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Workshop I: Adjudication Workshop

Learn best practices for adjudicating theatre productions and festivals.

“The purpose of AACT adjudication is threefold:

• to accurately reflect to the performing company what has been successfully achieved

• to outline reasonable steps that might be taken to enhance interpretation of the story

• and, finally, to select which of the companies will receive awards. At its best, adjudication both educates and illuminates.” -AACT Adjudication Committee

Over several festival cycles, AACT’s Adjudication Seminar has provided adjudication training in virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats. ESTA is excited to be a regional pilot for this workshop. AACT’s Adjudication Workshop will begin with three virtual sessions, 1.5 hours each, scheduled in March (TBD on participant overall availability.) Having completed these sessions, participants will view the performances at the 2026 ESTAFest Original Works Festival in Wye Mills MD, and respond to them with techniques learned in training, receiving feedback designed to polish both message and delivery. In-person sessions during the festival will include how to negotiate with fellow adjudicators to determine award outcomes, and how to prepare for work as an adjudicator. ESTA welcomes all participants interested in adjudication, as well as though who would like a refresher or strengthen their skills as a theater participant (Actor, Director, etc.)

Session Schedules The seminar includes attendance at both virtual and in-person sessions. The virtual sessions will concentrate on the delivery of the curriculum and instructional content. The in-person sessions will offer opportunities for practical engagement, including the observation of ESTAFest performances and adjudications, as well as hands-on adjudication practice of the performances. This structure ensures a comprehensive learning experience that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Virtual Session Schedule Saturdays (dates TBD) from 12:00-1:30 eastern, 11:00-12:30 central, 10:00-11:30 mountain, and 9:00-10:30 pacific.

In-Person Session Schedule April 9-12 at ESTAFest Original Works Festival in Wye Mills MD onsite at Chesapeake College.Exact meeting times TBD based on festival schedule`

Kristi Quinn

Kristi Quinn

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