Opening Ceremony Performance
Be Part of the Spotlight at the
ITF Opening Ceremony!
Get ready to shine as your Thespian troupe could kick off the 2026 International Thespian Festival! Selected troupes will have the unforgettable chance to perform a specially assigned musical number before thousands of Thespians and theatre educators from around the world. Don’t miss your opportunity to make this year’s festival opening an electrifying celebration of talent, energy, and community!
Important Dates
| November 1 | Opening Ceremony performance application opens |
| January 8 | Application closes at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| By January 21 | Notification of selected troupes |
| January 28 | Deadline to accept invitation |
| April 8 | Registration deadline for selected troupes |
| June 21 | Rehearsals & Opening Ceremony performance at ITF |
Note: As with all EdTA applications, support is not available after business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET). Begin applications early!
Eligibility
To be considered for the ITF Opening Ceremony performance, selected Thespian troupes must meet the following criteria:
- Active Thespian Troupe Status: Troupe(s) represented must be chartered Thespian troupes in good standing with the Educational Theatre Association.
- Participant Commitment: Each selected troupe must commit to bringing a minimum of 25 students, along with the required number of chaperones, to the International Thespian Festival. All participating students must register for the full festival. Performing groups can be comprised of students from multiple Thespian troupes.
- Collaboration & Feedback: Troupes must be open to collaboration with EdTA’s event producers and directors. This includes participating in regular production meetings, sharing rehearsal videos, and being receptive to artistic feedback to ensure a polished performance aligned with EdTA’s vision for the show.
- Self-Directed Musical & Choreographic Preparation: While EdTA will provide overarching direction and support, each troupe is responsible for music direction and choreography for the assigned musical number. We’re looking for troupes ready to bring their own creative flair and energy to the festival’s opening!
- Arrival at IU Bloomington: Troupes must arrive at Indiana University Bloomington by 12 p.m. (noon) on June 21 to check in, unpack, and participate in afternoon rehearsals for that evening’s performance. Rehearsal times TBC (but may begin as early as 1 p.m.).
- Other ITF Performance Opportunities: To allow diverse representation, troupes selected for the ITF Main Stage or Chapter Select One-Act Showcase are not eligible for the Opening Ceremony performance. Troupes that apply for these opportunities may still audition for the Opening Ceremony, remaining eligible if not chosen for Main Stage or Chapter Select.
- Previous Participation: Troupes who performed in the Opening Ceremony at the previous year's festival are not eligible to perform in the Opening Ceremony at this year's festival. (Troupes must take at least one year off before being considered eligible again.)
Submission Process
- Record Your Audition: Create a 3- to 5-minute video of your troupe performing one musical number. The recording may be created specifically for this audition or taken from a performance within the past year. The performers in the video should reflect the makeup of the group you plan to bring to ITF, though they do not need to be the exact same individuals. The video should demonstrate the level of quality, energy, and polish your troupe can achieve with a musical number; however, please note that the song performed at ITF will be assigned by EdTA after selection.
- Submit Your Video: Upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, or another secure video hosting platform and include a hyperlink in your completed application. Ensure it represents the high-quality performance you’re ready to bring to the ITF Opening Ceremony! Note: The song in your video will serve as an audition piece. Selected troupes will be assigned their final performance song by EdTA.
- Selection Criteria: Our judges will review each submission based on:
- Staging: Creative, purposeful blocking and effective visual storytelling.
- Characterization: Emotional and physical depth, character commitment, and interaction.
- Ensemble Cohesion: A strong sense of community and engagement across performers.
- Vocal Quality: Balance, clarity, and blend within the vocal range of your performers.
- Choreography and Movement: Polished, meaningful movement fitting the musical piece.
- Production Value: Costumes, props, and staging that enhance the storytelling.
- Overall Execution: Cohesive storytelling that reflects your troupe’s talent and passion.
- Belonging: Demonstrates an inclusive, collaborative spirit that reflects the values of belonging central to the Thespian experience. Adjudicators will consider how the ensemble’s artistic and performance choices foster connection, mutual respect, and a sense that all participants are valued contributors to the storytelling.
Note: Troupes will not receive feedback on their submitted audition video.
Ready to audition?
Show us what makes your troupe unique and why you’re ready to shine at ITF’s Opening Ceremony! Submit your video and bring your best to the festival’s kick-off event.
Questions?
Please reach out with any questions about the Opening Ceremony performance opportunity.