The Annual New York Thespian Festival is a highly anticipated event that takes place over the course of one to two days in March. This gathering brings together middle and high school students, as well as their dedicated teachers, to immerse themselves in the world of theatre. The festival offers a plethora of enriching opportunities, including engaging workshops, captivating performances, and thought-provoking presentations. One of the highlights of the festival is the Thespys, previously known as I.E.s, which provide a platform for students to showcase their exceptional talent in individual or group events. These performances are evaluated by seasoned professionals in the industry, ensuring that each participant receives valuable and personalized feedback. Furthermore, the festival offers students the chance to apply for various programs and scholarships, providing them with invaluable support as they pursue their theatrical dreams. Additionally, students can seize the opportunity to network with college representatives and explore potential pathways for their future academic and artistic endeavors. For those who achieve the status of an inducted Thespian, an exciting opportunity awaits as they become eligible to apply for the role of State Thespian Officer. These positions grant students the chance to develop initiatives, run leadership programs, advocate for educational theater, and influence arts decision-makers throughout the state of New York. The Annual New York Thespian Festival is a celebration of artistic excellence and a launching pad for the next generation of theatrical talents.

Documents

Are you interested in joining the upcoming festival? Take a look at how you can get involved and participate in this exciting event below!

Deadline: January 7

Adjudicators

Are you interested in taking on the rewarding
role of adjudicating students’ performances for Thespys and providing valuable feedback?
Sign up below!

Guidelines can be found here

** Please note that we are requiring all
adjudicators to complete the free online EdTA Adjudicator Training **

Deadline: December 23

Workshop Proposals

Interested in hosting a workshop at festival for elementary, middle, high school, or educators? Submit a workshop proposal below!

Deadline: February 7

Sponsorship, Vendors, Colleges

Intrigued by the prospect of sponsoring or
securing a table at the festival? Submit
a form now!

Pricing

For details on the cost to attend the festival,
including nearby hotel options, please refer to
the attached document. The information
provided covers all the necessary details to
plan your festival experience.

Schedule

Attendees are encouraged to carefully review the detailed schedule provided, which outlines the breakdown of the
day's events. Please refer to the documents accordingly .

Tech Challenge Explanation & Rules

The highly anticipated Tech Challenge is back, offering a thrilling opportunity for tech
enthusiasts to showcase their skills.

To learn more about the rules and events you
can practice, be sure to refer to the document.

Thespys

Performing Thespys (formerly I.E. - Individual
Events) at festival? Refer to rubrics below to see
what you’re being adjudicated on as well as
example videos of superiors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The 2025 NY Thespian Festival will be happening on March 7th and 8th.

  • 2025 NY Thespian Festival takes place over the course of 2 days.

  • The festival takes place at LIU Booklyn - 1 University Plz, Brooklyn, NY 11201

  • Anyone can attend the festival even if you don't have a troupe. There is an option to register as "Non-Thespians" on the registration form.

    Attend the festival to experience what it is like, sit in on workshops and presentations, and feel free to explore. There are many people who can answer your questions.

    Please note that for Non-Thespians it is a higher fee.

  • We accept credit card and checks made out to NY EdTA, 76 Saint James Place 1A, Brooklyn, NY 11238.

  • Registration fees must be received by NY Thespians by: TBA.

  • Yes you can pay your invoice at the registration table during festival.

  • TBA

  • TBA

Didn’t find the answer you’re looking for? Email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.