FAQs:
Below are some frequently asked questions concerning the District IV Festival. Because this is a very brief overview, make sure to check out the District IV Festival and Event Guidelines pages for more information. 
What is a thespian?
A person involved in the theater, whether they perform on stage or work as crew behind the scenes.  According to legend, Thespis was the first actor in ancient Greece, so we call ourselves Thespians after him. 
Who IS the current district IV chairS?
The current District IV Chair for 2020-2021 is Troupe 5590, Palm Harbor University High School.The District IV Chairperson is Ashlie Timberlake (timberlakea@pcsb.com). Amelia Walton (district4representative@gmail.com) is our District IV Representative.
I Need help. Who should I contact?
If you need assistance with anything informational or related to the website, contact the District Representative. If you need assistance with Troupe-related inquiries (Districts and State included), email the District Chairperson (timberlakea@pcsb.org). If you are unsure if your issue is website or Troupe-Related, email the District Representative first, who may direct your inquiry to the Chairperson.
I HAVE SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO ADD TO THE WEBSITE. HOW DO I go about getting it added?
We love getting all the information we can on our website, so thank you for your input! If the information you want added is related to an event on the calendar or the troupe listing, fill out the appropriate form at the bottom of those pages. If it is something else, contact the District Representative and let them know what you would like added. They will email you back letting you know where the information will live on the website.
What is Districts?
The District IV Thespian Festival (a.k.a. "Districts") is a three day event during which students can watch other students perform and present technical projects. It consists of two days of One Act Competition and one day of Individual Event Competition. ​Over 1,000 teenagers attend Districts each year for a fun experience where they can celebrate their love for theater and all of the performance and technical aspects, and enjoy the company of fellow thespians!
When is Districts?
District IV Festival dates are December 1-3.
Where is Districts held?
The One Act Competition is hosted at the SPC Clearwater Campus and Individual Event Competition is hosted at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg.
​WHO CAN ATTEND DISTRICTS? DO I HAVE TO BE AN INDUCTED THESPIAN?
Any student who attends a school where there is an active District IV troupe may be registered. Check our Troupe List and see if your school is a part of our district!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND DISTRICTS?
Registration is around $30 per person, but you should check with your sponsor. The total cost varies from school to school based on transportation, chaperone fees, and other variables.

Concerning how much money an attendee should bring, it also depends on the troupe. Check in with your sponsor and see if you troupe has already made plans for food and other expenses, or if you will need to bring additional money to the festival.
​IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Yes. Districts IV Thespian Festival is a school function, so dress accordingly. Check in with your troupe sponsor to see if your troupe plans to wear anything specific for each of the competition days.
WHat is a one act?
A short play that has only one act. At Districts, a one act can be no longer than 40 minutes.  You can find the complete rules here.
WHat is an IE?
IE stands for Individual Event, which are the other type of event at Districts. There are many categories of IEs.  You can find all the rules regarding IEs here.
Can I perform a scene from TV, a movie, or an original work for my individual event?
No, all IEs must come from published works. If you are planning on doing a scene from a movie that is ALSO a play/musical, you MUST perform the play/musical piece. Playwriting and One Acts are the only exception to this rule.
Can i wear a costume to perform an ie?
According to the State website: "Students are encouraged to wear appropriate audition/rehearsal attire in all Individual Events."
Is it happy hands or clappy hands?
At the District IV Festival, specific procedures vary among judging rooms. Listen closely to the timekeeper before the slate begins. You don't want to be the one thespian clapping in a room of happy hands. At State Competition, it is always happy hands, except when watching a mainstage event.
How does someone get disqualified (dq'd)?
By failing to comply with the rules of the competition.  For the most part, District IV follows the State rules.  One Act and IE rules can be found here. The most common reason for a DQ in IEs is going over the allotted time.  DQs in One Acts most frequently have to do with the load-out of the show.
WHat is an asterisk?
See here for the rundown about asterisks.
Do I have to have accompaniment for a musical event?
From the State website: "The performer MUST use non-vocal musical accompaniment which can be live or taped unless expressly written to be performed without musical accompaniment.  If we hear ANY voice on the accompaniment tape, you will be disqualified."  A piano and CD player will be provided for every music event room.  iPod/mp3 player docks are not always available, so be prepared to perform with live music and have the sheet music.
Can I leave during a performance?
No.  Out of respect for the performer or technical presenter, once the slate is complete and the performance or presentation begins you may NOT exit until it is over.
Still have questions after reading this page? They can probably be answered on our Event Guidelines page. If you still need a specific question answered, you can contact the District Chairperson at timberlakea@pcsb.org.
Have a suggestion for the website? Send an email to district4representative@gmail.com to suggest changes or additions.