Regionals

The Regional Acting Competition is the largest Oregon Thespians event, involving a large number of students participating in three regions around the state. In the context of Oregon Thespians’ annual roster of events, this is the first step in a student’s effort to be selected to participate in the State Individual Events Showcase during the State Festival, and qualify to participate in the National Individual Events Showcase auditions at the International Thespian Festival in June.

Schools participate in one of three regional events: Northwest, Northeast, and Southern. The dividing line between the North and South is the 45th parallel (just north of Salem). The dividing line in the North between the East and West is Interstate 5. Schools can only participate outside their region by special arrangement (due to transportation issues, for instance).

NOTE: As of 2016, all Portland Public Schools participate in the Northwest Regional, regardless of their location in the Metro Area.

There are 8 non-musical event categories: Solo Acting (Novice and Experienced), Duet Acting (Comic and Dramatic, Novice and Experienced), Group Acting, and Pantomime. There are 4 musical event categories: Solo, Duet, Small Group and Large Group.

In each category other than Novice, the top 10% scoring entries (or a minimum of 2) in each region are named Showcase Qualifiers and are invited to advance to the State Individual Events Showcase auditions at the State Festival. In Novice categories, only 1 top scoring entry advances. In each category, the next 10% (or those remaining in the top 20%) are recognized as Regional Finalists.

While the day is structured around competition, the spirit of the day is focused on recognition of quality student work, and constructive feedback from qualified adjudicators.

Registration is done online. When registering for the Regional Acting Competition, you will be providing numbers of entries and numbers of participants. Before you go online to register, make sure you know how many entries you have in each event, and also how many Thespians and Non-Thespians are in each entry. Thespians pay $10 per event they enter.  Non-Thespians pay $12 per event they enter.  You will be asked to list the name and membership number of each inducted Thespian Member you are registering.  Double check your numbers. You will be responsible for paying for all participants, even if you show up with fewer than you register. Please review entry limits for participants as well as schools.

Students who would like to be eligible to participate in the National Individual Events Showcase (NIES) should consult the specific EdTA NIES guidelines at schooltheatre.org as some rules vary.  Performance rights or waivers are required at the National level.  EdTA has published helpful information online.  CLICK HERE for more information.