2024 maryland thespian festival
COLLEGE & SCHOLARSHIP
AUDITIONS
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, November 17th, 2023
STUDENT APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 6th, 2024
PARTICIPANTS:
College/Conservatory Auditions: Any high school student in their junior, or senior year who are registered as an in-person delegate at Festival.
Senior Scholarship Auditions: Inducted Thespians in their senior year of high school who are registered as an in-person delegate at Festival.
CONTACT: scholarships@marylandthespians.org
Note that the College and Scholarship Auditions are held together, in front of a panel of College/Conservatory and Maryland Thespians representatives. All students will be considered for whatever they are eligible (and have applied) for.
College/Conservatory Auditions
Maryland Thespians is pleased to offer Inducted Thespians in their junior or senior year with a forum at the Maryland Thespian Festival where students may audition for collegiate programs of study, summer programs, and additional scholarships. Additionally, representatives from colleges and universities are given the opportunity to meet with students who audition and/or interview during the festival independently.
You must register as an in-person delegate of Festival in order to participate in College Auditions.
Should the cost/requirements prove to be prohibitive, please reach out to Chapter Director Guy Barbato.
AUDITION / PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
All students will present to the panel of college and university representatives. This year we’re making it easier than ever. All those participating can do so in any category they would like utilizing the same requirements as the International Thespian Excellence Awards. You can review category-specific requirements here.
If you would like to submit in a category not officially recognized by the International Thespian Excellence Awards, you may do so by simply following the requirements of the closest equivalent category recognized by the International Thespian Excellence Awards. For example, if you would like to present a portfolio in the category of Properties Design, which is not yet recognized by the International Thespian Excellence Awards, you may do so by following the same requirements as the nearest design category of your choosing.
ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All applicants will be required to submit the following additional materials:
A theatrical or professional résumé
A headshot or photo of yourself
SUBMISSION LOGISTICS
Once registered, Students will complete this online application. The deadline for submissions is January 6th, 2024, 11:59 PM.
Senior Scholarship Auditions
Maryland Thespians is pleased to offer Inducted Thespians in their senior year, who hold at least a 3.0 GPA and declared intent to major in theatre at college, the opportunity to audition for senior scholarships. Your future takes center stage with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase your talents and help fund your college education.
AUDITION / PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
All students will present in-person this year and we’re making it easier than ever. All those participating can do so in any category they would like utilizing the same requirements as the International Thespian Excellence Awards. You can review category-specific requirements here.
If you would like to submit in a category not officially recognized by the International Thespian Excellence Awards, you may do so by simply following the requirements of the closest equivalent category recognized by the International Thespian Excellence Awards. For example, if you would like to present a portfolio in the category of Properties Design, which is not yet recognized by the International Thespian Excellence Awards, you may do so by following the same requirements as the nearest design category of your choosing.
INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS
After your audition or portfolio presentation, students may be asked to complete a brief interview.
Example interview questions:
Please give three specific examples of how you have served your school’s theatre program. Of these examples, which contribution are you most proud of and why?
If you are an inducted member of a Thespian Troupe at your high school, explain how being an inducted Thespian has benefited you both as an artist and a student. If your school does not have a Thespian Troupe or you were not afforded this opportunity, how has being involved in your school’s performing arts program benefited you, both an artist and a student?
Describe your reason for wanting to pursue the arts in college. Is there a defining moment or experience you can point to?
After college, how do you hope to contribute to the professional performing arts community?
ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Prior to completing your in-person audition or portfolio presentation and interview, all applicants must submit the following materials:
A headshot or photo of yourself.
A theatrical or professional résumé.
An unofficial copy of your high school transcript.
A one-page recommendation from someone who has worked with you in some theatrical capacity. For example, this can be your Troupe Director, a director you’ve worked with either in school or out of school, or your performing arts teacher.
SUBMISSION LOGISTICS
Once registered, students will complete this online application. The deadline for submissions is January 6th, 2024, 11:59 PM.