Below you will find a summary description of the 2019 and 2020 high school TSA competitions. Click on a category to filter the competitions. (More detailed specifications and rules regarding each event can be found in the "TSA High School Competitive Events Guide for the 2019 and 2020 National TSA Conference.")
You can also view and download the TSA high school competitions eligibility chart applicable to the 2020 National TSA Conference. (State delegations may choose to alter their events for local conferences. Click on your state to preview the requirements pertaining to your regional and/or state conferences.)
For event entries submitted pre-conference:
- A link will be provided approximately one month prior to the deadline of May 15th on the Competition Updates page.
- This submission procedure applies ONLY to entries for the National TSA Conference, not state TSA conference entries.
- Email verification of each team's entry will be made by June 10th to the email provided during submission.
Each participant/team shall submit only one [1] entry for the following competitive events.
TSA High School Competitions | Career Categories
Click on a category below to view a list of TSA high school competitions and their summary descriptions in that category:
3D Animation
Participants (two [2] teams per state) demonstrate their knowledge of 3D animation technology and design skills to creatively solve the challenge posted on
Themes and Problems. Participants submit the entry pre-conference by May 15th.
Animatronics
Participants (one [1] team per chapter) demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and control systems by designing, fabricating, and controlling an animatronics device that will communicate, entertain, inform, demonstrate and/or illustrate a topic, idea, subject, or concept. Sound, lights, and a surrounding environment must accompany the device.
Board Game Design
Participants (one [1] team per chapter) develop, build, and package a board game that focuses on the subject of their choice. The game should be interesting, exciting, visually appealing, and intellectually challenging. Each team will have to design the packaging, instructions, pieces, and cards associated with creating and piloting a new board game. Semifinalists for the event will set up the game, demonstrate how the game is played, and explain the game’s features.
Digital Video Production
Participants (three [3] teams per state; an individual may participate solo in this event) develop a digital video (with sound) that reflects the theme for the year, which can be found on
Themes and Problems.
Fashion Design and Technology
Participants (three [3] teams of two to four [2–4] individuals per state) research, design, and create a portfolio and wearable prototype that reflect the theme for the year, which can be found on Themes and Problems. Semifinalist teams participate in a presentation/interview in which they present their garment designs to judges.
Music Production
Participants (three [3] teams per state; an individual may participate solo in this team event) produce an original musical piece that is designed to be played during the National TSA Conference opening or closing general sessions.
On Demand Video
Participants (one [1] team of two to six [2–6] individuals per chapter) write, shoot, and edit a 60–second video onsite during the conference.
Photographic Technology
Participants (one [1] individual per chapter) demonstrate understanding of and expertise in using photographic and imaging technology processes to convey a message based on a theme. Semifinalists record images and then utilize graphic editing software to prepare a single final image as a solution to an onsite prompt.