THESFEST 2025!

November 15th, 2025

The Tennessee Educational Theatre Association is thrilled to officially launch ThesFest, Tennessee’s Jr. Thespian Conference for middle school students.

Join Us This Year at ThesFest!

After a wildly successful debut in 2024, ThesFest is expanding statewide — and you’re invited. Middle school theatre students from across Tennessee will come together for a one-day event filled with workshops, performances, and unforgettable connections.

Be part of the largest gathering of middle school theatre lovers in the state — don’t miss your chance to be in the room where it happens!

What To Expect at Thesfest!

  • Workshops

    ThesFest 2025 offers a full day of hands-on workshops led by professional theatre artists and educators from across the region. Students will dive into everything from acting techniques, stage management, and directing to scenic painting, dance, and design—and so much more. Whether you're onstage or behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone to learn, explore, and enjoy!

  • Adjudications

    ThesFest 2025 offers an exciting educational opportunity for students to receive constructive feedback from professional Teaching Artists through our adjudication program. This experience celebrates student work both onstage and behind the scenes—whether performing a prepared piece or showcasing technical designs.

    In addition to receiving personalized feedback, select students will also have the opportunity to perform or present their work for the entire festival audience, highlighting excellence and creativity in Tennessee’s middle school theatre community. It’s a chance to grow, be recognized, and shine on a larger stage!

  • Performance Opportunity

    Students who participate in the adjudication process have the exciting chance to be selected to perform or present their work during the ThesFest closing ceremonies. Whether it’s a standout monologue, duet, or an impressive technical design, this showcase celebrates student excellence and brings the festival to a powerful, inspiring close.

The Tennessee Educational Theatre Association is thrilled to announce that after a successful launch in 2024 for Williamson County students, ThesFest is officially expanding statewide! This exciting event marks an important step in our commitment to theatre education and to creating meaningful opportunities for young performers across Tennessee. Designed specifically for middle school students, ThesFest is the official Tennessee State Thespian Jr. Conference—a one-day celebration filled with engaging theatre activities, performances, and chances to connect, create, and shine.

Know Before You Go

We’re excited to bring you a jam-packed day of top-notch theatre training and experiences led by industry professionals and passionate educators. Students will take part in engaging workshops, showcase performances, and connect with other young theatre enthusiasts from across Tennessee.

New for 2025:

  • The registration window is open from August 1 – October 1, 2025. Be sure to register early to reserve your spot!

  • A registration fee and adjudication fee will be required to support expanded programming and professional instruction.

  • Adjudication is now available for students who want to receive feedback on individual performance or technical work. There is a separate adjudication fee, and students must complete the Adjudication Registration Form to participate.

  • Teachers are responsible for submitting a single registration form for their entire group of attending students.

Get ready for an unforgettable day of creativity, collaboration, and celebration—ThesFest is where Tennessee’s middle school theatre community comes to shine!

FAQs

  • Yes - this year we are not requiring schools to be part of an ITS troupe. For more information on starting a Troupe at your school here: https://schooltheatre.org/thespian-troupe-membership/

  • All students must attend with their school and the troupe director/ school sponsor.

  • Not really. Troupe directors/ teachers need to register their students for festival. Students ARE responsible for registering for the Adjudication process. Once festival arrives, students will be able to select/sign-up for the workshops.

  • Troupe directors/ teachers will pay for their school via check or credit card. Invoices will be sent out with payment details after the registration form is completed. Adjudication fees will be paid by credit card or check via the payment page.

  • Tennessee Educational Theatre Association (TN EDTA)
    2000 Mallory Ln STE 290-1411 Franklin, TN 27067

  • ThesFest is an experience unlike any other and a memory that will last a lifetime! Students have the rare opportunity to train with leading professionals in drama, musical theatre, directing, playwriting, and technical theatre. In addition, ThesFest allows theatre lovers from across the state to network and learn from one another in a one of a kind way!

    For educators and Troupe directors, you’ll also participate in workshops with leading industry professionals, network with fellow theatre educators from across the state, and be offered the chance to experience the work of your peers where schedules and distance might otherwise prohibit.

  • The registration fee is $30, which covers a full day of ThesFest programming—workshops, performances, and all festival activities led by professional teaching artists.

    Additional Fees:

    • $10 – Optional pizza lunch add-on

    • $20 – First adjudication entry

    • $10 – Second adjudication entry (if applicable)

    These fees help us bring in high-quality teaching artists and adjudicators and allow us to expand ThesFest to middle school students across the entire state.