Junior Play Day

This is a great way to learn about Oregon Thespians, meet and network with fellow middle school drama teachers, and show students that there ARE other kids like them in the state.

We welcome ALL middle schools whether you have a Thespian Troupe or not. This is a great way to see what Thespians are all about, let your students 'play' for a day, and enjoy middle school theatre!

For the Fifth Annual Middle School Theatre Play Day our theme is: After Happily Ever After.  Our activities will be based on this theme. 

All schools are encouraged to bring a short 5-10 minute mini-performance to showcase at the Play Day.  If you plan to bring something to share, please state so in your registration notes. These do not need to have a mystery theme. These can be scenes students have done in class, a scene from your previous production, or something that is coming up soon at your school!

Here is an outline for the day's events!

9am: Registration welcome-Collect packet for your school.

9am-9:30 am: Find your Headquarters for your school.  You will be greeted by a student from Patton's Troupe that will lead your students in an activity.

9:30am-10am: Formal welcome from TROUPE 89053, Junior STO, and Oregon Thespian State Officers

            Short information session about Thespians

10:30am-11:30am: Breakout Session and Thespys

Teacher Networking

Students will be assigned to mixed group of students from all schools.

Each group will be assigned a classic fairy tale, an object, and a setting.  For the next hour, they’ll discuss how to adapt the fairy tale to make it fit the teme.  Inducted Thespians can also sign up to participate in Thespys.

11:30am-12:30pm: Lunch and School Mini Performances

President/Rep Lunch

12:30-1:30: Rehearsal of Scenes and Thespys

1:30-1:45: Bathroom Break

1:45-3:30: Performance of All Scenes

3:30-4: Closing

THESPYs!

The International Thespian Excellence Awards, or ThespysTM for short, recognize the highest level of achievement in school theatre performance. This educational program (formerly called NIEs) gives Thespians the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on prepared theatrical material.

We decided to try rolling these out to our Juniors. In High School, they will be able to participate in Regionals where they are scored on a rubric. Since our Juniors are new to this, we decided to have them perform for feedback instead of scores. 

It will be $5 for each Thespy participant (the rest of Play Day is free) . Participants need to be fully inducted Thespians.

Performance Options and Guidelines

1. MONOLOGUE: Performance of two contrasting theatrical monologues. Time limit is 3 minutes (to perform BOTH). Only one character from each play may be portrayed. One chair may be used. Props are not allowed. 

2. DUO COMEDIC OR DUO DRAMATIC:  Performance of one partner scene from a play.  Time limit is 5 minutes.  Two chairs may be used. Props are not allowed.

For BOTH options: Performers must wear all black. They cannot wear a 'costume'. Scripted choices MUST come from a work specifically written for the STAGE. For example, they cannot perform a monologue from a movie, TV show, or book. It must come from a script.

SLATING

Before performance, students need to slate. Below is a link to our JSTO instagram! I highly recommend you and your students follow it to get more information. Our JSTO will be posting examples, deadlines, etc. @orjuniorsto

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4yPbJUHmel/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

They will be assigned a performer number before your arrival so they can practice slating.

How will they work day of play day?

Students participating in Thespys will be given a time and location of their performance when they arrive. It will be their responsibility to keep an eye on time and arrive at their performance appointment at the right time. They will spend the rest of their time with their regular play day group. So, they'll leave their group, do the Thespy performance, and then return to their group. Feedback forms will be placed in an envelope and given to Troupe Directors before you leave.

FAQs

Does my school or do all of my students have to be a Thespian to participate?

No! We welcome ALL middle schools whether you have a troupe or not. This is a great way to see what Thespians are all about, let your students 'play' for a day, and enjoy middle school theatre!

Chaperones

Do we need chaperones? We recommend that you bring at least one chaperone per 20 students. This way, teachers are free to mingle to get information and meet other teachers. Chaperones can monitor students while in groups. Last year, chaperones had a great time watching students work together while roaming around to various groups.

What should I bring to the event?

Please bring your registation information to help us run smoothly.

A lunch for all students (Food will be provided for all adults attending).

A 5-10 minute mini performance if you like.

What can teachers do during the event?

There will be a space set up for teachers to network. Meet people from other schools, share resources, and discuss ideas. There will also be information about Junior Thespians available if you might be interested in starting a troupe at your school. Emily Wilcox, Junior Thespian Board Member, will be there to guide you through the Thespian website if needed.

Coffee, Tea, Water, and Food will be provided for adults.

Chaperones should be monitoring students from your school for behavior.

Feel free to jump in and work with student groups, provide feedback, and have fun!

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Emily Wilcox, Host    ewilcox@msd.k12.or.us 503-565-4511

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

That is fine as long as you update it on your paperwork.

What are my parking options?

Patton has a large parking lot to accomodate many busses.