic and technical aspects need to be all in sync.”

In some cases, that also meant finding the talent for the films. “Oftentimes you have to come up with a plot, find actors, film it all yourself, and even act in your own film,” said Jack McCarthy, DUNK.

Of course, film also offers some advantages. In addition to having more control of what the viewer experiences and the flexibility of multiple takes, it also sharpened many Thespians’ directorial skills.

“While on the stage, a director’s main objective is to essentially train an actor over multiple rehearsals to independently perform a scene in the director’s vision without any input from the director. In film, the director and actor only need to get the take right once. This usually means that the director and actor have a sense of co-dependency that never leaves throughout production,” said Drew Gordon, The Understudy. “I found this process to be both challenging and rewarding, as I had to carefully choose my words and pieces of direction while my actors carefully adjusted subtle nuances and emotional delivery of their acting from take to take. Despite this sometimes-painstaking ordeal, I feel as though my actors and I grew closer and more understanding of each other not just over the course of production of the film, but also in later shows and rehearsals.”

Succeeding with Your Short Film

Thinking of applying for adjudication next year? Our Thespians also had plenty of advice on how to find success throughout their journey and what worked best for them.

“For future filmmakers, I have two pieces of advice: First, never underestimate the power of an in-depth storyboard. Draw and write down everything you want in your film; down to the second,” says Ella Duffey, Marionette Nez Rogue. “Second, although it can be tempting to capture moments with one long continuous shot, I found that having many shorter shots can keep the audience engaged and allow you to capture moments to their fullest.”

“Use all the resources available to you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” says Mikayla Salazar, 1GN1T10N. “The teachers and students around you can be surprisingly helpful, even if you’re just looking for extra actors.”

“Every opportunity you don’t take is one success you could miss out on. Whether you want to be a filmmaker, an actor/actress, behind the scenes, or on the big stage, do it because that’s what feels right. Surely always take a drink of uncharted waters and find what you feel connects as your true legitimate passion first,” said Dawson V Jackson, Dean. “But remember we’re still human. Judgement is severe in this generation, but the most impactful judge is yourself. Do what you do because YOU love it.”

2024 Thespy Short Film Festival

Now without further ado, here is the 2024 collection of superior-rated Thespy Short Films.

Yours Dearly

Flip It

Marionette Nez Rouge

Washed Up

The Understudy

How Can I Even

DUNK

Night Owl

Solace

Escapism

Dean

Laundromat Therapy

When the Grass Was Greener

Disconnect

1GN1T10N

Butterfly Fly Away

Love, J

Modus Vivendi

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2022 Thespy Winner Brooke Gustafson

Natalie Clare — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 17:18:53 +0000

Meet Brooke Gustafson! At last summer’s International Thespian Festival, she won the 2022 International Thespian Award for Excellence in Costume Construction. Below, she tells us more about her theatrical background and how she’s planning to build a career in theatre.

Brooke Gustafson
Metrolina Christian Academy
Troupe 8868 | Indian Trail, NC
Meg’s Ballgown from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Tell readers the most important steps you took on your way to winning the 2022 Thespy Award for Costume Construction.

Shockingly enough, I found the research element of costume construction to be the most beneficial and important to my future success. For the months leading up to the actual construction process, I remember spending a majority of my free time researching on Pinterest or reading dissertations. These readings ranged from deep dives into the 1860s lifestyles and clothing, character analysis, or pictured examples of clothing from that era. Whenever I attempt to create art, my goal is to learn as much as I can throughout the process and grow into a better thespian. The same was applicable as I presented to the judges. I strived to research facts that wouldn’t only teach me something new, but also the judges. As for the actual submission process and presentation, I presented to multiple friends and family members in order to gain their advice and options.

Scene from Cinderella featuring Brooke’s costume construction.

How long have you been doing costume construction? Is there an interesting origin story about how you came to the craft?

I’ve been sewing for around two years now. The origin story is actually quite fun. It all started in 2020 when the world shut down for COVID. I began sewing masks for individuals and businesses at the beginning of quarantine. From there, I immediately fell in love with sewing and thought, Hey, how hard could costuming a show be? That summer, I costumed a production of Cinderella on my own and learned just how much goes into costuming. Since then, I’ve costumed all of my high school shows and my summer drama club shows, and created my own business doing alterations and custom creations for people.

Is there one costume you loved/hated working on?

One costume that I had a strong love/hate relationship with was the iconic “16 going on 17” dress for Leisl from The Sound of Music. It was made from a gorgeous champagne-colored silk satin that shined on stage. I designed the dress based off the dress from the movie; however, since it was a stage production and we didn’t have historically accurate undergarments, we couldn’t have her skirt fly up like it does in the movie. I tried many different arrangements, but it was difficult to get the correct amount of flow required for the dance yet ensure the skirt didn’t fly up. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge because it was the first time I had to connect a dress design to the dance sequence in order to create a seamless performance.

What’s next in your theatre career?

I’m so excited to be attending Elon University this fall for a double major in Arts Administration and Theatre Studies. I plan to work professionally in the industry for five to 10 years, and then eventually start my own drama studio using the skills I learned in the industry and my education to prepare high school students for success.

What would you like to say that we didn’t ask you about?

I’d just like to encourage everyone to pursue some new experience or challenge. Whether it be a scholarship application, competition, audition, job, or new hobby, everything you work towards gives you insight for the future. Even if the outcome isn’t what you expected, you can gain wisdom from your attempts. That includes attending your State or International Thespian Festival. Utilize every opportunity and challenge you come across along the way. Audition for that play, compete in the Thespys, attend your favorite workshops. The experiences, connections, and knowledge I gained at these festivals will stay with me forever.

View all of the 2022 Thespy Award winners, and get ready for ITF 2023! Watch for deadlines to be updated soon at itf.schooltheatre.org.

Natalie Clare is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Dramatics. Visit her work at nataliecwrites.com.

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2022 THESPY WINNER TYLER GARLEJ

Natalie Clare — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 20:55:33 +0000

Meet Tyler Garlej, who earned the 2022 International Thespian Excellence Award for Theatre Marketing at the International Theatre Festival last June! Learn more about his theatrical background and experience below.

Tyler Garlej
Salpointe Catholic High School
Troupe 5370 | Tucson, AZ
Governing Alice by C. Denby Swanson

What are your top three tips or pearls of wisdom about being involved in theatre?

First, don’t always think that you have to fill people’s shoes when other members of your troupe leave. It is not your job to fill those shoes, but to fill your own shoes and leave those behind when you graduate. Second, have confidence in yourself onstage. When you do, you will not only have a good show, but you will also have a great character. Finally, cherish every moment you have in theatre, because no matter what your role is — from the actor onstage, to the run crew backstage, to the technical crew in the booth, to the front of house team — without any of these roles…there would not be a show.

Tell readers the most important steps you took on your way to winning the 2022 Thespy for Theatre Marketing.

I made sure my designs and marketing strategies were cohesive and engaging for the show. I won the overall high Superior score for my work on Governing Alice by C. Denby Swanson. The focal point was a brick wall with a mural of graffiti splashed on it, and it was an attempt to tease and entice the viewers to want to know more about the play. My director and I decided that concept would be our inspiration for the graphics for flyers and advertising. Everything that was designed, created, and marketed was completed by myself, as I was the marketing manager for this whole show. It was definitely a learning curve to manage all aspects of marketing — it was for social media, flyers, press releases, and all the way down to the programs. I found that communicating with our director was essential to completing projects.

How long have you been doing theatre marketing?

This was my first year doing theatre marketing. I have always had a passion for business and marketing. My mom actually taught me all I know about design, marketing, brand strategy, and project management. My high school director also allowed me to take on the responsibility of our Instagram account, and it was remarkable. When I started, we had 300 followers. I set goals for myself to increase our followers, and with just pushing that one Instagram account and not anything else, we increased our followers by being active and enticing people to interact with us. We gained over 195 followers in a just short time!

What method of promotion has worked best for you and why?

The method that has worked best for me is social media, especially Instagram and Facebook. I think the reason why is because our we’ve grown up with social media and digital technology for almost 30 years now. Social media is a great way to target your selected audience. Even newspapers and magazines are going more digital, which also helps make it easy to promote your work.

What would you like to try if you had the means (time, money, access to technology)?

If I had the time, money, and access to technology, I would get a digital marquee sign for our school theatre so that we can promote shows and anything fine arts-related. This coming year, my marketing team and I have fought for a TikTok account for our theatre as well to promote the shows.

Photo of Tyler Garlej by Jamie Williams

What’s next in your theatre career? Further education in theatre? A different path where theatre still is a part of your life?

Over the past four years, I have fallen in love with all aspects of theatre. Starting out as an actor, then learning tech and all aspects of backstage has made me want to stay involved as much as I can in my future. However, I am planning on going to college for a major in Business with a minor in marketing. I don’t intend to leave the theatre completely. I plan on doing either local or community theatre while in college and then I would love the opportunity to have a job in my field, such as doing marketing for shows on Broadway.

What would you like to say that we didn’t ask you about?

Many people don’t realize that along with acting, the show would not be possible without all the various technical crew members. After experiencing the behind-the-scenes work that goes on, I have so much more appreciation for learning these fields and I appreciate everyone who I have worked with and learned from. As for marketing the shows, without the business sense and creativity of promotion, we would not have an audience. Theatre is full of creative people, and it interlocks everyone. Creative minds work well together, and that encompasses the whole show — ranging from set design, lighting, sound, makeup, stage management, directing, acting, and yes, even the creative process of marketing. Thinking full circle makes the team.

View all of the 2022 Thespy Award winners, and get ready for ITF 2023! Watch for deadlines to be updated soon at itf.schooltheatre.org.

Natalie Clare is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Dramatics. Visit her work at nataliecwrites.com.

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Win BIG in Theatre Tech

Alan Strait — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 21:54:47 +0000

IT’S TIME TO CREATE your theatre tech individual event video for the 2021 Thespy Awards. The most important thing to remember, for any submission, is to follow the instructions exactly as they’re given. Review all requirements first, and then follow these steps for your greatest success

Step 1: Select your category and your production.
Be sure to choose a category that displays your theatre tech skills. You know where your skills shine so choose a category that showcases them.

Before you choose a production, check the rules to see if it needs realized or if it can be theoretical or a show you want to do. This distinction varies from category to category, so be sure. Even if the production doesn’t have to be realized, you’ll likely make a stronger showing with a production you’ve done. Your experience with the production will give you an edge!

Read your script — the whole thing. Don’t rely on videos, pictures, or ideas from other people. Totally understand what your production requires. Include your script, if you can, in your presentation with notes you’ve taken.

Step 2: Create a personal checklist for your event.
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) offers clear guidelines and rubrics for each individual category in technical theatre. Create a checklist of each expectation and how it’s adjudicated.

If you need clarification of any terms or skills, ask your teacher or another theatre professional. Plus, you’ll find a lot of great descriptions online from reliable resources. Also, check for industry standards on how to label and execute. Your terminology or process may be different than what’s standard. That’s not always a problem, just be prepared to explain your process.

Step 3: Execution and Creation.
The execution of your presentation will be vastly different depending on which technical category you choose. Your checklist review and the rubric are your keys to success, so refer to them as often as necessary.

Prepare your portfolio, design, book, or whatever is required, as completely as possible. If your design is for a theoretical production as opposed to a realized one, don’t be afraid to go in and update as you would’ve during an actual production. Leave the original drafts in because many judges like to see your process. Prepare a response for each question, prompt, or mention on the guide and rubric.

Step 4: Practice your presentation.
Of course, practicing is always necessary to give your best presentation. A last-minute prep won’t win you any awards! Give practice presentations, whether it be to your peers, your teachers, or anyone your theatre instructor can bring in. Do your presentation in person wherever possible, or do it virtually if you must, but give some practice presentations.

Because of the format for presentations this year, interviews with the adjudicators won’t be included in the process. Plan for what you may have been asked and provide the answers in the body of your presentation. Do this more than once if you can.

Obviously, your presentation needs to be as complete as possible, which means you’ll want feedback before recording it. Take the advice you receive and make changes. You’ll be submitting some form of your production materials with your video, too, so make it easy and clear for the judges to follow along.

Step 5: Prepare yourself for filming.
Find a place that will be quiet and where you won’t be interrupted. Prepare your notecards; they are useful. You are not allowed to script out your entire speech on paper. Your notecards should remind you of what to say without limiting your facial contact with the camera as a fully realized script might.

Make sure you’ve checked your production materials again before filming. Run through your presentation at least once (more than that is better) before you record your presentation.

Step 6: Recording your presentation.
Your video is your presentation this year. Make everything as clear as possible for the judges. If you can show them on camera, do it. If you need to tell the judges where to look in your materials packet, give them clear instructions.

Get someone to help you with the recording. Do sound checks before recording to make sure you can be heard loud and clear when speaking. If you make a mistake, no worries! Re-record!

Step 7: Review your video and submit.
Review your presentation video with a teacher. Have them go through the checklist and rubric with you to see if you missed anything. When you’re satisfied with everything, submit your video.

Step 8: The feedback.
Remember, this is an educational experience. Even theatre tech professionals are constantly learning and growing. To expand our knowledge within given fields helps us succeed. The process of submitting will be valuable no matter the outcome if you take the feedback you get and apply what you can to future productions!

The post Win BIG in Theatre Tech appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

How to Win a Thespy

Suzanne Maguire — Mon, 09 May 2022 17:00:00 +0000

You want to enter the International Thespian Excellence Awards to (hopefully!) win a Thespy. We want to help you shine as you take your best shot.

Qualifying for the International Thespian Festival (ITF) is your first step. That is where you will have the chance to win a Thespy Award and perform in the Thespy Showcase at ITF. Sure, current pandemic processes make the effort a bit more challenging. But focusing on the power in the process, rather than perfection in the product, helps you grow as a theatre artist. There will always be challenges of one sort or another. So, here are a few tips to help you brush up on your audition skills.

Step 1. Choose your categories.
This is the most important step if you want to win a Thespy. Choose wisely because your choices will be your focus and should motivate you throughout the process.

This year students can submit in more than one category! If you are a techie who also belts out show tunes or are an actor who creates stunning hair and makeup designs, then you are in luck. Be realistic about your time constraints and explore all the categories your chapter event allows you to enter as you choose your categories.

Then, choose what excites and interests you. Perhaps you have started exploring new theatre disciplines during the pandemic. If so, choose a category that allows you to pursue that interest. When you do something that excites you, your passion will shine through your work.

Step 2. Choose your material.
Before you choose your category or materials, it is imperative that you understand the copyright, publishing, time limits, and other rules. Take time and review the Thespys Category Summary Guide. You may have a favorite song you would love to sing or a great monologue you have found online, but make sure your selection meets the requirements so that your submission will not be disqualified.

After reviewing the rules, consider CONNECTION. When you connect to material, your audience will connect to you. It is that simple. It could be the subject matter, a character’s story, or the vocal range of a song. No matter how you connect, trust your gut to know what is a good fit. But getting feedback from trusted advisors like teachers, mentors, and friends about what material they might recommend for you can help you chooses wisely, too. Others often see qualities in us that we do not, and their input can lead to finding pieces we would never consider.

Step 3. Rehearse.
There is no set amount of rehearsal time that works for everyone. You will do better to consider how you might effectively rehearse your material. Always read the entire script of whatever you are presenting. If you have not read the entire script, you may misinterpret critical character or plot elements. Short or one-act plays are great resources for scene/monologue material.

Before you begin memorizing a musical or acting piece, you should do character analysis and beat work with the material. Memorization naturally occurs as you explore the pacing, pauses, movement, and other elements of the piece. Running through your material multiple times helps solidify your acting choices as you refine the vocal and physical components. If you want to be prepared and confident, allow yourself time to memorize and refine.

Students who earn superior scores and have the opportunity to showcase their material at the state or national level always seek feedback from several sources. Find people who will provide you honest and helpful feedback. Workshopping your material in front of your teacher/peers/mentors can serve to fine-tune already strong moments and help you strengthen weaker ones. This can take a little longer and be more challenging if you are not able to work with people in person but presenting in some virtual way is still preferable to getting no feedback at all.

Step 4. Prep for filming.
Consider the following as you prepare to record your work: location, lighting, sound quality, and recording equipment. Do whatever you can to film against a neutral background. Just like wearing all-black clothing is required to help adjudicators focus on the acting, a neutral background puts the focus on you instead of your surroundings.

Lighting that comes from overhead creates shadows on your face and makes it hard to see your expressions, so a lamp or natural lighting in front of you contributes to a clearer video. If you can, use a separate device for audio playback to avoid distortion during filming.

NOTE: Adjudicators will be understanding because of the unique circumstances we are all dealing with due to the pandemic. Do your best and follow these suggestions wherever you can.

Step 5. Create your video.
Finding a filming partner would be ideal, but if you are filming alone, be prepared to adjust your camera set-up multiple times. Use a tripod, a stack of books, or other means to get your camera angled straight on versus pointing up at you. If the camera angle is from below you, the adjudicator view is altered and can negatively impact how they see your facial expressions and/or movements. If possible, try to film from the knees up so that your hands are seen in the frame. Record about 30 seconds of yourself to check your framing, sound, and lighting before you record your full submission. Consider the adjudicator’s point of view as you look at your video.

Step 6. Submit.
You are now ready to submit your video through the designated event platform. Remember, your video must be accessible to the adjudicators. If you share a link, be certain that all sharing permissions are turned on. If the adjudicators cannot access your video, your work cannot be adjudicated. Be sure to also check the deadline including the time zone.

Step 7. Use your feedback.
Trained adjudicators work to provide helpful comments to encourage and help you grow. This feedback is priceless! For many of you, this will not be the last time you perform your material. Use the feedback you get to continue your exploration and fine-tune for future presentations.

Remember that the power of this process does not stop when the event ends. Reflecting on all you have learned while preparing and submitting your work will serve you well in all your future endeavors. Good luck and go win a Thespy!

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