The Annual New York Thespian Festival is a highly anticipated event that takes place over the course of one to two days in April. 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.
Registration now open till March 6th
Keynote Speaker: Jaime Cepero
JAIME CEPERO (They/He) is an afrolatino queer non-binary artist and award winning activist, most well known for playing the conniving Ellis Boyd on NBC’s cult favorite musical drama “SMASH” from executive producer Steven Spielberg. Other credits include TV: “Connecting...”(NBC), “Mess” (HereTV/Amazon), FILM: “Daddy”, “Dating My Mother”, “Jess”, “I Am Michael”. THEATER: Porgy & Bess 75th Anniversary (National Tour), Night Of The Living Dead: The Musical! (Off- Broadway & Cast Recording), Excorcistic: The Musical (Off-Broadway & Cast Recording) Hair (Claude) Dallas Theater Center, Jesus Christ Superstar: Gospel! (Simon) Alliance Theater, Choir Boy (US Pharrus/David) Geffen Playhouse. Jaime is an alumni of the WIO Playwriting Cohort at National Queer Theater, and the Devised Theater Working Group artist residency at The Public Theater. Their music has been featured in The Musicals Of Tomorrow for Broadway Podcast Network, the Times Square City Songwriting Competition (2x Semi Finalist), as well as the New York Theater Barn Choreography Lab at Baryshnikov Arts Center. Their punk rock ritual “Francois & The Rebels” was a 2022 nominee for the Vivace Award for groundbreaking new musical theater, and their organizing & community engagement work on the 2020 March On Broadway won two Gold Anthem Awards from the International Academy Of Digital Arts & Sciences.
Instagram: @Papimagic @francoisandtherebels
Information
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Info Packet
Consolidated information packet on the festival, consisting of the schedule, pricing, forms, etc.
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Workshops
List of all workshops happening during festival.
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Thespy Adjudicator Form
Volunteer to adjudicate students thespys.
Deadline: March 15 -
Volunteers Form
Volunteer for the festival.
Deadline: March 15 -
Vendor/Sponsorship/College
Connect with students and have a table at festival.
Deadline: March 15 -
Vendor and Sponsorship Tiers
See what tiers are available.
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Schedule
Detailed schedule of workshops and events happening throughout the day (TENTATIVE).
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Cost Breakdown
Pricing and Hotel Contacts.
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Thespys Criteria
Performing thespys? Review the rubric to see judging criteria.
Schools Attending…
Ardsley High School
Bay Ridge Prep Upper School
Fort Hamilton High School
I.S. 73
KIPP
North Country School
The Berkeley Carroll School
Third Street Music School
Valence College Prep
William A. Shine Great Neck South High School
Masters School
LREI
Valley Stream Central High School
John L. Miller Great Neck North High School
Cold Spring Harbor High School
William Floyd High School
Rye Neck High School
✺ Frequently Asked Questions ✺
Didn’t find the answer you are looking for? Email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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The 2024 NY Thespian Festival occurs on April 5th and 6th.
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2024 NY Thespian Festival takes place over the course of 2 days.
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The festival takes place at LIU Booklyn - 1 University Plz, Brooklyn, NY 11201
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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.
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We accept credit card and checks made out to NY EdTA, 76 Saint James Place 1A, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
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Registration fees must be received by NY Thespians by March 15th.
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Yes you can pay your invoice at the registration table during festival.
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Please refer here for a breakdown of the costs.
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Yes, you may make changes to your registration for free from March 2 - 12.
From March 12 - 20, it is $10 per change.
From March 21 - 29, please contact nythespians@gmail.com