DesignFest: Showcasing the Designers of Today and Tomorrow!!!

By Paul Davis and John Landon, DesignFest Co-Chairs

Do you have a high school or college student interested in design or stage management, or that will be entering the UIL One Act Play Design Competition?

Are you a faculty or professional designer?

If you are one of the above, we need your help with DesignFest 2015!!

In 2007, DesignFest at TETA’s TheatreFest Convention had almost 100 entries.  Last year at TheatreFest 2014, DesignFest had less than 10 participants.  We need YOUR help in bringing it back!!

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with DesignFest.  This is a wonderful opportunity for your high school students entering the UIL One Act Play Design Competition, in that DesignFest will offer your student a verbal critique one week before the entries are due to UIL.

What is DesignFest?

DesignFest began as Design Texas in 1982, but in 1993 the named changed to DesignFest.  The event, taking place at the TETA TheatreFest Convention, allows student, faculty and professional designers and stage managers an opportunity to display their artwork and receive an adjudicated critique.  It is also an opportunity for professionals and students to celebrate and share ideas about design, stage management and theatre technology.

Where and when will DesignFest take place?

This year the TheatreFest Convention will be held during January 29-February 1 in Houston at the Downtown Hyatt Regency.  Participant’s designs will be on display for all Convention participants to see.

Who may enter this fantastic opportunity?

DesignFest is open to students enrolled in Texas high schools, undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as, professionals and educators.

In addition to the above entries, a nationally recognized Guest Artist in the field of theatrical design shall be selected to attend the TheatreFest Convention, present workshops and adjudicate the DesignFest entries.  Also, each year a Texas Featured Designer’s artwork shall be prominently displayed at the Convention.  This gives TETA an opportunity to honor the individual’s skills and contributions to the art and craft of stage design.  In the past we have had the privilege of honoring the work of Sheila Hargett, Scott Schuman, Don Childs, Laura Crow (Broadway Costume Designer)  and Ming Cho Lee. 

Are there awards given for DesignFest?

For students, YES!!  DesignFest awards are given to student designers and stage managers to recognize excellence in the study of design, technology and stage management each year up to 4 college and 4 high school awards are given.  These $200 cash awards are for the purpose of furthering their training in these fields.  Awards maybe given in the fields of set design, make-up design, costume design, light design, properties design, sound design and stage management.

In addition to these awards, students who are also entered in the scholarship auditions may be offered scholarships to various institutions of higher learning.

What do participants enter?

Each designer is limited to twelve pieces from no more than three productions.  Any special display materials needed as their area of emphasis requires, such as dress forms, slide projectors, head forms, sound equipment (use headsets only), etc., must be provided by the designer.

How do participants enter DesignFest?

Early registration is due on January 1^st.  Interested participants should:

• For the online DesignFest application, go to https://tetatx.wildapricot.org/event-1786621   
• Complete the application found on the website. 
• A total of $40 for students and $70 for faculty and professional designers should be sent in with the application. 
• This covers a $20 registration fee and membership ($20 for students and $50 for adults) into the TETA organization.
• Do not send exhibit materials at this time.
• Late registration will begin on Jan. 2 and will include a $25 late fee.
• Full Convention registration is not required for participation in DesignFest.
• Without Convention registration, participants will only be given access to the DesignFest area. 
• To gain access to the meetings, over 100 workshops, and the Convention college/university/theatre business exhibition hall, DesignFest participants must register for the Convention. 
• Students entering DesignFest do not have to participate in the TETA Auditions, although juniors, seniors and community college students are encouraged to participate. 

Well, there you have it.  Again, we need your help!  We hope you take advantage of the opportunity for over 2000 individuals to view, evaluate and appreciate your technical work or the outstanding work of your students.

For more information or questions, please contact us:

Paul Davis, Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts - RDAVIS22@houstonisd.org

John Landon, West Texas A&M University - jlandon@mail.wtamu.edu

Other Convention information:

To pay TETA membership - https://tetatx.wildapricot.org/join-us

To pay for Convention Registration - https://tetatx.wildapricot.org/event-1756539

To reserve a hotel room at the Houston Hyatt - https://aws.passkey.com/event/11101025/owner/3109/home

To register for an exhibit booth at the Convention - https://tetatx.wildapricot.org/event-1760183