TheatreFest FAQ's
How many schools attend TheatreFest?
TheatreFest is available to the first twenty-six (26) schools or 600 students who register and pay their fees. Based on the number of students that are attending from each school, the TheatreFest staff may allow more than 26 schools, but no more than 600 students. Until your fees are paid another school can take your place.
How much does TheatreFest cost?
Currently, each school pays a $100 entry fee and $10 for each student that they are bringing to TheatreFest.
Do I still have to pay the $100 registration fee if I am only bringing a few students?
Yes, the school registration fee is the basic charge and then the school only pays $10 for each student they bring.
What is the insurance letter? Why do I need it?
The insurance letter is provided by your district office. It is a form proving that your school has liability coverage. TheatreFest and CSULB cannot be held liable for high school student injuries.
What is there for my students to do when they are not competing?
When your student is not competing they are free to attend any of the competition rooms as long as they are respectful of the other competitors. They can also attend the design expo, plays, workshops, and compete in spirit games.
What about food?
On Friday, the dining plaza on campus is open. On Saturday, TheatreFest staff sells food in the grassy knoll. There are hamburgers, chips, soda, water, and candy for sale. Many schools also bring snacks and pack lunches for their students.
Who judges TheatreFest?
TheatreFest judges are comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from the CSULB theatre department, faculty, staff, and outside professionals. At each level of competition the appropriately experienced judges are provided.
Who runs TheatreFest?
TheatreFest is run by MFA Theatre Management students. Two faculty members serve as advisors and the rest of the TheatreFest staff is comprised of volunteer staff from the undergraduate and graduate level.
When are semi-finals announced?
Semi-finals are announced on Saturday morning.
Can I know if we made semi-finals before I drive there on Saturday?
Unfortunately, there is no way to notify schools ahead of time which competitors have made it to semi-finals. Schools can send a representative if they prefer, but they must be able to make it to competition by the time that it begins.
How should I send my registration packet?
A completed packet can also be faxed to (562) 985-2263. Teachers are encouraged to email a pdf or word document with information to longbeachtheatrefest@gmail.com. You can also mail a hard copy, however some packets have been lost or not arrived on time so the other two options are preferred.
When do I have to pay my fees by?
All fees are due by the date stated in the packet. In the past schools have been allowed to pay the weekend of competition, however this is no longer permitted.
What happens if it rains?
TheatreFest is a rain or shine event. Competition will continue as planned and accommodations will be made to move all schools to an indoor location.
Can we store our props overnight?
Props can be stored in a TheatreFest locker overnight. Please notify staff if you want to do this ahead of time so proper space can be arranged. All props should be labeled with your school name.
Who provides weapons?
Weapons are provided by high schools. TheatreFest has limited swords and guns, but they are very basic.
Can my music for competition have recorded voices?
TheatreFest does not allow music to have recorded voices. If a recording does contain recorded voices our judges will automatically deduct 10 points from the student’s overall score.
Can someone start/stop/pause/etc.my music?
Our operators are volunteers and we cannot allow for music to start/stop/pause/etc. during competition. Please allow for your recording to have the appropriate version on it. We can also not allow anyone other than our volunteer to run the music.
What if one my students cannot attend at the last minute?
Unfortunately, we cannot refund any money to the school. However, you can bring another student or replace the student competing with someone already attending TheatreFest.
Is there somewhere for my students to change into costumes?
There are dressing rooms located on the basement level of the Theatre Department. There are also restrooms located on every level.
Where can I retrieve my student evals?
Student evals will be available on Saturday at the end of competition. They will be at the check-in table in the main lobby of Theatre Arts building. Any evals left at the end of Saturday will be mailed to the teacher at the address provided on the registration packet.
How do you choose the dates for TheatreFest?
The dates of TheatreFest are determined based on several factors. The staff looks at when other CSULB campus events are happening, SAT/ACT testing, AP testing, and STAR testing. Unfortunately, we cannot plan our festival around other theatre festivals, proms, etc.
How strict are you on the time limit during competition?
Each competition room has a TheatreFest staff member who has been trained as a timekeeper. The timekeeper will raise their hand in the back of the room when a student has 15 seconds left in their time limit. When time is up the timekeeper will call time. The student may continue if there is only a few seconds left in their piece, however they are encouraged to stop when time is called. If the student continues past time being called by more than 5 seconds the judges will deduct 10 points from their overall score.
What type of set pieces can we bring?
All rooms of competition will contain one table and two chairs for competition provided by TheatreFest. Any additional set pieces must be provided by the high school and must be able to be set up and removed in one minute.
Can my students have costumes? What about lights?
Students are allowed to wear costumes during competition. Lighting is general room lighting for all rounds of competition besides finals. A general lighting look will be provided by TheatreFest for finals judging. All competitors will receive the same lighting look for the finals round.
Do my students have to attend both days for Technical Theatre?
This year technical theatre will be competing on both Friday and Saturday. Saturday competition will be announced at semi-finals.
If my student has a conflict can they attend on only one day of competition?
Any student can compete on only Friday if they prefer. TheatreFest staff would like to be informed if your student cannot attend on Saturday in case they are qualified for semi-finals so we can fill their spot with another competitor. Students cannot compete on Saturday if they did not attend on Friday.
Where do I park?
