Maine Thespian Festival

Friday, October 21, 2022

University of Southern Maine, Gorham

The Maine Thespian Festival brings together high school theatre students from across the state (and New England) to participate in a series of three workshops and attend a guest performance. The workshops will be led by leading theatre artists in Maine and northern New England. Supporters in the past include University of Southern Maine, University of Maine, Husson University, Portland Stage, Theatre at Monmouth, and many others. This is a fun and educational opportunity for theatre students from across the state to gather and celebrate our love of theatre!

Registration is Closed! Watch for upcoming events!

John Cariani, Special Guest

John Cariani is an actor and a playwright. He received a Tony Award nomination and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for his portrayal of Motel the Tailor in Fiddler on the Roof. He received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for his performance as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! He also starred in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, The Band’s Visit and the acclaimed revival of Caroline, or Change. Most people know him from his work on TV: he was on Law and Order for five years, and he’s been on shows like The Blacklist and Homeland and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. As a playwright, he’s best known for his first play, Almost, Maine, which has received over 5000 productions around the world. John grew up in Presque Isle, Maine, John now lives in the Bronx.

You Should Smile More, Guest Performers

You Should Smile More is a comedy collective made up of female identifying improvisers from all over New England. Our cast for today is Amanda Eaton and Tara McDonough, both producers of YSSM along with Molly McGill and Marie Stewart Harmon. Come see these quick witted ladies bring vibrant characters to life and maybe even find yourself on stage with them!

Thank you for your interest in the 2022 Maine Thespian Festival! We hope this registration process will be simple! Instructions are included here and on the Registration Page, and we encourage you to watch the brief instructional video below.

We request one adult to accompany every 15 students attending. Adults may attend workshops of their choosing.
The registration fee includes all costs including lunch in the USM Dining Hall.

STEP 1

Teachers, please complete the form you will find in the link, identifying the number of students and adults planning to attend from your school. If you have a Thespian troupe, please identify the number of student members of Thespian Society and the number of non (future) members. One Thespian Troupe Director may register at no cost. You do not need any student identifying information. Payment may be made by credit card or by check (bring to the day of the festival). You will receive a confirmation email that will serve as an invoice/receipt.

STEP 2

A confirming email will be sent to you the next day with a "Coupon Code", URL Link, and Instruction Video. Please forward this to your registered students and encourage them to respond quickly. All workshops have limited capacity and will be closed when filled.

STEP 3

Students will link to the Registration Page, type in the Coupon Code, provide their name and contact information, and then make their workshop selections.

Payment must be made before the Festival and may be made by check (make out to Maine EdTA and bring to the Festival) or by credit card through the Registration Page.

REGISTRATION FEE:

$40.00 Student Thespian Society Member
$50.00 Student Future Member (not a current Troupe member)
Free Thespian Society Troupe Director (one per troupe)
$40.00 Director, without a Thespian Society troupe
$40.00 Adult Chaperone

DRAFT SCHEDULE

8:30-9:00 Arrival and Registration Russell Hall Lobby
9:00-10:00 Welcome Ceremony Russell Hall Theatre
10:15-11:30 Workshop Session 1 USM Campus
11:30-12:15 Lunch (please wear your tag) USM Dining Hall (Lunch included in Registration Fee)
12:15-12:45 Connection Circles Russell Hall Lobby & Theatre
12:45-2:00 Workshop Session 2 USM Campus
2:15-3:30 Workshop Session 3 USM Campus
3:45-4:30 Guest Performance Russell Hall Theatre
4:30-5:00 Closing Ceremony Russell Hall Theatre

For more information, please contact a member of the State Board (Top right corner- click on "About Us" and "State Board of Directors")

WORKSHOP PRESENTERS (Partial List- See the complete list of offerings on the Registration Page)

John Cariani- Playwriting
Amanda Eaton- Comedy Improv
Michael Dix Thomas- Shakespeare
Mariel Roy- Musical Theatre Dance
Andrew Wojtal- Musical Theatre Dance
Mark Magee- Scene Design
Barbara Kelly- Costuming
Rachel Price Cooper- Audition Prep
Squier- Stage Combat
Chris Fitze- Tech Challenge!
USM- Campus Tour

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