Thespys Now in Education
This fall ushered in some changes at the Educational Theatre Association, including some changes to the Thespy program. As many of you know, in September, the program shifted within EdTA’s structure, from the events department to the education department. As Education Director, I’m so thrilled to be overseeing the program and applying a strong educational lens to the Thespys. My team is also collaborating closely with Events Director Elizabeth Young and her team to coordinate the needs of the Thespy program at the International Thespian Festival.
2022-2023 Guidelines Published
First on the list, was working to get our 2022-2023 guidelines and rubrics updated and posted online. Based on your requests, our Content team published a PDF program guide along with the updated rubrics available in the on Thespy.org. Very little has changed since last year, with the exception of the addition of a new Thespy category-Musical Theatre Dance, and some tweaks to the Playwriting rubric.
Welcome Gina Minyard, Thespy Program Manager
One other change has happened behind the scenes, that was several months in the making; the addition of our new Thespy Program Manager! Please welcome Gina Minyard to the EdTA family.
Gina is a former theatre educator who has had extensive experience in theatre education and as a performer and director. Gina also has experience with the Thespys both as an adjudicator, and as a teacher bringing students to her state festival and to the International Thespian Festival. I am so happy to welcome her as an incredible asset to the Education Department and the Thespy program.
Please feel free to reach out to her at thespys@schooltheatre.org , she would love to hear from you with any Thespy questions or just to say hello!
Seeking Thespy Committee Members
One last bit of Thespy news- the Thespy Committee is seeking new members! The Thespy committee consists of a group of volunteer theatre educators who are experienced with Thespys and adjudications. This hard working group functions as an advisory committee, busy behind the scenes whenever you see a change to the guide or the rubrics. A big shout out to them for their hard work this year on the changes to the guide and rubrics.
The committee, Gina, and I are working diligently to establish a process and timeline surrounding program updates so that all changes are complete well before the start of the school year. We are also working to diversify the committee to be sure that it represents the voices of our members and the students they serve by actively seeking to add members to address diverse geographic locations, troupe sizes and populations. To do this we need you! If you are interested in becoming a member, or just want to learn more about the committee, please contact Education Director Cory Wilkerson at cwilkerson@schooltheatre.org
- Cory Wilkerson, Education Director