The PA ThesFest (PA Thespian Conference)

January 2nd-4th, 2026

Parkland High School

2700 North Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown PA

This conference is a student-oriented 3-day overnight field trip that celebrates PA Thespians. Students will have the opportunity to watch main stage performances, One Acts, participate in Workshops, improv pairs (watch or preform), Tech Challenges, Hat & Makeup Challenges, Jr. College Showcase (Tech & Performers), Sr. Scholarships (Tech & Performers), and College exhibits.  

THIS YEAR CB WEST HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO PRESENT OUR MAIN STAGE PRODUCTION: Ranked

Students do not have to be inducted Thespians to participate in most of the activities at PA ThesFest, but they do need to be inducted Thespians to participate in Sr. Scholarships, Jr. College Showcase, Improv Pairs and the Thespy program (a separate activity from ThesFest). 

Competition/Scholarship Opportunities: 

Improv Pairs- Teams are comprised of 2 students who are inducted Thespians and members of an active troupe. Troupes can submit up to 2 teams. You get three minutes to perform, and no planning time will be given. Preliminary rounds will be open to others to watch (laugh and cheer on). More info about the Improv pairs on https://www.pathespians.org/improv-pairs.html 

STO Applications- ​If you feel you are a strong student leader and qualify to be a STO (State Thespian Officer), complete the Application and the Signature Page by November 9th. There is to be only one candidate per troupe. At the conference, all applicants need to attend the 2 STO Leadership workshops. The conference leadership workshop will be the process through which new STOs will be selected. (you must be an inducted PA Thespian, and a Junior or senior).https://www.pathespians.org/sto-applications.html 

Headpiece/ Makeup team Challenge- Teams will receive a description of a scene from a show. Teams have 1 hour to design and construct that design using the cardboard box as the stage and whatever materials you brought. For info go to:  https://www.pathespians.org/headpiece-makeup--scenic-design.html 

Tech Challenge- Information at 2024-25 PA Tech Challenge Guide.pdf - Google Drive 

Jr. College Showcase- The Junior College Showcase program is designed for junior students to be able to showcase themselves for colleges. This will not replace a formal college audition, but it does give students a chance to get themselves seen by the colleges and universities participating in our conference. These colleges and universities may then ask to see students at conference or further follow up. 
To participate, students must be High School Juniors, inducted Thespians, and members of an active troupe. There is a $10 per person nonrefundable fee.  
​(there is no limit to the number of students that can register from each troupe) 
Students will complete their data information and make payment through the Open Water online software. The actual audition will be in person at the PA Conference. https://www.pathespians.org/jr-college-showcase.html 

Sr. Scholarships- To apply, students must be High School Seniors, inducted Thespians, and members of an active troupe. No more than 3 performance and 3 tech applicants per troupe may apply. There is a $10 nonrefundable fee.  
(limit of 3 performance & 3 tech applicants per troupe) -please contact Mrs. P first before applying!  
Students will complete their data information and make payment through the Open Water online software. The actual audition will be in person at the PA Conference. 
Note: The Scholarships are only open to students planning to major or minor in some area of the performing arts. Cash Awards are open to all students. Sr Scholarships - PA Thespians 

Thespys- Information at https://www.pathespians.org/thespys.html 

Due Dates: 

Conference Registration (Money, permission slips, health forms)- MONDAY OCTOBER 10/27 (no exceptions)

What is owed per student will be determined after early October fundraising!  

STUDENT PERMISSION SLIP (Must be signed by ALL applicable teachers and parent)

ALL DUE BY OCTOBER 30TH

Sr Scholarship applications
Jr College showcase applications

Tech Challenge- Oct 30th 

ALL DUE BY NOVEMBER 9TH

STO applications

Thespy Info applications
Thespy video submissions

If you would like to create a team, or need help with the application process, or have questions, please reach out to Amelia Lamb (Our Thespian Representative) or Mrs. Piechotta at cpiechotta@cbsd.org