Rules & Regulations

ITF attendees shall abide by the Events Code of Conduct, EdTA Code of Conduct, and the following rules and regulations.

Registration Policies

Adult Leaders

ITF requires an adult-to-student ratio of 1:8. Adult chaperones must be at least 21 years of age as of the first day of check-in. Adult chaperones are expected to supervise and discipline minors attending with their group.

Discount Codes

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. When discount codes are applied to a registration, the code will be added to the most recent registrant, not the entire group.

Payment

International Thespian Festival attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendees understand that payment in full must be received no later than June 11, 2025.

Confirmation

The Primary Adult Leader (PAL) for each group will receive an email confirmation of their registration from edta@schooltheatre.org. (Be sure to add the address to your safe senders list!) If you have not received a confirmation within 5 business days of registering, please contact events@schooltheatre.org.

View Substitution and Cancelation Policies

Housing and Travel Policies

Event Housing

ITF attendees must stay either in residence halls or one of the host hotels in the ITF group block to keep registration fees affordable. Attendees staying on campus must submit their housing assignments no later than May 14, 2025. All attendees staying in a host hotel must book their reservations before the May 28, 2025 housing cut-off date.

Curfew

All attendees (students and adults) must be in their assigned dorm rooms by 11:30 p.m. Quiet hours, with lights out, begin at 12 a.m. and end at 6:30 a.m.

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.

Privacy

Adult attendees must respect the privacy of minor attendees in situations such as changing clothes, taking showers, and using restrooms and should intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations. In campus housing:

Adults are not permitted in any student’s room with the door closed for any reason.
Students are not permitted on a floor or in a room dedicated to a different gender than their own for any reason.
- IU's housing policy requires separation of students based on a gender binary, and students are not allowed on floors or in rooms that house students of genders other than their own.

Property Damage and Loss

Attendees are responsible to Indiana University for any damage to their room or campus property. Do not remove, alter, or damage any campus property. This includes posting messages on dorm windows.

Prior to checkout, attendees are expected to tidy their rooms and dorm lounges to the condition they were found at check-in. EdTA will bill the attendee, parents, or school for damage fees not collected at checkout.

To prevent fires and furniture damage, burning incense and candles is not permitted. Fireworks are also prohibited on campus.

To prevent theft, keep your dorm room locked.

Safety and Security Policies

Programs Involving Children

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. Review the PIC policy.

Background Checks

All attendees 18+ participating at ITF in any capacity (staff, volunteers, adult leaders, students, volunteers, 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

Invitations to complete background checks will be sent via email and text after May 7, 2025.

Note: This is not a credit check, and your credit report will not be impacted. Background checks must be completed no later than June 11, 2025; any adults and students aged 18+ without completed background checks will not be allowed entry to ITF.

University Regulations

While attending ITF, you are a guest of the university. Behave graciously and respect your fellow attendees, university staff and students, and local citizens. Follow all posted rules in campus buildings — for example, no outside food or drink in the theatres, and no audio, video, or camera recording of performances (except for the official event photographers).

Transportation

Transportation, including the transportation of children at the beginning and end of ITF, to and from ITF, and within ITF, whether by parents, guardians, ITF staff, third-party providers (charter bus, taxi or hired car service, Uber, Lyft, etc.) or others.

Except in the case of an emergency, no adult leaders should travel alone with a minor.

Shuttle service is limited. Attendees must indicated when registering if they require shuttle access for accessibility purposes. Attendees who request shuttle access for accessibility purposes when registering will be issued a wristband with their registration materials to have prioritized access and seating on shuttles. All other attendees may access the shuttle subject to space and availability.

Dietary Restrictions

All requests must be indicated at registration. Attendees with dietary restrictions who are staying on-campus will have access to Free From IX concept in dining halls where food is prepared with allergen-free ingredients. We work directly with on-campus dining and food and beverage vendors to accommodate requests; however, no area will be completely allergy-free. Attendees are encouraged to self-advocate.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Policy

EdTA has a “zero tolerance” policy on alcohol and drug use at student events.

Illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia by event attendees, staff, or guests is a violation of local, state, and federal laws. Possession of drug paraphernalia will be treated the same as possession of illicit drugs, even if never used.

Adults who are in a clear state of intoxication (caused by alcohol or a controlled substance) in the presence of minors will be treated as a policy violation.

Indiana University is a tobacco-free campus, including all indoor and outdoor areas. Use of any tobacco product is prohibited, including vaping.

Weapons Policy

To foster a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees, ITF has a no weapons policy. This policy includes possession and use of actual weapons in any event activity or venue, as well as restrictions on prop weapons in performances.

Any possible weapon that could physically or psychologically harm ITF attendees is prohibited. Such items include but are not limited to knives, nunchaku, firearms, shotguns, rifles, air rifles, B.B. guns, pellet guns, or any pistol version thereof, tasers, explosives or fireworks, brass knuckles, whips, swords, or any other instrument capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.

Realistic prop weapons that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual weapon are also prohibited on campus and in performances. This includes use of weapons for sound effects. The risk of potential trauma and disruption, and the required safety processes, including police department involvement, outweigh any theatrical benefit.

Prop weapons that clearly cannot be mistaken for real weapons may be permitted with advance permission from EdTA. Examples include props made of foam or cardboard and marked with orange tips or caps, or nerf guns without cartridges. Directors must note the item in their performance application to be considered.

EdTA reserves the right to disallow any prop weapon within the spirit of this policy.

Attendees bringing any type of weapon onto campus will be sent home immediately at their own expense.

First Aid

ITF attendees seeking medical treatment through the ITF First Aid station must have a completed Health & Consent form on file. Students seeking medical assistance must have an adult chaperone with them when visiting First Aid. Medical providers may refer attendees to the IU Student Health Center, urgent care, or emergency room depending on treatment required.

Emergencies

If there is an emergency or a crime in progress:

Call 911
Call 513-977-5566 (ITF Safety Line)

Once all parties are safe:

Report the incident using IU's Incident Report Form.
Report the incident using the ITF 2025 Incident Report Form.

Student Behavior

For the enjoyment of everyone, attendees are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct, follow all event rules, and always behave responsibly and respectfully. Students who engage in disruptive or destructive behavior of any kind may face disciplinary action.

For reported or witnessed incidents, EdTA will determine consequences and reserves the right to expel any participant from ITF.

Actions that will result in immediate dismissal from ITF:

Use or possession of alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia
Use or possession of tobacco or vaping products
Use or possession of firearms or weapons
Any adult in any student’s dorm or hotel room with door closed — for any reason

Should a student need to leave ITF for any reason, their parent or guardian must arrange to pick up their child at their own expense. Students or adults who are removed from the event are not eligible for a refund.

If three or more students under the supervision of the same adult leader face disciplinary issues, then the adult leader may not be permitted to participate in future EdTA events.

Lost and Found

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. Indiana University and EdTA are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Inclusion Policy

The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and the International Thespian Society (ITS) honor and respect all attendees of the International Thespian Festival and strive to do no harm. View policy.

Anti-Racism Policy

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access are integral to upholding this EdTA core value. We want everyone involved with EdTA — from students and teachers to volunteers and event attendees — to feel important and respected by our organization and to advance our racial equity goals. We’re an anti-racist organization actively striving toward inclusion and belonging for all, and we’re living up to that commitment through our three-year racial equity plan. Read on to learn more about our ongoing work to make theatre education more equitable and inclusive. View Policy.

Marketing Policies

EdTA Photo/Video Release

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, EdTA meetings, events, and/or other activities constitutes an agreement by the attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendees to the use and distribution of the registrant or attendee's image or voice in photographs, video and audio recordings, and electronic reproductions of such events and activities by EdTA. This includes the right to broadcast, exhibit, market, sell, and otherwise distribute the photos and recordings, either in whole or in parts, and use the registrant or attendee’s name in connection with such uses, in any media whatsoever, and either alone or with other products, for commercial or non-commercial purposes that EdTA or its designees in their sole discretion may determine. This grant includes the right to use the photos and recordings for promoting or publicizing any of the above stated uses. Registrants and attendees acknowledge that they will not receive compensation, now or in the future, in connection with any such uses. This release and the rights granted hereunder may be assigned, licensed, sublicensed, and transferred as EdTA may see fit. Registrants and attendees acknowledge that they have completely read and fully understand the above release and agree to be bound thereby, and release any and all claims against EdTA and its assignees and licensees utilizing this material for the above purposes.

Disney Media Release

I, the undersigned, hereby agree and consent to your photographing, filming, taping and/or recording my likeness, voice, performance, movements, sound and statements and, knowing you will incur substantial expense in reliance upon this Consent and Release (this "Consent"), and for other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, I hereby grant to you and your parent, related, affiliated and subsidiary companies, and their respective licensees and assigns, and the directors, officers, employees and agents of each (collectively "Disney"), throughout the universe in perpetuity, or for the maximum period permitted by any applicable laws, the right to display, use, modify, and reuse, and/or otherwise exploit such photographs, films, tapes and/or recordings of my likeness, voice, performance, movements, sound and statements, and my name, as the case may be, in all media, whether now known or hereafter devised (including, without limitation, in motion pictures, films, newspapers, magazines, radio systems, basic cable, free and paid television, commercials, video-on-demand, merchandise, video cassette and video disk exploitations, CDs and CD-ROMs, online, emails, webcasts, podcasts, mobile, outdoor advertising, and in-store applications) and in all forms including, without limitation, digitized images, whether for advertising, publicity, or promotional purposes or for any other purposes whatsoever, without compensation to me or any limitation whatsoever. In granting this license, I understand that Disney is not under any obligation to exercise any of its rights, licenses and/or privileges herein granted. No union, guild or any other such association or group has jurisdiction over this Consent or my participation in reproductions and this Consent shall not be submitted to, or subject to, certification or approval by any such organization.

I hereby release Disney from all claims, demands, liabilities, actions, damages, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and fees of other professionals) that I may now or hereafter have against Disney arising in connection with Disney’s use and/or reuse of my likeness, voice, performance, movements, sound and/or statements in such photographs, films, tapes and/or recordings, as the case may be, and/or my name and Disney’s exercise of the rights hereby granted, including, without limitation, claims for compensation, defamation, or invasion of privacy or other claims for infringement or violation of personal or property rights of any sort whatsoever. Accordingly, I hereby expressly waive any and all rights and benefits conferred upon me them by the provisions of SECTION 1542 OF THE CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE, which provides:

“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.”

This Consent shall be binding upon me, and my heirs, personal representatives and assigns, and shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflicts of laws principles. Venue for any legal action arising out of or in connection with this Consent shall be in Orange County, Florida and jurisdiction shall be vested exclusively in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in and for Orange County, Florida or, if appropriate, in the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, and I waive my right to a trial by jury. If any provision of this Consent is deemed to be invalid, it shall be considered deleted herefrom and shall not invalidate the remaining provisions. This Consent constitutes my entire agreement in favor of Disney with respect to the subject matter of this Consent and supersedes any and all of my previous agreements, statements, communications and representations, whether written or oral, in favor of or with Disney with respect to such subject matter. I certify I am at least 18 years of age and I am not a minor.

Performance Venue Photography

In all performance venues, the taking of photographs and video recordings is strictly prohibited except for approved representatives of the festival's producing organizations (Indiana University Bloomington and the Educational Theatre Association).

Intellectual Property

ITF attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendees hereby assign to EdTA all copyrights and other intellectual property rights in artwork, text, music, software, video, choreography, and other types of work (“Works”) created by attendees specifically for their participation in the events or activities of Organizers. Attendees waive all rights in such Works under the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990 and agree to sign all further documents or instruments necessary to vest in EdTA all rights, title and interest in the aforementioned Works and intellectual property. The intellectual property rights hereby assigned to EdTA and waived by ITF attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendees do not include rights of ITF attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendees in works that pre-exist ITF attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendee’s participation in the events or activities of EdTA.

Release & Indemnification

ITF attendees and/or parents/legal guardians of minor attendees release and agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), its programs, Chapter and other Group Affiliates, and all respective officers, employees, agents and representatives of the aforementioned entities (each an “Organizer” and collectively the “Organizers”) from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of actions, losses, liabilities, judgments, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) resulting from participating in International Thespian Festival. Attendees shall give each Organizer prompt written notice of any claim or facts or circumstances that might give rise to any claim for indemnification.

Events Code of Conduct

EdTA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all. All attendees, including but not limited to students, adult leaders, presenters, exhibitors, staff, service providers, volunteers, and all others, are expected to abide by EdTA’s Code of Conduct. This policy applies to all EdTA events, including those sponsored by organizations other than EdTA but held in conjunction with EdTA events, on public or private platforms, in-person or online.

EdTA has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment. If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, submit an incident report so that EdTA can take the appropriate action.

Act Well Your Part

EdTA events engage attendees with a wide range of beliefs and ideas about the subjects they are discussing. We encourage an open dialogue but require that all remain courteous and respectful.

There Are No Small Parts

Everyone is essential during an event. Engage, participate, and encourage others to do the same.

Know Your Audience

This is an event that connects students, educators, and people passionate about the arts. Just as you would in any educational environment, refrain from sharing inappropriate content.

Yes, And...

This event is meant to be a positive experience for anyone who chooses to participate. Think before you speak. Ask yourself: Is it necessary? Is it kind? Is it true?

We Take Reports Seriously

If you see any unacceptable behavior*, please submit an incident report.

All the World's a Stage

Whether an event is online or in-person, you always have an audience. Respect the privacy of others. The Educational Theatre Association is not responsible for any consequences you experience resulting from anything you have posted online during an event. Please refrain from using any information that would lead to exposing your personal identify (e.g., last name, email address, or other personal information).

Respect Copyright Laws

If it’s not yours, get permission before you share, or cite the necessary sources.

*Unacceptable Behavior is Defined as:

Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
Verbal abuse of any attendee, adult leader, presenter, exhibitor, staff, service provider, volunteer, or other event guest.
- Examples of verbal abuse include but are not limited to: verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, and/or national origin; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations; or threatening or stalking any attendee, adult leader, presenter, exhibitor, staff, service provider, volunteer, or other event guest.
Disruption of presentations during sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at other activities organized by EdTA throughout the event. All participants must comply with the instructions of any EdTA staff, adult leader, or event volunteer.
Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitation for services. EdTA reserves the right to remove such messages and potentially ban sources of those solicitations.

EdTA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the activity, event, or meeting without warning or refund, in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior, and EdTA reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future online or in-person activity, event, or meeting.