1. General Information |
ITF is especially for:
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Thespians, Junior Thespians, and their troupe directors
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Theatre students (grade 6-12) who want to experience the best shows and workshops (chaperones required)
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Theatre teachers who want to give their students a once-in-a-lifetime experience and earn professional development hours
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College representatives eager to meet talent for their programs
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Industry representatives who serve the school theatre market
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ITF is traditionally held the last full week of June and will be held on campus at Indiana University Bloomington in Bloomington, IN the following dates:
June 23 - 28, 2024
June 22 - 27, 2025
June 21 - 26, 2026
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Absolutely! If you are working toward your Thespian induction, participating in ITF is a great way to earn points. In general, you can earn one point per day attended. Troupe directors have discretion over the actual points awarded, so talk to your teacher about how to earn the maximum points possible from your participation. You may need to demonstrate which workshops you attended, for example, or new things that you learned as a result of attending.
Download our handy points sheet for more ideas on how to earn Thespian induction.
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Yes! We have a number of unique sponsorship and exhibit opportunities available. Or for more information, contact Angel Wuellner at awuellner@schooltheatre.org.
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All attendees will receive a certificate of participation for attending ITF. Because of EdTA’s stature and reputation for high-quality professional learning experiences, many school districts accept these for professional development credit. Please check with your administration to find out whether your attendance will be accepted for continuing education or professional development credit.
In addition, three Professional Development Intensives are being offered as an ITF add-on for an additional registration fee. All PDI attendees will receive a certificate of completion. EdTA partners with an institute of higher education to offer graduate credit for these sessions.
Certificates of Participation Will Be Available After ITF. You'll receive an email from us after ITF with clear instructions on how to access your Certificates of Participation.
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Attendees may inquire about lost and found items at registration and information. Any items reported to lost and found will be held until registration and information closes on Friday, after which time any unclaimed items will be discarded. ITF is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
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2. Registration |
Registration will open in January 2023 and will remain open until May 3, 2023. After May 3, registration for the event will close.
We will not be able to make exceptions for new registrations after May 3, 2023. This is to ensure that all processes related to the event can be completed before the start of the event.
View more key dates and deadlines.
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Unfortunately, carts are not accessible if a registration is abandoned while in progress.
If you are unable to complete your entire group's registration in one session, we recommend submitting as much of your registration as possible. Once completed, the primary contact can submit additional attendees using the link in the Attendee Service Center. There is not a cost associated with adding attendees after the initial registration has been completed.
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Both in-person and virtual attendees will need to complete a variety of forms before the start of the event:
- Background checks must be submitted for all attendees aged 18+ at the time of the event. This includes students.
- Emergency Medical and Consent forms must be submitted for all in-person attendees regardless of age and attendance type.
- Virtual Participation Consent forms must be completed for all Virtual Experience participants regardless of age.
The deadline to submit all forms is May 15, 2023.
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All in-person attendees must be registered by the primary adult chaperone. Chaperones must be aged 21 or older.
Students who are participating virtually do not need to have an adult chaperone registered with them. However, the registration should still be completed by an adult
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Students who wish to attend ITF who are not affiliated with a troupe or whose troupe is not attending must be accompanied by a registered adult chaperone, regardless of the student’s age. Adult chaperones must first register themselves, then register the student(s) they will be chaperoning. Chaperones must be aged 21+.
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Students may attend ITF as part of a Thespian troupe or individually with a parent/guardian chaperone. All chaperones must be registered and consent to a background check, whether staying on campus or off site in a hotel, regardless of their relationship to any students they might be accompanying (i.e. a parent staying off site must still complete a background check). Registration must be completed by the parent/guardian chaperone.
As a chaperone, your registration selection depends on the registration type of the student you will be chaperoning.
If the student(s) you are chaperoning will be staying on campus, then you must also stay on campus for the duration of the event. Both the student(s) and chaperone must register for an All-Access Pass.
If the student(s) you are chaperoning will be staying off campus, then you must also stay off campus in an official host hotel. The student(s) must register for an Activities-Only Pass. Chaperones can register for either an Activities-Only Pass or a Chaperone Pass, depending on the level of access the chaperone desires during ITF.
- Activities-Only Pass: Includes access to all ITF activities except late night events in dorms. Does not include housing or meal plan.
- Parent/Guardian Pass: Includes access to exhibit hall opening ceremony, Thespys® Awards Showcase, and ticketed performances. Does not include access to other ITF activities, housing or meals. Available to non-member adults only.
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If you need to make changes to your online registration, you can do so by logging in to the Attendee Service Center using the login credentials in your confirmation email. In the Attendee Service Center, attendees can manage their individual registration and Troupe Directors/Group Chaperones can manage their group registration.?
The deadline to make changes is May 31, 2023.
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If you need to add fees for an attendee that is already registered or substitute an attendee that is already registered, you can do so by logging in to the Attendee Service Center using the login credentials included in your confirmation email. In the Attendee Service Center, Troupe Directors/Primary Contacts can manage their group registration. There is no charge to add or substitute students prior to May 3,2023.
If you need to substitute a registration after May 3, please email events@schooltheatre.org. Any modifications made after May 3 will incur a $15 fee per change. No modifications can be made to registrations beginning May 31, 2023. Registration add-ons cannot be added after May 3, 2023. We are unable to make exceptions.
Cancellation cannot be completed through the Attendee Service Center. Submit via email to events@schooltheatre.org. Full refunds, less a $200 administrative fee per attendee, will be issued for any cancellations before May 3, 2023. No cancellation refunds will be issued after May 3, 2023.
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Should a registered attendee no longer be able to attend, registrations may be transferred to another attendee from the same organization by May 3, 2023 for no additional charge. Primary contacts can transfer registrations in the Attendee Service Center through May 3, 2023. Substitution requests after May 3, 2023 must be submitted to events@schooltheatre.org and will incur a $15 fee per substitution. No substitutions will be accepted after May 31, 2023. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution.
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Those add-ons are only available to members, so if you didn't see those options during registration, you were most likely registering as a non-member. If you have not yet completed registration, make sure your myedta.schooltheatre.org account is up to date and that you entered the correct email address in the registration search box. If you completed registration already and this was an error, please email events@schooltheatre.org for assistance.
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The primary contact for your group will receive an email confirmation of your registration from events@schooltheatre.org (be sure to add to your safe senders list and check your junk/spam folder!). If you have not received a confirmation within 5 business days after registering, please contact events@schooltheatre.org.
Additionally, attendees should receive the following information via email:
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Reminders to complete housing requests – sent to primary contacts periodically between registration submission and May 10 deadline; will not be sent once form is complete; sent from an @schooltheatre.org email address
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Thespys® and College Audition instructions and reminder emails – sent to primary contacts with attendees registered for these programs periodically from time of registration until submission deadline of May 10, 2023; sent from an @schooltheatre.org email address.
IMPORTANT: Many school firewalls block external emails, especially to students. If you are not receiving emails about ITF, this may be the reason why. If you have registered with a school email address and are not receiving emails from us, please contact events@schooltheatre.org for assistance.
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Registration opens on Sunday, June 18 at 1 pm ET and will remain open until 7 pm ET. The registration and info desk is open Monday - Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm ET and on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm ET.
Main Stage and Chapter Select Showcase Directors must arrive on Sunday, June 18 no later than 2 pm ET to participate in production meetings.
Attendees participating in Thespys® must arrive and be checked-in at registration no later than 8:30 am ET on Monday, June 19 to participation in in-person adjudications.
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You may add more registrants to an existing registration using the following steps:
- Login to the Attendee Service Center. These login credentials are located in your ITF registration confirmation email.
- Select Manage Group Registration.
- Click Add Additional Registration(s).
- Complete the registration process for the additional individuals who will be attending.
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3. Payments |
We accept the following payment methods:
- Credit Card (American Express, Mastercard, Visa)
- Check
International Thespian Festival attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendees understand that full payment must be received no later than June 9, 2023. Any attendee with a balance due when checking in will be required to provide payment in full, a copy of a check, or a copy of an approved purchase order.
Use of a discount code is only valid at the time of the initial purchase/registration. Refunds will not be authorized for existing registrations where the special offer was received after the initial purchase. Limit one (1) special offer/discount code per registration.
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To pay your balance, log into the Attendee Service Center (login credentials are in your registration confirmation email). Select either “Make an Individual Payment” to pay for your registration only, or “Make a Group Payment” to pay for all the attendees in your group. You can then enter your credit card information, or mail a check with a copy of your invoice to:
International Thespian Festival
PO Box 7410258
Chicago, IL 60674-0258
All registration fees must be paid in full no later than June 9, 2023.
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Log in to the Attendee Service Center and click either “Individual Payment & Invoice” or “Group Invoice & Payment.” Then scroll to the bottom of the page and click to open the PDF. Download or print accordingly.
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When completing your registration, select “purchase order” as your method of payment. Once submitted, email events@schooltheatre.org to request a copy of your quote. Please note: quotes are subject to all cancellation policies including administrative fees.
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Yes! International Thespian Festival grants are available for troupes as part of our annual grant cycle. View more information on grants.
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4. Housing, Meals, and Transportation |
Primary Contacts must submit the On-Campus Housing Form by May 10, 2023, and no changes can be made to roommate assignments after this date. If the form is not completed, our team will assign roommates based on the floor preference submitted for each attendee at the time of registration.
Please note: if the On-Campus Housing Form is not completed, you will not be assigned seats for Main Stage productions.
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All adult attendees will be housed in single-occupancy dorm rooms. There is not an adult registration option that allows for roommates.
All students will be housed in double-occupancy rooms. If a group contains an odd number of students, the student who does not have a pre-determined roommate will be housed with a student from another school wherever possible.
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ITF involves minors and therefore must follow IU’s program involving children (PIC) policy. Per IU’s PIC policy, attendees must be separated by floor based on gender binary. Attendees may be housed on either a masculine or feminine identifying floor; primary contacts must select floor preference for each attendee when registering their group. We recognize that not all attendees identify as masculine or feminine, and the floor preference should reflect where they would be most comfortable.
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We are not able to guarantee that two or more groups will be housed together in the dorms unless they are all registered in the same group/invoice under one primary contact.
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The following properties are official host hotels:
- Biddle Hotel & Conference Center (located at the Indiana Memorial Union)
- Hyatt Place Bloomington
- The Graduate Bloomington
All hotel reservations must be made during registration or through the Attendee Service Center by May 10, 2023. Please do not contact the hotels directly to make reservations.
Note: campus meal plans are not available to attendees staying at hotels.
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You can review an existing hotel reservation by logging in to the Attendee Service Center. Login credentials can be found in your registration confirmation email.
Please note: all hotel reservations will be listed as "pending" until the final weeks leading up to the event. Please do not contact the hotel directly about your reservation information. Instead, email events@schooltheatre.org for assistance.
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If staying on campus, the primary contact for the group will receive the dorm assignment via email no more than one week before the start of the event. Specific room assignments will be provided upon check in.
Attendees staying off-campus will receive confirmation numbers via email within 72 hours of check-in date.
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There are a number of important reasons why attendees staying off campus must book reservations at one of our host hotels:
- In an effort to secure special reservation rates for our attendees, EdTA negotiates contracts with each of our host hotels. If our contracted housing obligations are not met, EdTA will pay significant penalty fees. Such fees may result in increased registration costs over time.
- We are able to monitor attendance through our hotel room blocks. This enables us to be better prepared in any given circumstance and helps with cost containment.
- Each of our host hotels is selected with our attendees in mind. In addition to curbing costs, some key factors include:
- Proximity to campus (each hotel is less than one mile from the Indiana Memorial Union)
- Hotel amenities (may include complimentary breakfast, pool, fitness center, etc.)
- Parking (which is often cheaper and less challenging than on campus.
We understand that some attendees may live locally and wish to commute in each day for ITF. All other ITF attendees are required to book housing at one of the host hotels if staying off-campus.
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All Access Pass attendees may begin checking in at assigned dorms on Sunday, June 18 at 1 pm ET for no additional fee.
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Attendees staying in dorms must check-out by noon on Saturday, June 24.
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Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included with All Access Passes beginning with breakfast on Monday, June 19 and ending with dinner on Friday June 23. Meals are not included on Sunday, June 18 or Saturday, June 24.
Meals are not included with Activities Only Passes.
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The nearest airport to Indiana University is the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The airport is 50 miles north of Bloomington and serviced by most major carriers.
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Options include shuttle or rental car (bus and train services are not available).
Shuttle: GoExpress offers shuttle service between the Indianapolis International Airport and various stops in Bloomington for $25 per person each way. Reserve online to guarantee your seat.
Car Rental: The following car rental companies offer on-site pickup options at the Indianapolis International Airport Ground Transportation Center, located on the first floor of the Terminal Garage:
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GoExpress, the official transportation partner of ITF will offer a campus shuttle. View schedule.
Chaperones might be asked to provide transportation to and from an event. Therefore, it is highly encouraged and a best practice for two adults to be in a vehicle while transporting youth to events. If this is not possible and you cannot provide two adults for each vehicle, the minimum required is one adult and two or more minors. Staff and volunteers should use all safety precautions including only transporting the number of passengers the vehicle is recommended to carry. Minors must only ride in seats with safety belts.
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All hotel reservations require a credit card at the time of submission. The card will not be charged until after the conclusion of your stay. You may provide an alternate card of check in. All hotel reservations must be paid by credit card.
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5. Programs |
Any Thespian troupe can submit its production to be considered for the ITF main stage. View the full Main Stage Guide.
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Following feedback from 2022 attendees, we will be shifting to an assigned seating format for Main Stage performances at ITF 2023.
Once registration closes, attendees will be assigned to specific showtimes and seats for Main Stage shows. Seat assignments will be provided to the primary contact for each group. We are unable to accommodate special scheduling requests. Any ADA/accessibility needs indicated during registration will be used for main stage seat assignments. If you have ADA/accessibility needs not indicated at the time of registration, please see front of house staff ahead of your assigned showtime.
Please note that Main Stage tickets may not be issued if the following are not completed by the appropriate deadlines:
- On-Campus Housing Form (May 10, primary contact for groups staying on campus)
- Background Checks (May 15, all participants aged 18 or older)
- Consent Forms (May 15, all participants regardless of age)
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College auditions are open to inducted Thespians who are in the class of 2024. You must purchase the audition add-on during registration by May 3, 2023 and submit your audition materials by May 10, 2023. All auditions will be virtual; callbacks will be held either in-person or virtually at the discretion of each college. College representatives will follow up directly with students to request a callback.
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Thespians who are in the class of 2024 can participate in college auditions for the chance to wow reps from 60+ college theatre programs nationwide. Colleges who attend ITF award admission and scholarships to ITF attendees each year.
Thespians can earn scholarships through the Thespy Awards program. Top-scoring participants at the international level will be automatically eligible for nearly $40,000 in Grace Kelly Scholarships and the Amy Bennett Musical Theatre Scholarship. Those eligible will participate in an interview process to determine the winners.
If you do not qualify for the Thespys, EdTA offers several merit-based scholarships. Learn more about other EdTA scholarship opportunities.
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The best resource for Thespys questions can be found on the official Thespys website. Please refer to the FAQ and additional pages for more info. Specific questions may also be emailed to thespys@schooltheatre.org.
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EdTA seeks proposals in theatre and technical theatre which reflect a broad spectrum of standards-based learning covering all five of the theatre framework categories (acting, producing/directing, designing, writing, and dramaturgy) and which model best thinking in the field, informed by theory, experience, and practice.
The Education Committee will accept proposals beginning September 1, 2022 until November 1, 2022.
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What constitutes mature content varies widely among school districts and communities. EdTA will never tell ITF audiences what they can and cannot watch, understanding that some people are uncomfortable watching mature content and/or that they would not be allowed to view such content in their schools. To ensure that all attendees are fully informed, all Main Stage shows featuring mature content are noted as such in the schedule. With the schedule published in advance, attendees can decide whether to see the performance in question, attend another show, or choose a different activity. The full schedule is posted before ITF begins to allow audience members to make choices about which shows to see.
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6. Health and Safety |
ITF is considered a Program Involving Children (PIC) at Indiana University Bloomington. Under IU’s PIC policy, EdTA is considered an external organization, and as such, additional safety procedures are required and can be reviewed here.
If there is an emergency or a crime in progress
1. Call 911
2. Report the incident using IU’s incident report form
3. Report the incident using ITF Safety and Security Incident Form
Students who violate safety rules may have their badge pulled by any adult chaperone who witnesses the infraction. If your badge is pulled, you must attend the next day’s 8 a.m. Court unless otherwise instructed. Court is at the Indiana Memorial Union, Charter Room.
Violations are divided into three categories with escalating consequences. These examples are not an exhaustive list. EdTA determines consequences for any violation not specifically listed and reserves the right to expel any participant from ITF should their actions disrupt the event or put other attendees at risk.
Minor Infractions
Attendees accumulating multiple minor infractions may be sent home at their own expense.
• Missing curfew by less than five minutes
• Found outside dorm room after 12 a.m. (showering, etc.).
• Posting messages on dorm windows
• Throwing food in cafeteria
• Found in the vicinity of buildings not used by ITF after 11 p.m.
• Playing music in dorm after 12 a.m.
• Removing university property from dorm rooms (sheets, furniture, etc.)
• Failing to bring troupe director or chaperone to court meeting
Major Infractions
Depending on the severity of the infraction and response to the redirection or disciplinary action, an attendee may be sent home at their own expense.
• Any action that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of others
• Bullying, harassment, or abusive behavior
• Missing curfew by more than five minutes
• Causing excessive noise and disruption after 12 a.m.
• Found off campus after 11 p.m. (in town, fraternities, etc.) or out of dorm after 12 a.m.
• Using incense or candles in dorm room
• Using fireworks
• Causing property damage
• Making inappropriate or disruptive posts to ITF-hosted social media
• Instigating or participating in disruptive or disrespectful audience behavior during a performance
• Willfully setting off a false emergency alarm
• Failing to show up for 8 a.m. court meeting
Immediate Removal
Attendees caught in these activities are sent home right away at their own expense.
• Using or in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Using or in possession of tobacco, vaping, or Juuling products
• Using or in possession of alcohol, firearms, or weapons
• Any adult in any student’s room with door closed — for any reason
If the troupe director or chaperone does not show up for the 8 a.m. ITF court meeting, the student will have the opportunity to contact them and have them come to court by 8:30 a.m. More severe consequences will be dealt to no-shows.
If three or more students under the supervision of the same troupe director or chaperone are required to meet with the safety and security team, then the adult may not be permitted to participate the following year.
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The ITF First Aid Station is open 24 hours a day beginning at noon on Sunday, June 18 and is located in the Indiana Memorial Union, Hoosier Room. Students seeking medical assistance should report to the first aid station with an adult chaperone. Medical forms must be submitted for a medical provider to treat any ITF attendees (students or adults). Medical providers may refer attendees to the IU Student Health Center, urgent care, or emergency room depending on treatment required. If an attendee is experiencing a medical emergency at any time during ITF, call 911.
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EdTA and the International Thespian Festival (ITF) have a comprehensive Commercial General Liability insurance plan in place to protect ITF program participants.
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As we welcome you to the International Thespian Festival (ITF) the health and well-being of our attendees, staff, and volunteers remains our number one priority. The following protocols for ITF continue to be informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), local governments, and our partners at Indiana University.
• The wearing of masks is OPTIONAL.
• Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test is no longer required for entry.
If you are experiencing COVID-19, flu, or cold symptoms or have recently been exposed, please stay at home and contact events@schooltheatre.org to cancel your registration.
COVID-19 related health guidelines are subject to change and revised policies may be in effect at the time of ITF, including, but not limited to, protocols to mitigate a COVID-19 variant/concern or University policy, such as the wearing of masks. We will continually assess changes and will adjust our policies according to updated public health guidance and applicable law.
For the most current information, refer to our health and safety guide or email events@schooltheatre.org closer to ITF. Protocol updates will also be sent to all attendees prior to ITF.
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ASL interpretation will be available for both the Opening Ceremony and Thespy® Awards Showcase for the in-person event.
For the virtual experience, ASL interpretation and/or live captioning will be available wherever possible. Please email events@schooltheatre.org if you have any other accessibility needs.
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Promoting an inclusive environment is a top priority at ITF. Pronouns can be indicated during the registration process for all attendees, and if shared, they will be included on the official ITF name badges. System limitations prohibit us from printing more than one set of pronouns on a badge, and we highly encourage attendees to write in any additional pronouns that they use.
Housing accommodations will be made in the dorms if requested and dorms and many public buildings on campus have gender-neutral bathrooms. View a map of all-gender restrooms on the IU Campus. We are more than happy to work with any attendee to address specific concerns. Please email events@schooltheatre.org with any questions.
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The use of service animals such as guide dogs is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With a few exceptions (due to health and safety concerns), service dogs are allowed anywhere the handler is allowed on the IU Bloomington campus.
The use of emotional support animals is not covered under the ADA. Emotional support animals are allowed on campus only with prior approval in the residence halls.
For attendees staying on campus, primary contacts will be asked to include service animals in the On-Campus Housing form.
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Accessible parking can be found in a number of places across campus. Please refer to this interactive map for specific locations and details.
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Students attending with their troupe (not chaperoned by a parent or other relative) should follow their school’s policies for carrying and administering medications. Chaperones and/or parents of students who normally take required medications outside of the school day should check with administration to ensure the necessary forms and protocols are in place prior to ITF.
For students who are attending ITF separately from a Thespian troupe, parents and/or adults acting as chaperones are responsible for their own students’ medications.
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Attendees with dietary restrictions should indicate this when registering for ITF. A dietary restriction card will be included with registration materials onsite for attendees who indicate restrictions in advance and is required for special meals at plated meal functions including teacher tribute and chapter leaders dinners; special meals cannot be requested at meal functions without a dietary restriction card. Buffet meals (including dining halls) will include allergen information at food stations. We work directly with IU’s dietitian for on-campus dining and food and beverage vendors to accommodate requests; however, no area will be completely allergen-free.
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ITF requires an adult-to-student ratio of 1:8. Adult chaperones must be at least 21 years of age at the time of registration. Adult chaperones are expected to supervise and discipline minors attending with their group. Chaperones are responsible for ensuring minor attending with their group are in their rooms by curfew and conducting nightly attendance checks. All adults staying on campus will be housed in single-occupancy rooms. Each adult attendee will be required to complete an adult chaperone agreement.
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All ITF attendees must have emergency medical and consent forms on file.
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Adults (anyone over the age of 18 when the event begins): Adults must complete an emergency medical and consent form no later than May 15, 2023. A secure link to complete an emergency medical and consent form will be emailed directly to each attendee. If you elect to receive a copy of the results, it will be mailed via USPS.
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Students (anyone under the age of 18 when the event begins): Parents/guardians must complete an emergency medical and consent form on behalf of their student no later than May 15, 2023. A secure link to complete the emergency medical and consent form will be emailed directly to parent/guardian email address provided during registration.
The deadline to submit emergency medical and consent forms is May 15, 2023 If you have any questions or concerns, please email events@schooltheatre.org.
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All adults participating at ITF in any capacity (attendees, volunteers, chaperones, contractors, teaching artists) must consent to a background check that includes the following per Indiana University’s Programs Involving Children (PIC) Policy:
• A minimum of 7 years of name and address history
• County criminal history
• A national criminal database
• A check of the Indiana state sex offender registry
• A check of the national sex offender registry
After registering for ITF, participating adults will receive an email communication from Trak-1/People Facts, an accredited background screening company, with a secure link to submit your information.
Note: This is not a credit check, and your credit report will not be impacted. Background checks must be completed no later than May 15, 2023; any attendees without completed background checks will not be allowed entry to ITF 2023.
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