Who Can Present
All students can present their work at the Expo, both graduate and undergraduate, whether nominated through the production response process or those who self-submit.
How to Present
When selecting your materials, pick the items that tell the best story, without being too elaborate. Sometimes more is not better.
Students will choose their preferred medium in which to present their work: a physical display or a digitally-based display.
- Physical Display: Students prepare and present their work utilizing physical materials, which are displayed in a gallery format in the convention space. Generally, stage managers display binders, which include all of the materials they would like to display and discuss. Posters or displays are not required, as with Design and Technology students, but we never turn down a good poster!
- Digital Display: Students prepare a digitized design presentation displaying their work. These can be made using programs like Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote, or Canva. They can also include links to YouTube videos you’ve created or project websites. Students should endeavor to display the best quality files to do justice for their work. Here is a Google Slides Template, for your convenience!
There are two rounds for Stage Management responses. During Round 1, you will take your book(s) to a roundtable discussion alongside a handful of other Stage Management students. While in this session, you will have conversations and receive feedback from professional Stage Management experts. Your time might be spent on specific feedback regarding your materials, group discussions of show-specific challenges, and other talking points.
Round 2 consists of one-on-one conversations between respondents and stage managers. Students participating in Round 2 should know this is not a “Final Round” but merely a chance for respondents to have further or extended conversations.
All Stage Management response sessions are closed to the public.
What to Present
Please submit an individual Expo Entry Submission for each individual piece of work you would like to present!
- Unrealized Work – the project that is done in the classroom and never was produced – i.e. never sent through the production process and subsequently shown to a live audience. This work is eligible to be recognized on both a regional and national level.
- Realized, Produced Work – the project that was ‘brought to life’ and fully produced. This work is eligible to be recognized on both a regional and national level.
Typical items that we see on posters or in displays include the following items. Please feel free to expand on this list and show us your unique flavor.
Show Bibles
Calling, blocking, or specific script version
Paperwork, rulebooks, or tracking documents
Progress, archival, or personal photography
Script mapping or actor tracking
Statements, stories, and descriptions
Please note:
All Students, regardless of presentation method, must submit a digital slideshow in order to be considered for National Awards. Participants at the National Festival are only allowed to bring Digital Presentations. These must include the following materials. If your Digital Display meets these minimums, you can submit that instead:
| Component | Notes |
| Design/Process Statement | 1 page max, separate from visuals |
| Elevator Pitch Video
(see notes below!) |
3 min max, link to private video |
| Project Documentation | Research, sketches, photos, drafting, paperwork |
| Production Information | Title of work, playwright,
Do not include the school name |
| Minimum of Two (2)
Image-only Slides |
Square JPGs, min. 200dpi, 10MB max |
Please submit your Digital Slideshow at this link before January 25.
Elevator Pitch Video
Everyone who participates in the DTM Expo is required to create a three (3) minute video (max) for the respondents to view in advance. Regardless of your presentation format (table or digital), this intro video serves to help us learn about your work ahead of time, allowing for more interaction in person. Use this video to cover things like:
- Why the show is important to you or your institution
- Something you learned along the way or a challenge you overcame
- An overview of your concept or approach
Next Steps
Choose your method and start assembling your materials!
Be sure to save and document your work. We love to see items from your process, including time-lapses, in-progress photos, and finalized work.
We also have a number of helpful resources for you. But, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Resources
This Fall, look for an invite to a Zoom-based open house with us. You and your mentors can hear more about the conference, ask us anything, and meet your DTM Team.
Orientation Video (https://youtu.be/OvXAyrIFVGs)
Example Rubric (word doc from DTM National)
Thank you for considering the DTM Expo! We look forward to seeing your work and meeting you at the Festival!
DTM Board Members region1DTM@gmail.com
Max Ponticelli ponticelli_max@wheatoncollege.edu
Mark Rocheteau mroch77722@gmail.com
Scott Osborne sosborn1@providence.edu