Application deadline: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
The Educational Theatre Association is looking for passionate and thoughtful theatre professionals to serve as Main Stage adjudicators.
About the ITF Main Stage Program
During the fall semester prior to the International Thespian Festival (ITF), Thespian troupes may have one of their live, full-length productions—either a play or a musical—adjudicated for constructive feedback and the opportunity to be invited to perform on the Main Stage at ITF. Following the adjudication and selection process, a select number of outstanding troupes will be invited to perform on the ITF Main Stage. Thespian troupes also have the option to submit for feedback only, receiving constructive and detailed notes on their production to support continued artistic growth.
What You’ll Do
As an adjudicator, you’ll watch up to 10 recorded productions of high school plays and musicals and provide feedback using our adjudication rubric. Your comments will go beyond evaluation to provide specific and encouraging notes designed to inspire growth. Your insights will help guide our conversations with directors and support theatre educators as they nurture student artistry onstage.
Additionally, adjudicators will use a separate festival selection rubric to recommend productions to receive an invitation to the 2027 ITF Main Stage.
The Details
Time Commitment & Key Dates
- Mandatory Training via Zoom: Wednesday October 7, 2026 at 7:00pm (ET)
- ITF Adjudicator Recommendation Meeting via Zoom: Thursday, January 7, 2027 at 7:00pm (ET)
Adjudicators will commit approximately
35-40 working hours toward this process.
Tight deadlines and quick turnaround are an inevitable part of the Main Stage selection process. All work must be completed by January 7, 2027.
Compensation
Adjudicators will receive a $1,000 honorarium upon completion of the project.
What We’re Looking For
- Theatre professionals with experience in directing, performance, and/or theatre education;
- Individuals skilled in providing constructive, growth-minded feedback;
- Reliable collaborators who can meet deadlines and care deeply about supporting students and educators.
Why It Matters
Your work will make a direct impact on high school theatre programs nationwide, helping directors grow in their craft and empowering students to shine onstage, perhaps even in front of a national audience at ITF.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a short statement of interest describing your background and why you’d like to serve as an adjudicator. All applications must be received by Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Submissions will be reviewed and considered by EdTA’s adjudication committee. Confirmations will be issued by the end of September.