Indiana Thespians is always looking to expand our network of theatre professionals, educators, and artists to share their expertise by serving as judges, presenting workshops, or connecting students to career opportunities at Indiana Thespian events. Join us in inspiring and supporting the next generation of young theatre artists across the state!

TEACHING WORKSHOPS

​Indiana Thespians is looking for passionate theatre professionals, educators, and artists to share their expertise with students across Indiana. Presenters lead engaging, hands-on workshops at our Regional and State Conferences for middle and high school Thespians.

What we’re looking for:
  • Professional, college-level, or advanced training in theatre
  • Experience teaching or leading workshops for students in grades 5–12
  • Workshops that are interactive, creative, and age-appropriate
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment
  • Topics in technical theatre and performance

Opportunities include:
  • Regional Conferences (Fall 2026) – Lead workshops for middle and high school students; 50 minutes each
  • State Conference (January 22-24, Lawrence Central High School) – Present one or more workshops to high school and/or middle school Thespians over three days

To apply:
  • Please see our new combined presenter/judge application at the bottom of this page. For more information on dates, compensation and details, please click on Application Information. 

We encourage applications from artists and educators of all backgrounds and identities. For questions, contact Professional Networking Co-Chairs Kelsey Donson ([email protected]) and Chris Ellert (​[email protected] )

JUDGING STUDENT EVENTS

Indiana Thespians is seeking dedicated adjudicators for our student events this school year! If you have experience in the performing arts, especially at the K–12, college, or professional level, we’d love to hear from you.

What we're looking for:
  • Experience in K–12 theatre education (grades 6–12 preferred)
  • Professional or college-level theatre experience
  • Formal theatre training (degree preferred)
  • Active involvement in theatre within the past five years
  • Openness to judging at multiple regional sites

Opportunities include:
  • Regional Conferences (Fall 2026) - Judge middle and high school one-act plays; $30 per play plus lunch
  • State Conference (January 22-24, Lawrence Central High School) - Judge up to 10 plays; $30 per play, plus meals and hotel if needed
  • International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys) – Adjudicate individual events in acting, singing, dance, and technical theatre; $60 per round, plus travel/hotel as needed. Judging opportunities both virtually and in-person at the State Conference.
  • Tech Challenge Judges: Judge in the areas of cable relay, props shift, hanging and focusing a light, costume quick change, knot tying, set tape down, and backdrop folding.  This skills-based competition will be held Sunday January 24th and requires at least 2 judges in each area; $120, plus one meal if needed.
  • All new play competition judges attend a paid, one-hour virtual training.

To apply:
  • Please see our new combined presenter/judge application below. For more information on dates, compensation and details, please click on Application Information. 

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. For questions, contact Corrine Reed at [email protected].
Indiana Thespians is the State Chapter of the Educational Theatre Association. We exist to shape lives through theatre education in the state of Indiana. Find out more at schooltheatre.org