Ohio Thespian Festival

The Ohio Thespian Festival 2026 is gearing up to be an unforgettable experience for theatre students, educators, and enthusiasts across the state. Get ready for a weekend packed with performances, workshops, networking opportunities, and theatrical magic!

April 10-12 | Chillicothe High School

Dates & Location

April 10-12, 2025

Chillicothe High School

425 Yoctangee Pkwy, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Registration Pricing

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION (BEFORE 2/18/2026)
Required for all Thespy Showcase and Chapter Select Participants

Student = $125 per student
Troupe Director = One FREE per Troupe
Chaperones = 1 FREE chaperone for every 10 students (Additional Chaperones $125)
See all other registration fees below

REGISTRATION FEES (2/19-3/27/2026)

Student = $150 per student
Troupe Director = One FREE per Troupe
Chaperones = $150
All-Ohio Company Members = $65
Orchestra member present ONLY for performance: $0
Load-in crew: $0 (may ONLY be on site from start of load-in time to tear down finish time)
Bus Driver: NO CHARGE
Tech Challenge: $25 per school (1 team per school; 6 students per team)
Shuttle Service (Optional): $20 per person includes
- Hotel drop off Friday night
- Hotel pick up Saturday morning
- Hotel drop off Saturday night
- Hotel pick up Sunday morning

Meals: Lunch and Dinner Saturday are included in registration

Conference Apparel will be sold through our spirit store (link coming soon)

Download the 2026 Ohio Thespian Festival Info Sheet

Click to Download

About OTF

The Ohio Thespian Festival (OTF) is the highlight of each year. More than 1,500 Thespians from across Ohio gather in one location for an unforgettable weekend celebrating theatre and theatre education. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops and view performances from troupes across the state of Ohio.

OTF is a Troupe Registration event, meaning all Thespians must be registered by their Troupe Director and attend as a group.

The All-Ohio Show kicks off the weekend on Friday night before the Opening Ceremonies hosted by the STOs. Saturday is full of workshops taught by theatre educators and industry professionals, along with MainStage and Marathon productions performed by troupes from across the state, ending with the Thespy® Superior Showcase. Sunday morning features the final MainStage productions before the weekend concludes with the Awards and Scholarships presentation at Closing Ceremonies . Throughout the weekend, you can find the STOs selling theatre memorabilia and DUCKs at the Thespian Flea Market.

What to Expect

The Ohio Thespian Festival offers a diverse range of activities and opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in the world of theatre. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

The All-Ohio Show: Be part of a collaborative theatrical experience by auditioning for the All-Ohio show, a professionally directed production featuring talented students from across the state. CLICK HERE to learn more about this year's All-Ohio Production.
Mainstage Performances: Witness captivating performances from high school troupes across Ohio, showcasing their talent and creativity.
Workshops: Participate in a wide array of workshops led by industry professionals and experienced educators. These workshops cover various aspects of theatre, including acting, directing, technical theatre, playwriting, and more.
College Fair: Various colleges will be in attendance to talk about the future and what they are looking for in Theatre Arts students.
Vendor Fair: Explore a bustling vendor fair featuring theatre suppliers, costume shops, theatrical makeup companies, and educational resources.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow thespians, educators, and industry professionals from across the state. Build lasting relationships and expand your theatrical network.
Scholarship Opportunities: Apply for scholarships to support your future theatrical endeavors.

Schedule

Check back for a detailed schedule of events.

Map

Past Thespian Conferences

2025-26

Site: Chillicothe High School

All-Ohio Production: Ragtime: The Musical

Dir. Dan Knechtges

Host: Amanda Betz

Chapter Director: Laura Poje

2024-25

Site: Westerville Central High School
All-Ohio Production: John Proctor is the Villain
Dir. smj
Host: Matt Wolfe, Meredith Casto
Chapter Director: Matt Wolfe

2023-24

Site: Sylvania Northview
All-Ohio Production: Head Over Heels
Dir. Brian Sage
Host: Don Wachowiack
Chapter Director: Matt Wolfe

2022-23

Site: Riverside High School
All-Ohio Production: Moon Over Buffalo
Dir. Eugene Sumlin
Host: Laura Poje
Chapter Director: Matt Wolfe

2021-22

Site: Westerville Central High School
All-Ohio Production: Fun Home
Dir. SMJ
Host: Stephanie Matushoneck
Chapter Director: Matt Wolfe

2020-21

Site: Virtual
All-Ohio Production: Time Capsule
Dir. Chennelle Bryant-Harris
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2019-20

CANCELED COVID-19

Site: Dublin Scioto High School
All-Ohio Production: Kent State Voices
Dir. JR Simmons
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2018-19

Site: Akron School for the Arts at Firestone CLC
All-Ohio Production: Carrie: The Musical
Dir. Luke Bovenizer
Host: Mark A. Zimmerman
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2017-18

Site: Northomont High School
All-Ohio Production: Letters to Sala
Dir. Gail Griffith
Host: Ranger Puterbaugh
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2016-17

Site: Dublin Scioto High School
All-Ohio Production: Once on This Island
Dir. Kevin P. Kern
Host: Pat Santanello
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2015-16

Site: Dublin Scioto High School
All-Ohio Production: She Kills Monsters
Dir. Mark Mann
Host: Pat Santanello
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2014-15

Site: Bexley High School
All-Ohio Production: Spring Awakening
Dir. Ross Shirley
Host: Becky Rhinehart
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2013-14

Site: Dublin Scioto High School
All-Ohio Production: Good ‘n’ Plenty
Dir. Geoffrey Nelson
Host: Pat Santanello
Chapter Director: Pat Santanello & Irene Imboden

2012-13

Site: Sylvania Northview High School
All-Ohio Production: Rent, School Edition
Dir. Rosie Best, freelancer
Host: Don Wachowiak
Chapter Director: Scott Wilson

2011-12

Site: Centerville High School
All-Ohio Production: The Laramie Project
Dir. Nancy Wolfgang, Youngstown State University
Host: Joe Beumer
Chapter Director: Scott Wilson

2009-10

Site: Ashland University
All-Ohio Production: Indian Blood
Dir. Doreen Dunn, freelancer
Host: Ric Goodwin
Chapter Director: Scott Wilson

2008-09

Site: Beavercreek High School
All-Ohio Production: All Shook Up
Dir. Dr. Dan Doerger, Indiana University East
Host: Dawn Stamper
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

2007-08

Site: Ashland University
All-Ohio Production: Dead Man Walking
Dir. Fabio Polanco, Ashland University
Host: Ric Goodwin
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

2006-07

Site: Northmont High School
All-Ohio Production: Where’s Charley?
Dir. Jhon Marshall, free- lancer
Host: Marjorie Strader
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

2005-06

Site: Ashland University
All-Ohio Production: Violet
Dir. Teresa Durbin, Ashland University
Host: Ric Goodwin
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

2004-05

Site: Dublin Scioto High School
All-Ohio Production: Bus Stop
Dir. Robert Wenck, Texas A & M University
Host: Pat Santanello
Chapter Director: David Leist

2003-04

Site: William Mason High School
All-Ohio Production: A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine
Dir. Ginny Chizer, freelancer
Host: Johnothon Sauer
Chapter Director: David Leist

2002-03

Site: Strongville High School
All-Ohio Production: The Tempest
Dir. Lisa Ortenzi, Great Lakes Theatre Festival
Host: Gloria McIntyre
Chapter Director: David Leist

2001-02

Site: Hilliard Davidson High School
All-Ohio Production: Museum
Dir. David Hinds
Host: Diana Vance
Chapter Director: David Leist

2000-01

Site: Indian Hill High School
All-Ohio Production: Little Mary Sunshine
Dir. Jhon Marshall, freelancer
Host: Johnothon Sauer
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

1999-2000

Site: Ashland University
All-Ohio Production: A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Dir. Ric Goodwin, Ashland University
Host: Ric Goodwin
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

1998-99

Site: Dublin Scioto High School
All-Ohio Production: Edison Lite
Dir. Daniel Hahn, Great Lakes Theatre Festival
Host: Pat Thacker
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

1997-98

Site: Northmont High School
All-Ohio Production: Tom Jones
Dir. Jhon Marshall, freelancer
Host: Margie Strader
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

1996-97

Site: Ashland University
All-Ohio Production: Quilt
Dir. Ric Goodwin, Ashland University
Host: Ric Goodwin
Chapter Director: Gloria McIntyre

1995-96

Site: Anderson High School
All-Ohio Production: A Flea in Her Ear
Dir. Ric Goodwin, Ashland University
Host: John Simpkins
Chapter Director: David Hinds

1994-95

Site: Westerville South High School
All-Ohio Production: A Chorus Line
Dir. John Kuhn, University of Toledo
Host: J. Scott Holsclaw
Chapter Director: David Hinds

1993-94

Site: Hilliard High School
All-Ohio Production: The Visit
Dir. F. Scott Regan,

Bowling Green State University
Host: Diana Vance
Chapter Director: David Hinds

1992-93

Site: Toledo Whitmer High School
All-Ohio Production: Strider
Dir. Jane Armitage, Oberlin College
Host: Brad Faust
Chapter Director: Madelon Horvath

1991-92

Site: Princeton High School
All-Ohio Production: Godspell
Dir. Ric Goodwin, Ashland University
Host: Jhon Marshall
Chapter Director: Madelon Horvath

1990-91

Site: Hilliard High School
All-Ohio Production: The Dining Room
Dir. Bo Rabby, Ohio Wesleyan University
Host: Diana Vance

Chapter Director: Madelon Horvath

1989-90

Site: Strongville High School
All-Ohio Production: Romeo & Juliet
Dir. Bob Winters, Ohio University
Host: Gloria McIntyre
Chapter Director: Nancy Sprowls

1988-89

Site: Ashland University
All-Ohio Production: Caucasian Chalk Circle
Dir. Bob Winters, Ohio University
Host: Ric Goodwin
Chapter Director: Nancy Sprowls

1987-88

Site: Princeton High School
All-Ohio Production: Runaways
Dir. Tom Manning, Miami University
Host: Jhon Marshall
Chapter Director: Nancy Sprowls

1986-87

Site: Ashland College
All-Ohio Production: Spoon River Anthology
Dir. Ric Goodwin, Ashland College
Host: Ric Goodwin
Chapter Director: Marie Glotzbach

1985-86

Site: Fairborn High School
All-Ohio Production: The Crucible
Dir. Jane Armitage, freelancer
Host: Ted & Becky Harding
Chapter Director: Marie Glotzbach

1984-85

Site: Rocky River High School
All-Ohio Production: The Good Doctor
Dir. Jon Ferris, Denison University
Host: Bob Santo
Chapter Director: Marie Glotzbach

1983-84

Site: Upper Arlington High School
All-Ohio Production: Rimers of Eldritch
Dir. John Farris, Denison University
Host: David Hammitt
Chapter Director: Marie Glotzbach

1982-83

Site: Findlay High School
All-Ohio Production: The Interview
Dir. Arno Sleco, Oberlin College
Host: Barb Gebhart
Chapter Director: Marie Glotzbach

1981-82

Site: Rossford High School
Host: Harry Wilcox
Chapter Director: Della Ewalt

1980-81

Site: Newark High School
Host: Marie Glotzbach
Chapter Director: Della Ewalt

1979-80

Site: Worthington High School
Host: Bronwyn Hopton
Chapter Director: Della Ewalt

1978-79

Site: Middletown High School
Host: Jim Butch
Chapter Director: Della Ewalt

1977-78

Site: Newark High School
Host: Tom Humphrey
Chapter Director: Tom Humphrey

1976-77

Site: Shaker Heights High School
Host: Tom Baker
Chapter Director: Tom Humphrey

1975-76