The 2021 International Thespian Festival will take place virtually again this year on June 22-25. Produced by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the event brings together thousands of theatre students and their teachers to enjoy 40+ educational workshops, inspiring performances, and the opportunity to interact with 60+ colleges, industry leaders, and Broadway professionals — including emcee Michael James Scott, known for playing the genie in Aladdin.
For the second year, Virtual ITF will deliver an easy-to-attend, all-digital experience, allowing students and teachers from all over the country— and around the world— to participate despite ongoing COVID-19 challenges and restrictions. Registration is now open.
Festival Theme: Let Your Light Shine
At ITF, students are the stars, and this year’s theme focuses on providing a time of fun and hope after a particularly tough school year (for students and educators alike). It’s a time for participants to connect with other theatre students and educators, to find inspiration in learning and performance, and to rekindle their internal spark.
Master of Ceremonies: Michael James Scott
Thespian alum Michael James Scott, the Broadway triple threat and self-proclaimed “Disney kid,” returns to kick off the festival by hosting the opening ceremony, which will feature a keynote and a virtual choir of all-star Thespians. Scott will also host the closing International Thespian Excellence Awards Showcase (The Thespys®), a live celebration of the highest achieving theatre students in the country.
Workshops, Performances, and Colleges
ITF 2021 will deliver more than 40 fun and educational workshops, including:
- 10 Steps to a Great Monologue with Jade Lambert-Smith
- College Audition Cheatsheet with Michelle Evans
- Leveling the Playing Field: Finding Talented Musical Theatre Students in Diverse Populations with Joanne O’Kain
- Mastering the Audition: In the Digital World with Arbender Robinson
- Shamilton! Improvised Hip-Hop Musical with Albert Samuels
- Stage Management with Cody Renard Richard
This year’s student International Thespian Officers also will lead a workshop on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students will be able to explore their college choices through a 24/7 college fair and unified auditions with 60-plus top college theatre programs. And ITF will showcase the nation’s best school theatre productions: Main stage shows and featured Chapter Select one-acts will be announced at the end of April.
Full event details and registration are available at itf.schooltheatre.org.
Photo: Getty Image