"For thousands of Nebraska students, the State Festival isn't just where they perform. It's where they discover their people."
— Michaela Boyd (Lincoln Southwest High School)
Former Nebraska Thespian and Current Alumni Board MemberFestival Registration
Welcome!
We're excited to welcome you and your students to the Nebraska State Thespian Festival! Whether this is your first festival or your twentieth, this page will guide you through the registration process and provide everything you need to prepare for a successful festival experience.
Please review all registration materials carefully before submitting your registration.
Registration Timeline
The registration process occurs in several phases throughout the fall and early winter. Specific dates are published annually.
Registration Opens
Festival registration opens each fall. Directors will receive communication when registration materials become available.
Registration due
All registration forms and required documentation must be submitted by the published deadline.
Late registrations might be accepted, but with an additional fee.
payment due
Once registration has been processed, directors will receive confirmation along with an invoice and additional festival information, schedules, and event details.
REGISTER FOR STATE FESTIVAL
Before You Register
Please have the following information available:
School information
Director contact information
Student roster
Individual Event (Thespys) entries
Scholarship participants
College audition participants
Accessibility or accommodation requests
Emergency contact information
Registration Checklist
Before submitting your registration, verify that you have completed each of the following:
☐ Festival Registration Form
☐ Student roster
☐ Payment submitted
☐ Thespys registrations completed
☐ Scholarship applications submitted (if applicable)
☐ College audition registrations submitted (if applicable)
☐ Accessibility requests submitted
☐ Housing information (if applicable)
☐ Required permission or medical forms completed
Important Policies
Directors are responsible for ensuring that:
Registration information is accurate.
Student names are spelled correctly.
Eligibility requirements have been met.
All payments are submitted on time.
Students understand festival expectations and policies.
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Festival registration fees are established annually by the Nebraska Thespians Board of Directors.
Current pricing, payment deadlines, and refund policies will be published each year before registration opens.
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Payment instructions will accompany the emailed invoice to troupe directors.
Accepted payment methods and mailing information will be listed in the annual registration packet.
Please include your school name on all payments to ensure accurate processing.
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Nebraska Thespians is committed to creating an inclusive festival experience.
Participants who require accessibility accommodations are encouraged to notify the registration team as early as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Students with an IEP or 504 Plan wishing accommodations for their Thespy submission, please contact Jennifer Morgan at morgan@nebstatethespian.com by November 1, 2025.
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If you have questions regarding registration, deadlines, payment, or festival procedures, please contact board@nebstatethespian.com
We're happy to help make your registration process as smooth as possible.
state festival information below!
Nebraska State Thespian Festival
A Celebration of Theatre, Learning, and Community
Each January, the Nebraska State Thespian Festival brings together students, educators, and theatre professionals from across the state for one of Nebraska's largest celebrations of educational theatre.
For three unforgettable days, thousands of festival participants come together to perform, create, compete, learn, lead, and celebrate the art of theatre. Whether you're stepping onto the stage for the first time, showcasing your technical skills, exploring college theatre programs, or attending professional workshops, the festival offers opportunities for every student to grow as both an artist and a leader.
The State Festival is more than an event—it's a community where lifelong friendships are formed, confidence is built, and a shared passion for theatre comes to life.
Festival Highlights
Every festival offers opportunities for students and educators to experience theatre in new and exciting ways.
Perform
Students have the opportunity to showcase their talents through:
Main Stage Productions
Thespys (Individual Events)
Chapter Performances
College Auditions
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Learn
Festival attendees can expand their knowledge through:
Workshops led by theatre professionals
Masterclasses with guest artists
Technical theatre demonstrations
Leadership sessions
College information sessions
Challenge Yourself
Students can participate in a variety of competitive and educational experiences, including:
Thespys
BACKstage Challenge
Improv Challenge
Scholarship Auditions
College Auditions
These experiences provide valuable feedback, celebrate achievement, and encourage artistic growth.
Build Community
One of the greatest strengths of the Nebraska State Thespian Festival is the community it creates.
Students have the opportunity to:
Meet theatre students from across Nebraska
Exchange ideas and experiences
Discover new perspectives
Celebrate one another's accomplishments
Create lifelong friendships
Many participants describe the festival as one of the most meaningful experiences of their high school theatre journey.
Opportunities for Educators
The festival isn't just for students.
Directors and educators can participate in professional development, collaborate with colleagues from across the state, explore new instructional strategies, connect with college representatives, and strengthen Nebraska's theatre education community.
Join Us
The Nebraska State Thespian Festival celebrates creativity, collaboration, leadership, and the transformative power of educational theatre.
We look forward to welcoming you to the next festival and sharing another unforgettable experience together.