Know Before You Go
Are you ready for the once-in-a-lifetime experience you’re about to enjoy at ITF? With countless workshops, shows, and plenty of opportunities to bond with your fellow Thespians, there’s plenty to do.
To help you prepare, here’s the information you need to know before you go. Check back frequently for the most up-to-date information in case any details change.Bloomington, IN Weather
Be sure to keep an eye on the 10-day forecast as you pack up for Bloomington, Indiana! There will be a lot of walking outdoors, and you'll want layers for indoors, so plan accordingly.
Inclement Weather
Indiana University has well-established severe weather procedures and conference staff, university officials, and venue personnel are prepared to respond if conditions warrant. Should weather impact any scheduled activities, participants will receive timely instructions and guidance through the EdTA mobile app.
To ensure you receive the latest safety information while on campus, we also strongly encourage all attendees to sign up for IU's real-time safety alerts. To enroll, simply text: "SafeIU" to 77295
Packing List
Provided
- Pillow x1
- Pillowcase x1
- Fitted Sheet x1
- Flat sheet (twin XL) x1
- Blanket x1
- Towel x2
Pack
- Comfortable shoes
- Extra pillow or blanket (if you prefer your own)
- Toiletries
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes/flip-flops
- Personal care appliances (hair dryer, iron, etc.)
- Basic first-aid items (bandages, antibiotic ointment, etc.)
- Personal prescriptions/over-the-counter medications
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella/rain poncho
- Reusable water bottle
- Technology chargers/portable charger
- Earbuds/headphones
- Backpack/tote/messenger bag
- Notebook and writing implements
- Sweater/jacket (for cold indoor spaces)
Recommended Extras
- Hangers
- Instant stain remover (e.g., Tide To Go Pens)
- Air freshener/fabric refresher (e.g., Febreze)
- Power strip/short extension cord
- Non-perishable snacks (fridges are not provided in dorms)
- Workshop materials (sheet music, prepared monologues, dance attire, etc.)
Prohibited Items
- Rollerblades/skates
- Scooters (motorized or manual)
- Hoverboards Bicycles/e-bikes
Airport & Campus Transportation
Airport Shuttles
Attendees/groups are responsible for booking their own transportation to IU’s campus, whether driving or flying. If flying into the Indianapolis International Airport, we encourage groups to book their transportation through GoExpress at a special ITF rate. If attendees have accessibility needs that need to be accommodated by GoExpress, they should include this in their reservation when submitted through provided link.
The promo code for ITF attendees is included in your ITF registration confirmation email. From the GoExpress homepage, click "Apply Group/PROMO code. Click here first!", enter the promo code, and supply reservation details.
Refer to our Transportation page for more details.
ITF Campus Shuttles
GoExpress campus shuttles are provided primarily for those with accessibility needs. Please act well your part by giving them priority on shuttles and walking if you are able. Walking is the fastest way to get around ITF: All dorms are a 15-20 minute walk from activities, while the wait for shuttles is a minimum 45-60 minutes. Starting Monday, two shuttle routes will be utilized, identified by placards in the window of the shuttle buses.
Routes
Route 1 Stops:
Briscoe
McNutt (Foster) - Pick up will be at McNutt
Route 2 Stops:
Teter
Eigenmann/Union Street - Pick up will be at the bus stop off Union St. in front of Union Street Center
Forest
All Routes: MAC, IU Auditorium, IMU, Assembly Hall (Sunday, Tuesday, Friday), Willkie Quad (Monday-Friday)
Times
Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Monday: 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Additionally, an Indiana University campus shuttle will also be running throughout the week and is free to ride. Note that this shuttle will make additional stops at drop-off points not associated with ITF and therefore may take longer.
Parking at IU
For attendees staying on-campus, if you indicated that you needed parking on your housing form, you will receive a CH (community housing) parking permit upon check-in at your assigned dorm. This pass gives you access to any CH lot on campus during ITF. Each dorm has a dedicated CH lot.
Please be prepared to provide the following information for each vehicle when getting your parking pass:
- License plate number
- Make and model of car
- Driver first and last name
- Driver phone number
- Driver address
Buses and other vehicles taking up more than one spot must park in the Blue Lot (IU Memorial Stadium).
Attendees staying off campus may park in paid lots throughout campus. ITF is unable to provide parking validation for attendees staying off campus.
IMU Lot #1 Parking Hours and Rates:
Monday-Friday:
7am-7pm - $2.50 per 1/2 hour
7pm-12am - $1.75 per 1/2 hour
Saturday-Sunday:
7am-12am - $1.50 per 1/2 hour
Daily Maximum: $28 per car per entrance to the parking lot (lot fees wil not exceed this amount)
Assembly Hall Blue A Lot: Parking is free.
IU actively enforces parking restrictions, so take care to park in assigned locations to avoid tickets.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking can be found in a number of places across campus. Please refer to this interactive map for specific locations and details.
Attendees can request ADA parking passes at the ITF Registration/Information desk. They will need to provide full name, address, and license plate number.
Campus Map
Use this interactive map to familiarize yourself with the IU Bloomington campus.
Housing, Meals & Coffee
Residence Halls
The Primary Adult Leader (PAL) for each registration group will receive an email providing building and meal assignments in the week leading up to ITF. Room assignments will be provided at check-in. Student key cards restrict users to their assigned floor.
The IU residence and dining halls used for ITF are:
| Residence Hall | Dining Hall | Meal Hours M-F |
| Briscoe | McNutt Eatery | Breakfast: 6:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-6:15 p.m. |
| Eigenmann | Wright Eatery | Breakfast: 6:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-6:15 p.m. |
| Forest | Wright Eatery | Breakfast: 6:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 12:30-2:00 p.m. Dinner: 6:15-7:30 p.m. |
| Foster | McNutt Eatery | Breakfast: 6:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-6:15 p.m. |
| McNutt | McNutt Eatery | Breakfast: 6:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 12:30-2:00 p.m. Dinner: 6:15-7:30 p.m. |
| Teter | Wright Eatery | Breakfast: 6:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 12:30-2:00 p.m. Dinner: 6:15-7:30 p.m. |
| Union Street (Adults Only) | Wright Eatery | Breakfast: 6:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-8:00 p.m. |
Note: Lunch and dinner assignments are subject to change based on final housing assignments.
Additionally, the dining halls will be open on Sunday for guests to purchase lunch and dinner during the same operating times as Monday-Friday. Meals on Sunday are not included with registration fees and must be purchased with a credit card. IU Bloomington is a cashless campus.
Coffee on Campus
Note: The IMU Starbucks will be closed for the summer due to renovations. The Starbucks locations in McNutt Dining Hall and Read Dining Hall are open. Alternative coffee shops are also available in the IMU but lines can be lengthy, so plan in advance.
Hotels
Attendees staying in our host hotels should respect the hotel’s policies regarding noise and behavior. Please see the hotel’s front desk for assistance within those properties.
Bloomington is host to numerous restaurants and fast-casual options for attendees not staying in the dorms. View a list of some options below.
Housing Check-In and Check-Out
Housing Check-In
Upon arrival at IU Bloomington, all attendees staying on campus should report to their assigned dorm first. Follow these instructions to complete your housing check-in:
- Only the Primary Adult Leader (PAL) should enter the dorm and visit the check-in desk.
- Check in with the housing representative using the PAL's first and last name. Check-in is not based on troupe number or school/group name.
- Receive all room assignments and key cards.
- All attendees enter the residence hall and proceed to their respective rooms.
Once housing check-in has been completed, only the PAL should proceed to the event check-in at the IMU. All other attendees, including students, should refrain from visting the event registration area as space is limited.
Late-Night Arrivals
If you will be arriving on campus late at night, proceed to your assigned dorm to check-in. Upon arrival, call the appropriate number to reach housing staff and get checked in:
- Briscoe: 812-855-5313
- Eigenmann: 812-855-8581
- Forest: 812-855-5311
- Foster: 812-855-1408
- McNutt: 812-855-1183
- Teter: 812-855-4034
- Union Street: 812-855-5513
The PAL should proceed to ITF event registration the following morning.
Housing Check-Out
Official check-out will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. If you need to leave before that time on Saturday, no additional action is needed. Please leave your dorm as needed. If you are leaving any time before curfew on Friday, June 26, please alert your dorm captain before departing. Otherwise, no official action is required to check out.
If for any reason you need to check out after 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, please coordinate with dorm staff.
Checking Out of Dorms
- Please leave dirty towels in the middle of the floor
- Strip linens from the bed but leave on the bed
- Please leave the room as close to its original state upon arrival as possible
- Leave the door open as you leave to indicate to staff the room is ready to be flipped
Event Registration Check-In
Only the Primary Adult Leader (PAL) for each registration group should check in at ITF Event Registration as space is very limited. If staying on campus, check in at your residence hall first. The ITF Registration and Information desks are housed in the East Lounge of the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU). Upon arrival, please follow these instructions to complete your registration check-in:
- Registration lines will be divided into Adult Leaders, Partners & Exhibitors, Teaching Artists & Guests. Join the appropriate line.
- When you arrive to the front of the line, provide your first and last name. You may also be asked to confirm your housing type, school name, and/or troupe number.
- You'll receive your name badges & lanyards, tshirts, and performance tickets if reserved. If you have a large group, you may want to bring a helper to carry your items.
- If payment has not been received in full, or all required attendee forms have not been submitted, the registration representative will provide further instructions.
Badges & Key Cards
Event Badges
Your ITF badge is your access pass to all ITF activities, as well as a safety device. (It also makes a wonderful souvenir!) Badges instantly identify ITF participants among IU students, staff, and other community members.
Badges must be worn around the neck. Treat your badge like your ID or your debit card – with care. We will be unable to replace lost or broken lanyards.
Dorm Key Cards
Campus housing is accessible via key cards that allow access to your building, floor, and room. If you misplace your key card for on-campus housing, replacements are available for $20 by reporting to the front desk of your assigned building. Center Desk hours for each dorm building are 7am-11pm daily (updated from 8am-midnight).
An Adult Leader is required to accompany student attendees to the front desk when requesting a replacement key card.
Wristbands
Shuttle Wristbands
Priority access to campus shuttles is reserved for attendees with accessbility accommodations. Wristbands will be avaialble to attendees to indicate priority shuttle boarding. Attendees should allow those with priority access to board first.
Money
Attendees should plan to bring a credit or debit card to cover incidental expenses on campus, such as food, souvenirs, and gear at the on-site Thespian Shop. Please note that Apple Pay/Google Pay/Samsung Pay may not be accepted at all points of sale – so having a physical debit card is highly recommended. IU is a cashless campus but attendees may wish to have a small amount of cash on hand should the need arise.
Mobile App
EdTA's mobile app is the best way to stay up to date on ITF activities. Plan your daily schedule and keep an eye out for important updates. Here’s how:
- In your Apple or Android device, open the appropriate app store.
- Search for “EdTA” and click to download. Important: Do not choose "EdTA Events." The EdTA Events app is for Chapter Events.
- If you already have the EdTA app installed, we suggest uninstalling and reinstalling the app to ensure it updates for this year.
- Allow/enable notifications from the app on your device so you will receive any event alerts.
- Select the International Thespian Festival event and click Start.
- Use the app to explore the schedule, campus map, and more.
Note: With thousands of sessions during the week, any updates will take time to appear in the app. To ensure the app is as up-to-date as possible, please ALLOW the EdTA app to refresh in the background. To manually force a sync, tap the menu in the lower right corner, then "Tap to refresh" the data.
Performance Tickets
ITF offers a wide array of ticketed performances. Each Primary Adult Leader (PAL) received instructions to reserve tickets in advance of ITF.
PALs and individual attendees will receive printed tickets during ITF event check-in at the Registration and Information Desk. The IU Auditorium Box Office will be open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and reopen again at 7:00 p.m. to resolve any ticketing issues that may arise.
Should your schedule change at any point during the week and you find you are no longer able to attend a performance, please return your tickets to the IU Auditorium Box Office at least 2 hours before the show so that another attendee can use your seat.
Those hoping to attend a performance they did not receive tickets for can check with the IU Auditorium Box Office for any last-minute tickets available on the day of each performance.
Masterclasses
Ticketed Masterclasses
A select number of Masterclasses taking place alongside Main Stage performances are ticketed (indicated by a red ticket icon OR noted in the description). Tickets to these Masterclasses are reserved at the same time as Main Stage performance tickets and a ticket is required.
Open Masterclasses
Masterclasses held throughout the week during regular workshop hours are NOT ticketed and open on a first-come, first-serve basis! Check the schedule for time and location details.
Thespy Adjudications
The final round of Thespy adjudications takes place annually at ITF. To be fully prepared for adjudications, participants and their PALs should review the Thespy Logistics page.
Instructions for the Primary Adult Leaders (PAL) to access their student(s) Thespy adjudication schedule are also on this page.
College Auditions
College Callbacks & Interviews
Attendees registered for College Auditions may receive a callback or interview appointment directly from the college. Callbacks take place in designated rooms in the IMU and interviews take place in the Solarium Room of the Exhibit Hall.
Colleges will contact attendees using the email on file from when the College Audition Form was submitted.
College Dance Audition
Students who registered for College Auditions at ITF and indicated interest in the musical theatre dance portion are invited to join the College Dance Audition on Wednesday, June 24 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (check the ITF schedule for location details). This is only open to College Audition students who pre-registered during ITF registration.
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall
Come meet dozens of theatre industry companies who offer products and services for your theatre program. Talk to colleges, peruse scripts, learn about theatre programs, and just say "hello!"
Open at these hours in Alumni Hall at the IMU:
- Monday-Friday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Plus! Visit the Broadway Cares Pop Up Flea Market to buy cool Broadway stuff for a cause!
Thespian Shop
Thespian Shop
The Thespian Shop is your one-stop destination for official International Thespian Festival and International Thespian Society merch! Apparel and souvenirs are crafted specifically for festival attendees and not available online. Be sure to commemorate your ITF 2026 experience!
Open at these hours in the Tudor Room at the IMU:
- Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-2:00pm and 5:00-7:00pm
- Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm
Health & Medical Needs
First Aid
For non-life-threatening medical treatment, attendees (students and adults) can visit the ITF First Aid Station located in the Hoosier Room of the Indiana Memorial Union. It will be open the following dates and times:
- Sunday, June 21: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Monday, June 22: Friday, June 26 – 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Attendees in need of first aid should report to the ITF First Aid room not the IU Student Health Center. They should bring a copy of their health insurance card. All students in need of first aid must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Medical forms must be submitted for a medical provider to treat any ITF attendees (students and adults). Medical providers may refer attendees to the IU Student Health Center, urgent care, or emergency room depending on treatment required.
Outside ITF First Aid hours, attendees should call the ITF Safety Line at (513) 977-5566 for assistance with seeking non-life-threatening medical treatment.
Medication
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.
Mental Health Care
A school psychologist will be on call at the First Aid Station at the following times:
- Thursday, June 25: 10:00am-1:00pm; 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 26: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Staff will need to contact a parent or guardian prior to the student speaking with a psychologist as this service was not included in the regular Health & Consent Forms.
Safety
Safety is our top priority during ITF. We want every attendee to have a worry-free experience learning and participating in all activities. Should a safety concern arise, please use the links below to help us address them.
SafeIU Text Alerts
Stay informed during ITF. If you would like to receive real-time safety alerts, simply text "SafeIU" to 77295 to opt into notifications.
Emergency Situations
Find out the campus emergency procedures and more information on specific disasters, threats, and hazards.
ITF Safety Line
Attendees should call the ITF Safety Line at (513) 977-5566 for assistance with non-life-threatening safety issues. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 first, then call the ITF Safety Line.
Curfew & Nightly Attendance
Curfew
All attendees (students and adults) must be in their assigned dorm floor by 11:00 pm and check in with their Primary Adult Leader (PAL). Quiet hours, with lights out, are from 12:00 am-6:00 am. Students missing curfew will be reported and may face disciplinary action.
For safety reasons, IU’s dorms have measures in place to track access and movements within the buildings. Students found to have left their floors after curfew will risk being sent home at their own expense.
Nightly Attendance
Adult leaders are responsible for checking in students each night. Any students that have not checked by curfew should be reported to the PAL for your group. PALs must submit nightly attendance through this online form and include names of any students who are not present at curfew to escalate to our Safety Team. Forms must be submitted by 11:15 pm.
Assistance On Site
The ITF Information Desk is located in the East Lounge of the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU), will be open during the following hours:
- Sunday, June 21: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
You may also text us at (513) 790-4466. Our team will work diligently to reply to texts as quickly as possible upon receipt. Please note that this number is unable to accept phone calls and should not be used for emergencies.
Certificate of Participation
ITF Adult attendees can download a certificate of participation for professional learning. Once ITF concludes, a button will become available in the Attendee Service Center to download your certificate.