ITF Chapter Select Production Guide
Published August 2023
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Overview
ITF’s Chapter Select Showcase includes a robust lineup of short performances from around the world. Performances may be one-acts, cuttings from full-length productions, reader's theatre, dance, mime, comedy, drama, etc.
To be considered for Chapter Select Showcase, short performances must be adjudicated at chapter festivals/conferences. Chapters then recommend one top-scoring short performance from their chapter festival/conference to perform at ITF. A limited number of performance slots at ITF are available and filled on a first come, first serve basis. A performance slot is only secured when all acceptance materials, including proof of performance rights, have been received.
Chapters are encouraged, though not required, to adjudicate short performances using Chapter Select Rubrics. Please check with your chapter director to learn more about the adjudication process and how your troupe may qualify..
If your troupe is not part of an active chapter, visit itf.schooltheatre.org to learn about other performance opportunities.
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Chapter Responsibilities
Chapters are encouraged, though not required, to follow international guidelines for adjudication and selection process.
- Chapters must notify EdTA if chapter select will be offered at their chapter festival/conference using the Chapter Pre-Event form
- Chapters are responsible for training and recruiting adjudicators to evaluate short performances at their festivals/conferences. Chapters may use the rubrics included in this guide for adjudication.
- Chapters can recommend one top-scoring short performance by a Thespian troupe from their respective festivals/conferences for the Chapter Select Showcase lineup at ITF. Recommendation forms must be submitted by the chapter director within two weeks of their festival/conference or by the deadline posted on the Chapter Select program page, whichever comes first, and provided slots have not already been filled.
- EdTA encourages chapters to nominate productions promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency in the cast, crew, director, playwright, and/or the subject matter of the work.
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Eligibility
Who can participate in the Chapter Select Showcase?
Any Thespian troupe in good standing with the parent organization (the International Thespian Society and Educational Theatre Association) is eligible for the Chapter Select Showcase at ITF.
Short performances must be adjudicated at their chapter festival/conference and recommended by their chapter.
Troupes must adhere to production requirements and specifications outlined in this guide.
Troupes must be available to present their productions on any of the scheduled ITF dates. Due to the large number of variables surrounding festival scheduling, requests for certain days and/or venues cannot be honored. The ITF staff and production team determine the schedule and assign venues for each production in coordination with the host venue. Troupes will be notified of their performance date in advance so they may secure licensing agreements for the performances. If chosen, directors must provide proof of licensing agreements and insurance certifications for the planned main stage performance.
To give as many troupes as possible the chance to perform at ITF, troupes may not perform on the main stage and in the Chapter Select Showcase in the same year.
Time Limit
Troupes presenting in the Chapter Select Showcase will be allotted one hour for set, performance, and strike. Our recommendation is 10 minutes to set, 45 minutes to perform, and 5 minutes to strike.
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Important Dates
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Adjudication Process
Chapters are responsible for training and recruiting adjudicators to score performances at their own regional events. Chapters may use the rubrics below to score performances. Check with your chapter director for specific details about the adjudication process in your chapter.
The full rubric, an overall score, and written feedback from the adjudicators should be shared with each director once the adjudication is complete.
Adjudicators should disclose any conflicts of interest prior to screening a production and should not be assigned to screen a production should any of the following conflicts of interest arise:
- The adjudicator and/or their troupe is also submitting a production for consideration.
- Any other conflicts of interest the adjudicator discloses.
Education is central to the adjudication process. The evaluation rubrics below are designed to provide educational feedback to directors and students involved with the production, regardless of whether the show is recommended by the chapter to perform in the Chapter Select Showcase at ITF.
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Chapter Select Showcase Rubrics
One-Act Rubric
Use for one-acts or cuttings of full-length productions.
Reader’s Theatre Rubric
Use for performances of traditional reader’s theatre.
Performance Piece Rubric
Use for performances other than one-acts, cuttings from full-length productions, or reader’s theatre.
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Acceptance
After an eligible short performance is recommended for the Chapter Select Showcase, troupe directors will receive a link to the acceptance form from EdTA. Troupe directors must submit their completed acceptance form, technical requirements, and proof of performance rights by the submission deadline in order to be included in the Chapter Select Showcase lineup.
A performance slot is only secured when all acceptance materials, including proof of performance rights, have been received.
Once the acceptance form is received, troupe directors will receive instructions via email with details about presenting their production at ITF.
If acceptance forms are not submitted by the deadline, then the recommended short performance will not be scheduled.
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Production Requirements
Pre-Festival Planning:
- The production presented at ITF must be substantially the same production presented for adjudication. Any changes to casting (emergency or otherwise) must be submitted and approved by the EdTA staff prior to the event. NOTE: Exceptions will be considered for incidents involving COVID-19 and corresponding restrictions.
- The troupe/school must obtain approval from the licensing agency for one in-person performance at ITF and supply EdTA with a copy of that approval. Licensing agreements should specifically note one performance within the ITF dates to accommodate any potential schedule. Proof of permission to perform must be provided. Any additional royalties incurred for the festival performances must be paid by the troupe/school.
- The performing troupe must identify a primary contact with whom all correspondence from EdTA will be communicated.
Bringing Your Production to ITF:
- The primary contact of the performing troupe must register cast, crew, and adult chaperones for ITF. All adults registered with a Chapter Select production must consent to a background check.
- If staying on campus, the primary contact of the performing troupe must submit housing assignments and parking pass requests.
- If staying off-campus, the group must stay in one of the host hotels.
- Submit digital programs (which include any updated cast, crew, advertisements, thank-you notes, etc.). No paper programs are allowed at ITF. Troupes are not permitted to hang posters or hand out individual items while onsite.
At Indiana University:
- Chapter Select Showcase directors must arrive on campus in time to attend a Venue Tour.
- Chapter Select Showcase directors will meet and tour the venue with production team.
- Troupes performing in the Chapter Select Showcase will be allotted one (1) hour for set-up, performance, and strike. Our recommendation is to allow 10 minutes to set-up, 45 minutes for the performance, and 5 minutes to strike.
- Troupes will not be allocated rehearsal time or space prior to the scheduled performance time.
- Troupes are not allowed onstage until their scheduled performance time.
- Troupes will not have access to dressing rooms.
- Productions must adhere to stage safety guidelines.
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Production Specifications
The use of all technical equipment will be supervised by ITF, IU and IATSE personnel.
Each performing troupe must provide an individual who will be responsible for providing the appropriate cues.
Lighting
General area lighting is available (up/mid/down right; up/mid/down left; up/down/true center) as clear, cool, and warm washes. Special lighting effects are not available. A follow spot is not available. A production may include special lighting instruments if they can be set and struck within the time limit. Such instruments must be approved in advance by ITF staff and should be included in the acceptance form.
Sound
Audio playback, amplification, and speakers are available. Groups may use their own MP3 player, iPod, iPad, or laptop through the provided sound system and must provide their own operator for the playback device. The operator may be a student or adult as assigned by the production. All playback devices must have 3.5mm / 1/8 in.” or USB audio output options. The use of microphones is not permitted.
Projections
All projectors must be set and struck within the time limit. In addition, the following rules apply:
- No projections from the auditorium
- All projections must be made from within the acting area, or
- If productions are made from upstage of the screen, they must not require a throw of more than 15 feet.
- Screens and projectors will not be provided.
- Control of the projectors during the performance must be from onstage or upstage, not from the booth.
Special Effects
If your production contains a gunshot or other loud noise, you must indicate so on your acceptance form. No smoke, haze, or pyrotechnic effects will be permitted.
Costumes/Make-up: Troupes should arrive for their performance as close to show ready as possible. Dressing rooms are not available.
Props and Sets
A prop is any item that will fit through a single door and is carried on- or offstage by a single person during the performance. Limit size and number of props to only those essential to the plot of your production should be used. Props, costumes and make-up must be furnished by the performing troupe.
Set pieces and flats are not permitted. Please review the list of set pieces provided and be sure to indicate on your acceptance form which pieces you wish to use and how many, if there are more than one available.
Provided Set Pieces
- 1 wooden desk
- 1 wooden desk chair
- 1 table
- 6 stools
- 6 cubes (16" x 16")
- 8 stacking chairs
- 4 music stands
ITF and Indiana University Bloomington are not responsible for props, costumes, make-up, and other valuables.
Venue Specifications
The Chapter Select Showcase will be presented in performance venue as assigned by ITF staff.
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Stage Safety Guidelines
To support our teachers and provide a safe performance experience, EdTA and ITF have partnered with the United State Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) to provide stage safety resources and educational materials. The following standards must be reviewed and adhered to by any program performing onstage at ITF:
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