Hello All,

We are still finalizing plans for Fetival 2026, but wanted to let you all know what is in the works as soon as we could. Based on availability of facilities, the Tentative Festival Dates will likely be January 9-10, 2026. We know this is very early / soon after winter break, which is why we wanted to give everyone the heads-up as soon as we could. We know many of you are working on season planning etc. and wanted this to be on your radar. Below are some of the important deadlines to keep in mind as you plan for the Fall.

Maryland Thespians - Tentative Festival Dates and Deadlines:

• Tentative Festival Dates: January 9-10, 2026

• Registration Opens: September 2, 2025

• One Act Proposal Submissions Due: October 1, 2025

• Lottery for One Acts Complete by: October 8, 2025

• Registration Closes: November 14, 2025

• All Thespys (including Tech) must also register in the Open Water system by November 14, 2025

• Thespy Video Submissions Due: November 21, 2025

• Tech Thespys will continue to be LIVE at the festival (but still need to be registered in Open Water by November 14, 2025)

State Thespian Officer (STO) Application Information:

There are a limited number of STO positions available this year and the application is open, now through April 22nd.

Any inducted underclassman in good standing may apply. However, priority is given to returning STOs and to those schools which have a Troupe Director serving on the Maryland Thespians Board. It is also worth noting that we prioritize applications from rising Sophomores/Juniors in the hope that students can serve for more than one year, growing into leadership positions on the student board.

Applications from Schools whose Troupe Director is NOT on the Maryland Thespians Board will be considered for up to ONE STO position each, to fill any available spots.

Please share the below information below with any interested students:

• STO Applications open: April 5, 2025
  STO Applications deadline: April 22, 2025

• Your application REQUIRES that you upload a Recommendation from your Troupe Director AND another faculty or staff member from your school. Here is the form - be sure it’s completed BEFORE you start your application.

• STO Notifications: by May 4, 2025

• STO First Meeting (mandatory): 12-3pm, May 18, 2025 at McDonough High School, 7165 Marshall Corner Road, Pomfret, MD 20675

Thespys

We want directors to know that we hear the continued desire for in-person opportunites and definitely see the value in those experiences for our young artists. After much discussion, the decision was made to keep the current model for 2026 (mostly Virtual, except for Tech Thespys, which will continue to be in-person at Festival) and to revisit more in-person options for Festival 2027. The deciding factor was a financial one, in an effort to keep the registration costs for students as low as possible - especially considering the currently uncertain economic outlook.

Please be aware of the anticipated Thespy Registration and Submission Deadlines:

• Festival Registration Deadline: November 14, 2025

• Open Water Registration Deadline: November 14, 2025

• Thespy Video Submissions on Open Water Deadline: November 21, 2025

Annual Meeting - A GREAT WAY TO CONNECT with US

• Open to ALL Troupe Directors - June 8, 2025 @ 3pm

  • meet.google.com/xgp-nhfz-ypy

• Please consider attending to ask questions, get clarification, and to express interest in helping out with next year’s festival.  

• If you’re a new Troupe Director, this is a great time to speak with Board Members and get a greater understanding of Maryland Thespians and what we can offer to you and your students.

Areas we need help in:

Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you have an interest in helping out!  Not all parts of festival require you to be on the Board and to attend Monthly meetings etc.  

• Recruiting Adjudicators (local theatre professionals and college faculty)

• Coordinating Vendors / Sponsors

• Registration / Festival Logistics

• Coordinating Troupe Events (Trash Costumes, Trivia etc.)

• JR Festival Committee

• Asst. STO Coordinator