2023 FESTIVAL MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCES:
Friday Night - Carrie: The Musical performed by Hickory High School
Saturday Night - Almost, Maine performed by the Virginia All-State Cast & Crew
Sunday Morning - Closing Showcase, featuring the Chapter-Select One-Act and Thespys Showcase

2022 FESTIVAL MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCES:
Friday Night - Murder on the Orient Express performed by Langley High School
Saturday Night - Songs for a New World performed by Tuscarora High School
Saturday Night [instead of Sunday morning due to Inclement Weather] - "Elephant's Graveyard" ​performed by Spotswood High School

Visit our HISTORY page for a list of productions that have appeared on the Virginia Thespian Mainstage since 2008.

Want to Perform on the VA Thespian Festival Mainstage?

1. Any director offering a mainstage for the first time is subject to review by a member of the State Board or their designated representative. In addition, any school, which has presented a mainstage that has been deemed to be below expected quality, should be subject to this same review. This determination would be made by a vote of the serving State Board within two months after the conference date. If there is no vote to this effect by the deadline date, this qualification may not be considered.

2. If it is possible, given the selection offered for presentation, a balanced program of different styles, types, and presentation forms of theatre will be selected.

3. A school, which is making a bid for the International Thespian Festival, will be given preference if possible within these other guidelines.

4. A school that has presented a mainstage in the previous year would be ranked in priority after a school that did not.

5. A school which withdrew its mainstage production after it had been accepted, so that another school may present, would be given priority the next year. After that year, this would not be considered.

6. If, within the above rulings, it is possible to take a production from each region, it would be done.

​7. Mainstage applications for the 2023 Festival are due by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4.
Steps to bringing your mainstage show the VTF
Advice from previous directors & board members:
  1. Ideally you are bringing your fall/winter play/musical.
  2. Make sure you notify your cast, crew, and parents that this is an option for your production and make sure that they are committed to performing the show at VTF if selected.
    1. I usually put this in my show contract or make a google form to get this confirmation before proceeding.
    2. If a few students can’t attend you can always have an understudy or recast that role for the VTF performance.
  3. Notify your licensing company that you may perform this piece at the VTF conference. 
    1. I usually just apply for it early and then sign the contract if selected. 
    2. Due to the delay on contracts these days it’s best to apply early so you have that part ready to go if your show is selected.
  4. When designing/constructing your set (for your own school performances), think about the fact that you will need to transport this set to the VTF performance space.
    1. Label your different parts of your set to help with breaking down and reconstructing at the VTF venue.
    2. You will need a truck of some size (depending on your set). Make sure you have one lined up.
      1. A parent vehicle, Uhaul, etc.
    3. This can be costly but you can ask your PTA, boosters club, or even your school if they can help with the financials. When they know what it is for most of the time they will be able to help you.
  5. Bring any tools that you will need to construct your set.
    1. This also goes for battery chargers, extension cords, etc.
    2. Yes, the venue may have some of those items but that is really a last resort. Having your own tools will make for a smoother transition/process.
STEPS FOR BRINGING A MAINSTAGE TO VTF

  1. For load-in and load-out, of your production make sure you assign students jobs.
    1. Example: John/Tina/Charlotte - you are on props. Make sure they are in their proper bins and you have a checklist for those items.
    2. This goes for ALL areas of your performance.
  2. Have some brush up rehearsals built in prior to VTF. 
    1. I would say depending on the show/set you can rehearse without all the bells and whistles. 
    2. When you are at the venue there is a chance that you may not be able to rehearse the entire show , so you want to make sure the students feel comfortable prior to your arrival at VTF.
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
    1. You can always contact the mainstage chair (Brian Kaufman) for any questions or concerns.
    2. Have parent volunteers help you with load-in and load-out of your set.
  4. The payoff of performing at VTF is truly like no other. When you have a thousand THEATRE students cheering on your students (both performers and techs) it’s priceless and an experience that will always be remembered.