WANT TO PERFORM A MAINSTAGE AT VTF '25?
STEP 1: SUBMIT AN APPLICATION to bring your Fall/Winter Play or Musical.
- STEP 2: NOTIFY YOUR CAST/CREW/PARENTS that you have submitted an application. Be sure to include it in your contract for the production.
STEP 3: NOTIFY YOUR LICENSING COMPANY that you may be chosen to perform at the Virginia Thespian Festival.
STEP 4: DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION: Be sure to design a set that can travel and be loaded in and out of a professional touring house within 2 - 3 hours, with only your crew. Think about how you will bring your show (U-Haul/Truck/18-Wheeler).
STEP 5: LABEL EVERYTHING: If chosen, be sure to have everything labeled for a swift load-in and load-out.
HOW ARE SHOWS SELECTED?EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE: ALL mainstage productions are properly vetted by a panel of State Board Members. This may include, but is not limited to attending one of your school's performances, asking you for further mainstage application information, or asking to see a records only recording of a previous production. This review occurs within two months of the conference date, and the Board's vote or lack thereof by the deadline decides the outcome.
DIVERSITY/EQUITY/INCLUSION: Selecting a mainstage performance with a keen focus on diversity is of paramount importance in today's dynamic theatrical landscape. The infusion of diverse voices, narratives, and perspectives enriches the theatrical experience, fostering a vibrant tapestry of stories that resonates with a wide range of audiences. By embracing a variety of styles, cultures, and presentation forms, the mainstage platform becomes a powerful vehicle for fostering inclusivity and promoting social understanding. Diversity in mainstage selections not only mirrors the evolving societal mosaic but also amplifies the potential for meaningful engagement. The inclusion of plays and performances that highlight underrepresented groups, cultural histories, and contemporary issues allows audiences to connect on a personal level, sparking conversations that transcend boundaries. Moreover, a diverse mainstage repertoire serves as a catalyst for aspiring artists from different backgrounds to find relatable role models and narratives, inspiring them to explore their creative passions. By actively championing diversity, theater festivals and institutions honor the complexity of the human experience and contribute to a more equitable and enlightened artistic landscape. INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN FESTIVAL ADJUDICATION: Schools aspiring for the International Thespian Festival are given preference, aligning with other selection criteria. PREVIOUS MAINSTAGE OPPORTUNITIES: Priority rankings place schools that haven't presented a mainstage in the previous year above those who have ALL-STATE OR REGIONAL PRODUCTIONS: Where feasible under the above conditions, inclusion of a production from each region is pursued. |
TAKE HOME THE HARDWARE!Each school who participates in the MAINSTAGE Festival will receive a plaque to take back to their home school to commemorate their success and hard work. We know it takes a lot to travel a show, and we want you to celebrate that work at your school with your administration and your community! |
2025 Mainstage Tickets
All registered attendees and special guests will get assigned seats emailed to them by Jan 1st. No outside attendees may come to our ceremony/ mainstage events without an invite as seating is limited and reserved for our festival attendees.
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