Studio Theatre Performances

The following studio theatres will be performed at the 2019 Iowa Festival:
  • 15 Minutes of YouTube Fame, Performed by Ottumwa High School, Troupe 615
  • The Audition, Performed by Lewis Central High School, Troupe 5150
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Performed by Davenport North High School, Troupe 3994
  • How to Kiss a Girl, Performed by Clinton High School, Troupe 452
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream, Performed by Fairfield High School, Troupe 544

Studio Theatre performances are an opportunity for schools to bring a one-act or a cutting of a full-length show to the Iowa Thespian Festival. There is no prerequisite to perform a studio show, but a studio performance is required before applying to bring a mainstage performance. If you have a question about Studio Theatre performances, please contact Tom Stephens at tstephens@mvcsd.org​​

The studio rules are simple:
Each show has ten (10) minutes to load-in, forty-five (45) minutes to perform, and five (5) minutes to strike.

​All Studio entries will be adjudicated at the Iowa Thespian Festival and receive feedback from an evaluation team selected by the Chapter Director or the Chapter Board. The evaluation team may recommend one show and one alternate from a Chapter to represent Iowa in the Chapter Select Showcase at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in June. The evaluation team submits their recommendations to the EdTA National Office. If the team does not see a production that warrants recognition, they may choose not to make a recommendation.

The technical aspects of the show must remain simple. Guidelines are listed below:
  • Sets and props: A prop is any item that will fit through a single door and can be carried by a single person. Set pieces are anything bigger. Hand props are items carried onstage by an actor in one hand. Set pieces and flats are not allowed.
  • Lighting: A follow-spot is available, but must be requested in advance. General area lighting is available (stage right, stage left, up center, center, and down center stage) as well as blue and amber washes. Special lighting effects are not available.
  • Sound: The theatre will provide a CD player, amplification, and speakers. Groups may use their own iPod or MP3 player through the theatre sound system. Mics are not permitted in this venue.

Troupes must secure written permission from the publisher for presentation at the Festival during Festival dates. Troupes are responsible for payment of royalties. Upon written request, some publishers will waive royalty fees for Festival performances.

​If your school wishes to be considered for a studio theatre slot, please complete the application by the posted deadline.  
IOWA THESPIANS
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Our mission is to honor student achievement in theatre and enrich the educational experience, to support educators by providing professional development, networking opportunities, resources, and recognition, and to influence public opinion and policy-makers that theatre education is essential and builds life skills.
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We are passionate about theatre education and believe all students should have access to theatre curriculum which provides critical life skills for educational and career success in the 21st century.

Questions? Contact our Chapter Directors at adean@dbqschools.org and lacorte.leslie@gmail.com