Parent Resources
There's so much going on in the drama department!
We know it can be hard for families to keep up.
Over the course of the school year, we'll be adding information to this section with the goal of creating a "go to" place for answers to questions like: "When are auditions?" and "Are there rehearsals over winter break?" and "What are the Thespys?"
Information for Families
2026 - 27 Season
This slide presentation was originally shared with families by Ms. Flaten during parent meetings in September. Click through the slides to find information about:
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Our upcoming season
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Important Drama dates for 26-27 season
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A rundown of the Drama classes offered at Hanford
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How to fit Drama into your course schedule in high school
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Our communication channels
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What directors look for in auditions (and what doesn't factor in)
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And more!
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
We never want anyone to feel like they're missing something or don't understand something about the program. It can be a LOT, and it can be hard to know who to contact when you have questions!
DRAMA CLASS
*Drama I, II, III, and IV are class periods during the school day
Your student should have all information related to Drama class in their student Canvas account - including assignments, grades, important dates, etc. As a parent, if you have additional academic questions, reach out to Ms. Flaten at joanna.flaten@rsd.edu.
You can also create a parent Canvas account here. While you can't see as many details as your student will see, you'll still get a well-rounded picture of the class. You do need to be sitting with your student with their Chromebook open to generate a pairing code.
DRAMA CLUB
*This is different from Drama class - club is all after-school auditions, productions, rehearsals, and performances
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Check the key dates flyer and slideshow above for important information. It's helpful to put ALL the dates on your calendar at the start of the year, even if you don't have all the information. These can act as a general placeholder.
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If your student is part of the cast or crew of any production, all information, rehearsal schedules, shirt orders, and more will be in their student Canvas account. Each production will have its' own Canvas "course".
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This is super important! Make sure you've created a Parentsquare account and added your student(s). This is where the majority of communication for parents is run through. Each production will have a specific group created, and there is a general Hanford Drama group.
Here you'll find information on how to help out with concessions and tech meals, shirt orders, rehearsal schedules, ticket sales, and more!
Sign up for an account here if you don't have one yet. You can choose the type of notifications you'd like (text, email, instant, digest, etc).
If your student is in a production, you should be automatically added to that specific group. To be added to the Hanford Drama group, just search and add yourself!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
*For Hanford Drama Boosters, volunteer or fundraiser questions, reach out to boosters@hanforddrama.org.
*For ticketing, travel, and general show questions, email info@hanforddrama.org.
*For winter musical questions, email Director James Jones at james.jones@rsd.edu.
*If you're interested in helping out with our big annual fundraiser, Dessert Theatre, reach out to fundraising@hanforddrama.org.
WONDERING ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE?
You may have heard your student talking about the Thespys, or travel that's coming up, or their Thespian Troupe. Here's some background on what the Thespian Society is and what it means to participate.
Thespian Troupe 3183
Each school in the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) thespian system is considered a troupe. Hanford Drama is Troupe 3183! When students participate in regional and state events, they do so as members of Troupe 3183 as representatives of Hanford Drama.
Thespian Society, Events, & Festivals
Hanford Drama participates in several events inside the EdtA, including Thespys, the Washington State Thespian Conference, and the National Thespian Honor Society.
National Thespian Honor Society
Each spring, Hanford Drama students can apply for induction into the Thespian Honor Society, established in 1929. Students qualify for the Honor Society by demonstrating a commitment to theatrical excellence by completing 10 production points. Points are earned through participation in theatre productions as a performer or technical team member. At least half of a student’s qualifying points must be earned at Hanford Drama. Each type of role and technical position carries a set number of points commensurate with the workload of the role or position.
Students who were active in theatre in middle school may qualify for induction into the Thespian Honor Society their freshman year while many others qualify their sophomore or even junior year. Members are charged a fee at induction of approximately $30; however, members also receive a discount on both Thespy and State registration fees, so these costs are recouped within the year.
Applications for new members are generally made available in March or April. Newly accepted members are inducted at the Willy Awards (see below) each June.
Thespian Society members receive discounted registration at Thespys and State. Students receive a membership card, pin, and a subscription to Dramatics magazine with content curated to high school drama students. Membership connects students to possible state leadership opportunities and provides students with information from the National Thespian organization.
For seniors demonstrating multiple years of commitment to theatrical excellence through the accrual of 60+ thespian points and academic merit through a GPA of 3.0 or higher, Thespian Honor Society graduation medallions are awarded. Applications for medallions generally come out in March or April and cost approximately $20.
Regional Thespian Festival & Competition (aka the "Thespys")
January 16, 2026
The Thespys are regional gatherings of high school theatre students showcasing prepared acting selections and technical theatre portfolios for professional adjudication. Students who attend receive feedback from multiple adjudicators and attend performances by high school theatre students from around the region.
Each January, our Drama 3, Drama 4, and Advanced Theatre Production students participate in the Spokane Thespys. Students prepare selections to present in at least two of the Thespy categories including: solo musical, duet musical, group musical, monologues, duo scene, group scene, group dance, costume design, costume construction, make up design, stage management, sound design, lighting design, and set design.
Students receive written feedback after the competition, along with a score of Fair, Good, Excellent, or Superior. Students who score a superior rating on their adjudication have the opportunity to submit their work for consideration to the Washington State Showcase (which occurs at the closing session of the state festival in March each year).
Cost & Registration: Drama 3 and Drama 4 students are automatically registered and will receive information in class about completing Final Forms for the event. The event cost is estimated at about $40 per student, with fees due to bookkeeping before the event. Booster scholarships are available for students needing financial assistance to attend.
The State Thespian Festival (commonly called “State”)
April 1-2, 2026, Seattle
The Washington State Thespian Festival (State) brings together high school theatre students and educators from across Washington for two days of performances, workshops, keynote speakers, and networking.
Each school is invited to bring a 1-hour selection of a play for performance and adjudication at the festival. At Hanford, our Drama 3 class prepares and performs this selection. The performance is cast and primarily rehearsed in class, with a few outside rehearsals scheduled in February and March per the Drama 3 syllabus and Canvas communications.
When: State is always held on a Friday and Saturday in March or April, generally held at the Seattle Convention Center. Students will spend two nights at a hotel with their classmates, teachers, and chaperones.
Who: Drama 3 and 4 students, plus an additional 20-30 drama students as space allows. (If there is more demand than spots, selection is based on seniority, engagement in the drama program, and demonstrated reliability, responsibility, and respect).
Cost & Registration: The 2024 cost was $170 for registration and hotel, with Booster support providing transportation funding. Details that include itinerary and cost as well as trip sign up are generally posted in early January.
Drama Booster Travel Scholarships
If money is a barrier to a student’s participation on a drama trip, they can apply for a drama travel scholarship at least two weeks prior to the payment due date for the trip. The same form is used for most drama trips. Scholarships are funded by the Drama Boosters. Applications are reviewed by Ms. Flaten, who then presents them for review monthly by the Boosters Scholarship Committee.