The Mark Batts Memorial Technical Theatre Grant, presented by Texas Thespians, honors the memory and contributions of Mark Batts, a revered figure in the technical theatre world. This grant is designed to support and encourage high school technical theatre programs across Texas, enabling them to enhance their productions, purchase equipment, and provide professional development opportunities for students and educators.

Grant Description:

The Mark Batts Technical Theatre Grant offers financial assistance to high school theatre programs in Texas with a focus on technical theatre. The grant aims to foster innovation and excellence in lighting, video, sound, set design, costume design, stage management, and other technical aspects of theatre production. Texas Thespians hope to inspire the next generation of technical theatre professionals and enthusiasts by providing funds.

Eligibility:

1. Applicants: The grant is open to all Texas high schools with an active theatre program.
2. Program Focus: The applying program must demonstrate an emphasis on technical theatre, including, but not limited to, set design, lighting, video, sound, costume design, and stage management.
3. Membership: The applying school must be an active member of Texas Thespians.

Grant Guidelines:

1. Application Process:

• Proposal Submission: Schools must submit a detailed proposal outlining the specific technical theatre needs and how the grant funds will be utilized. This could include equipment purchases, software licenses, professional development for students and educators, or other relevant expenses.
  • Budget Breakdown: The proposal must include a detailed budget that indicates the total amount requested and itemizes all anticipated costs.
  • Project Timeline: Proposals must include a timeline for the project or purchases, highlighting key milestones and completion dates.
  • Supporting Materials: Schools are encouraged to include supporting materials such as photographs, sketches, or videos that showcase their current technical theatre work and future plans.

2. Award Criteria

• Innovation and Creativity: Proposals that demonstrate creative approaches to technical theatre challenges will be given priority.
• Impact on Students: Consideration will be given to how the grant will benefit students, enhance their learning experiences, and prepare them for future opportunities in technical theatre.
• Need-Based Consideration: Schools with limited access to resources and funding will be given special consideration.
• Sustainability: Proposals that outline how the benefits of the grant will be sustained beyond the initial funding period will be favored.

This award is only for programs that have educational value, not cosmetic needs. Troupes should not apply for assistance with new curtains, seating, or areas for which the district is responsible.

Examples of Grant Use:

Sound System Improvements 

• Wireless Microphones 
• Sound Mixing Console 
• Music Editing Software
• Digital Classroom Programs for sound or video editing

Theatrical Lighting 

• LED or Intelligent lighting that can be designed by students 
• Portable Light boards or wireless instruments 
• Digital lighting programs - QLab, etc. 

Projectors 

• Classroom style projectors 
• Digital media software to create backdrops
• Rental equipment assistance as long as students are incorporated into the design of the project

Shop Tools or Materials - that will have direct student use. 

Programs or Training - students must be present and attend training. 

Innovation - out-of-the-box ideas that would greatly benefit student learning and mastery of Technical Theatre objectives. 

3. Grant Amount:

• The grant amount may vary based on the needs and scope of the proposals received. 
  1. (2) $500
  2. (1) $1000
  3. (1) $2000 
• $4000 max annually 
• Matching option if you have already applied for a grant in the same area of need. 

4. Reporting and Accountability:

• Final Report: Grant recipients must submit a final report detailing how the funds were used, the outcomes achieved, and the impact on their technical theatre program.
• Acknowledgment: Grant recipients are expected to acknowledge Texas Thespians and the Mark Batts Memorial Technical Theatre Grant in promotional materials and performances that benefit from the grant.

5. Deadlines:

• Application Opens: October 1st, 2024
• Application Deadline: January 1st, 2025
• Award Announcement: Texas Thespians Educator Conference, January 2025
• Project Completion: Projects funded by the grant must be completed by April 1st, 2025.

The Mark Batts Technical Theatre Grant honors Mark Batts' legacy by empowering high school theatre programs to reach new heights in technical theatre. We invite all eligible schools to apply and look forward to seeing the inspiring work that will result from this initiative.

For more information or questions regarding the grant application, please contact:

Texas Thespians
B.K. Goodman

Director of Operations
bk.goodman@texasthespians.org
www.texasthespians.org/festivalgrant

Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education

Texas Thespians is an affiliate of the Educational Theatre Association and includes numerous branches of the organization which offer multiple opportunities to Texas Theatre Educators and middle and high school students throughout our state. Our mission is to create an artistic, educational and professional network for theatre arts educators, students, professionals, and enthusiasts to share ideas and support the effort to have theatre arts recognized in all phases of education and lifelong learning. 

The mission of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is to shape lives through theatre education. EdTA honors student achievement in theatre, supports teachers by providing professional resources, and influences public opinion that theatre education is essential for building life skills.

EdTA is an outgrowth of the International Thespian Society (ITS), the only theatre honorary of its kind for middle and high school students. Since 1929, ITS and it's troupes have affirmed the quality of affiliated theatre programs, bringing credibility and distinction to both students and schools. 

Texas Thespians is pleased to recognize school districts that support innovative approaches to theatre education, active involvement in The Educational Theatre Association’s International Thespian Society, The Texas Thespians Chapter, and achieve a high level of excellence in theatre education.

School districts that meet and/or satisfy the point requirements will be recognized as a Texas Thespians Premier Community for Theatre Education. This designation is determined by the total number of points a district is eligible to earn in each category. Districts are encouraged to apply annually to receive recognition for commitment to excellence in theatre.

Winners will be announced and recognized annually. 

Award winners receive the following:

1. Official certificate
2. Customizable press release template
3. Recognition on Texas Thespians Social media platforms
4. Digital signature banner
5. Letter of commendation from Texas Thespians to the school board and superintendent
6. Award presentation at a Texas Thespians event

How are districts chosen?

The Texas Thespians Executive Board will secure a review committee to check the criteria and determine whether the district submission meets the qualifications to receive the designation of a Texas Thespians Premier Community for Theatre Education. All districts fulfilling the rigorous criteria shall be awarded the prestigious title. 

Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education Tiers/Awards

80 - 100 points - Exceptional; 50 - 79 points - Quality 

Rubric is based on district events/activities fromSeptember - June.

Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education

Eligibility Criteria

• Program uses standards-based instruction
• Program offers curricular theatre courses
• Performance space is safe as proven by regular inspection from certified technicians and inclusion of first aid/safety materials and instruction
• Program adheres to licensing, copyright, and intellectual property laws
• Program provides production opportunities to students
• Program has certified theatre teachers on staff
• Program provides teachers with qualified evaluators who use meaningful evaluation methods to measure instructional design and effectiveness, classroom management, and pedagogy in the theatre classroom
• Program provides theatre students many opportunities to explore a potential career path in theatre

Submission Requirements 

• District classification
• Total District Enrollment
• Theatre courses by grade level
• Stipend Information
• Budget Information (including Title I and Title IV usage)
• Theatre Curriculum & Scheduling
  • Standards used for assessing theatre education
  • Standards used for curriculum and scheduling
  • Seat counts for theatre courses
• Staffing
  • Theatre educators & qualifications
  • Theatre Courses
  • Professional Development
• Resources & Equipment
  • Literary resources
  • Technical resources
  • Production elements
• Safety
• Facilities
• Troupe Engagement & Involvement

Districts that earn the Texas Premier Communities award are eligible to apply for the Educational Theatre Association’s national award.

The Dramatic Design challenge will showcase the work of our student designers from their home campuses. Designs can be from any published play or musical of their choice. Each team must present a unified design concept, designs, and construction for Scenic, Costumes, Publicity, and Properties.

Applications are due on January 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

GUIDELINES: Each design team will develop a unified design concept from a published play or musical of their choice and design and construct four specific items A design team needs to consist of four (4) students: a scenic designer, costume designer, publicity designer, and properties designer.

• Scenic Designer: One student in charge of the design and presentation of a set model or perspective drawing.
• Costume Designer: One student in charge of the design and presentation of one costume plate.
• Publicity Designer: One student in charge of the design and presentation of a 11”x17” poster advertising their production.
• Properties Designer: One in charge of the design, construction and presentation of a hand-held prop.

Each team will submit a slide show (11 slides) presenting a pictorial reference of their work.

Rules

• Can be a solo, duet, or a group of 4.  
• The type of lighting that you have on your home campus (listed in required documents) will be considered in your scoring. The purpose is to use lighting you have available to accurately convey the meaning of the song.
• The film footage should be of the whole stage and be one continuous shot. You are not permitted to edit in various clips, cuts, or close ups.
• Entrants will use the music provided to create the theatrical lighting design.
• Entrants should create their own lighting designs and not copy from other sources. Directors will sign off that work is original work for this years competition prompt.
• The music may not be altered in any way. The interpretation of the music and how the music is navigated is what is being judged.
• Students are allowed to use 3 scenic elements. No students/actors may be used as bodies on stage.
• Haze is permitted based on individual home campus guidelines.
• The use of projections is not permissible in this competition at this time.
• The use of a cyclorama is permitted but no other types of reflective or specialty curtains can be used.
• All designs are due by midnight on October 28, 2024. Winners will be announced at each festival with the top lighting design for each festival being played during opening ceremonies.

Rules

• Teams of 1 - 4 are allowed to collaborate on the challenge. You may use actors to complete the script/voice over requirements
• Entrants will use the scene provided to create the sound design.
• All elements of the sound design must be original student work. If it is in the public domain, students need to change or update to create their own vision.
• Directors will sign off that work is original work.
• The script/prompt may not be altered in any way. The order of events and how the script/direction is navigated is what is being judged.
• The time period may be changed as long as it is supported by the final product and concept statement.
• Applications are due on January 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
• Winners will be announced at each festival with the top sound design for each festival being played during opening ceremonies.

What to Prepare

1. Design Justification (PDF)

• 7-10 sentences explaining the thought process, any time period updates, challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

2. Submit 3-5 screenshots on how you made the digitally edited or created Sound FX or made changes to the original source material for the other elements (JPEG or PNG)

3. Submit a PDF or Word Doc of your sound cues on the script provided

2. Final Track will include

• 1 - 2 minutes in length
• At least 2 Music Tracks- Orchestral Only, No Vocals
• At least 2 Foley Sound Effects
• At least 2 Voice Overs
• At least 2 Ambient Sound Effects
• If a sound design is done effectively you will have many more than the minimum

LIP SYNC CHALLENGE
General Rules:

 

• Schools can enter unlimited entries in each category in the Lip Sync Challenge. (Solo, Duet, and Group)
• 2023 Prompt - Marvel Movie Mash Up
• Entries can be from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a Marvel TV show, or a film centered around a Marvel character.
• Lip Syncs do not have to be superhero-themed.
• Songs must be "clean" (no language or explicit content will be allowed)
• Filmed submissions need to fit the following requirements:
• The total performance time (once the slate is complete) can not exceed 5 minutes.
• If time is exceeded, entry will be disqualified.
• Should be filmed in one shot (no editing or cutting of the video allowed)
• Performers will not be judged on singing.
• Props and Costumes are encouraged in the competition.

​Categories

 

• THREE CATEGORIES​

Solo  (one performer)
Duet (two performers)
Group (3-16 performers)
 

Each High School Senior will have the free option to enter our Career Fair with the following categories:

• Performance
• Technical 
• Vocal Performance 
• Dance
• Musical Instruments

Students can choose to submit two options from the list above.

Students will be emailed a link to submit their application once registered. 

Applications are due on January 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

Texas Thespians
College Audition Information
   Auditions are open to any High School Junior or Senior Thespian.
   Audition fee - $25 Non - Refundable  
   No limit on Junior or Senior Auditions
Step 1
   Register by the deadline January 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Step 2
   Select your Audition area of interest - You may only select 1 audition type for submission: Performance, Technical, or Educator.

Step 3
   Prepare your audition material based off of your audition type and review prior to submission:

 

• Performance - Combined 2 Minute Upload MAX! - URL or Video Format accepted
• Acting - 2 contrasting monologues - not to exceed 2 min
• Musical - 1 monologue and 1 musical number - not to exceed 2 min. Accompaniment cannot contain vocals.
   
• Tech  - URL or Video Format acceptedArea of Technical Interest
     1 minute video highlighting 2 of your best technical works
     Portfolio submission highlighting 3 of your best works. (See PDF Example)
   
• Educator - URL or Video Format accepted
     90 sec video Introducing yourself and tell us:Who or What inspired you to become a teacher and why do you want to pursue education?
     15 slide presentation of your high school work (See PDF Example)
   

Step 4
   Applications are due on January 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

Step 5
​Sit back and wait for the plethora of call backs!
How This Works

 

• You will upload your information following steps 1-5.
• The college adjudicators will view your submissions and contact you for call backs or follow up.
• Call backs will be hosted and facilitated by each College or University.
• Visit their booths to verify the call back process for the schools you are interested in.
• Thespians will not facilitate call backs and it is at the discretion of the College/University to make these arrangements.

All scripts should be submitted by January 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

The Thespian must prepare:

1. A typed (12-point font) short play on any subject with a running/reading time of 30 minutes or less. The play should follow this format.
2. A cover page that should include the title of the play, the student’s name and email address, school name, troupe number, and the troupe director’s name and email address.
3. On a separate page, a synopsis of the play and character list (including the name and a brief description of each character that speaks or appears onstage). Characters that are spoken about but who do not appear onstage should not be included in the character list.

Authors are encouraged to write authentic stories as examined through their own unique lens and explore themes to which they deeply relate through various aspects of their characters. Authors should tell the story they want to tell in their own individual manner.

For Playwriting adjudication, the Thespian does not need to make a presentation – the work should stand alone. Adjudicators will supply feedback on the online adjudication form.