Q: I’m turning 26 this year. Can I register?

A: Yes! Anyone born on or after 1st January 1999 is eligible to participate. So if you were born in 1999 and are turning 26 this year, you can participate at the festival. You can register as a writer or producer if you are born before 1999.

 

Q: If I have a 50-minute play, can I register?

A: Yes, you may register a 50-minute play. However, to qualify for the festival and be eligible for a refund of the deposit, your play must be at least 60 minutes long.

 

Q: Does a play have to premiere at Thespo?

A: No, the play you register with does not have to premiere at Thespo. It can be a play that has already premiered elsewhere, except for in Bombay between November and December.

 

Q: Will an adapted play need permissions?

A: Yes, if the original work is under copyright, you will need permission from the writer or copyright holder.

 

Q. What is the process of registration?

A. To register, you need to fill out the Thespo 27 play application form.

To confirm your registration and book a screening slot, you’ll need to pay a refundable fee of ₹1500. You'll receive an e-receipt and, within a few weeks, a resource kit filled with tips and tricks from theatre professionals.

 

Q: When will you come to my city for the screening?

A: The screening will take place between mid-September and mid-October. That’s when the screening panel will travel around the country to watch all the registered plays — provided there are at least three plays registered from a particular city.

 

Q: What if there are fewer than 3 plays registered from my city?

A: If fewer than 3 plays are registered from your city, you can either travel to the nearest city where the screening panel will be present or send us a video recording of your play for the screening.

 

Q: My play is not in English. Is that allowed?

A: Yes! You are encouraged to build the play in your preferred language. Thespo has had plays performed in over 15 languages, even gibberish.

 

Q: Is there a theme for the festival that my play needs to represent?

A: No, there is no specific theme your play needs to follow. All kinds of stories and themes are welcome at the festival

 

Q: How long does the play need to be?

A: The play must be at least 60 minutes long. There is no maximum time limit.

​

Q: Do we need to show the play with all the sets, props, and costumes during the screening?

A: The screening takes place at a rehearsal venue and not at a performance venue, so there is no technical equipment available and each team gets about 15 minutes to setup, you should plan accordingly. While, it's not compulsory to have all the sets, props, and costumes, you can plan for as much as possible to give our panel a better sense of your show.

 

Q: I don’t have a team. Can I still register my play?

A: Yes, you can register your play without a team.

 

Q. Will Thespo provide me with a team if I dont find a team?

A. While Thespo can't provide you with a team, we can connect you with people you can reach out to. However, you will need to form your own team as required.

 

Q: I’m not available in September. Can I still register my play?

A: Yes, you can still register. The screening schedule is put together based on all the registrations we receive. If you are unavailable during the scheduled screening in your city, we will not be able to accommodate another date. Do inform us about your availability in advance, and we’ll try our best to schedule your play while planning the screening.

 

Q: My script isn’t ready. Can I still register a play?

A: Yes, you can register as long as your script will be ready in time for the screening. For the screening, you will need to perform at least 60 minutes of the script, if not the entire thing.

 

Q: What is the last date of registration?

A: This year, registrations close on September 1st or once we reach the cap of 150 registrations — whichever comes first.

 

Q: Do the writers and producers also have to be under 25?

A: No, the writers and producers of your play can be above the age of 25. However, we have also had under 25 writers and producers as part of the Thespo plays in the past.

 

Q: Does the set designer also have to be under 25?

A: Yes, the set/costume/lights/sound or any other designer or crew must be 25 or under, that is, born on or after 1st January 1999.

 

Q: What do you mean by needing a music licence?

A: If you use copyrighted music in your play, you’ll need a permissions — this means obtaining the copyright licenses to legally use that music.

 

Q: What do IPRS and PPL mean?

A: IPRS and PPL are types of licenses for usage of copyrighted music for a public performance. Other than the above, there is also RMPL and NOVEX licenses. Depending on your use, you will have to apply for the appropriate licenses. Thespo team can help you get in touch with the concerned authorities if required.

 

Q: What do you mean by needing permission from a writer? Why is it required?

A: You need permission from the writer because the play is their original work, and they hold the copyright. Using it without their consent would be a violation of that copyright.