A Thespian is a member of the International Thespian Society. Any high school student who is involved in theatre, performance or tech, is eligible to earn points toward induction in this society. If you work at it, you may be able to earn enough points your freshman year!
How can I become a Thespian? Just follow these three easy steps!
1. Attend drama club meetings regularly
2. Work on crews or perform in after school productions, BC’s or community theatre to earn points.
3. Fill out a Thespian point sheet at the appropriate drama club meetings.
How do I earn Thespian points?
1. Work on a crew for a play. (Points determined by sponsor.)
2. Perform in an after-school BC or community production. (Points determined by sponsor.)
3. Attend a full-length play or musical, bring Ms. Munson the ticket or program and give an oral report during a club meeting. You can also submit a written report. (One-half point)
4. Attend both days of Thespian Festival (Two points. You may NOT receive separate points for the shows you see there.)
5. Attend another type of festival/workshop. (Like the state One Act festival, ITF or leadership camp.)
6. Become a Drama Club Officer.
7. Take drama or stage production classes (points to be determined based on the class taken)
How will I know when I have become eligible to become a Thespian?
You will receive a notice from Ms. Munson once you have:
1. Accumulated 10 points on your Thespian point sheet. (1 point = 10 hours of work)
2. Been verified as an active drama club member from the attendance sheets. Members cannot miss more than 4 meetings (without sponsor approval) to be considered active.
3. Been verified that you have earned AT LEAST 2 of the 10 points in a tech theatre area.
Why would I want to become a Thespian?
1. You receive a discount on Festival registration.
2. You are eligible to compete at State, Regional and National Competitions.
3. You may receive discounts on plays/musicals at other Thespian shows in the community.
4. It is an International Honor Society, which looks good on your college application.
5. You can receive awards such as Honor Thespian, with a medallion/cord you can wear at graduation.
6. There will be some activities where only Thespians are invited, or Thespians get first dibs on openings. These are events such as the New York and Disney trips.
7. Only Thespians are eligible to run for office.
8. Only Thespians can vote.
9. Being a Thespian offers scholarship opportunities.
Thespian stars are presented to acknowledge each additional 10 points (100 hours) earned. Star ratings may be designated on the student’s membership certificate under “Thespian Stars Earned.”
ITS recognizes three achievement ranks beyond induction.
Honor Thespian – 60 total points (600 hours) earned or the equivalent of six stars. For outstanding contributions to the ideals of the Society and meritorious work in the field of theatre.
National Honor Thespian – 120 total points (1,200 hours) earned or the equivalent of 12 stars. For exceptions commitment to the ideals of the Society and distinguished work in the field of theatre.
International Honor Thespian – 180 or more total points (1,800+ hours) earned or the equivalent of 18 or more stars. For extraordinary dedication to the ideals of the Society and exemplary work in the field of theatre.
Thespians who demonstrate high academic success in overall coursework earn the distinction of scholar. The scholar distinction always follows the student’s ITS rank to create a full designation, such as Thespian Scholar, Honor Thespian President’s List Scholar, National Honor Thespian Scholar, etc. Thespian troupe directors may award the Thespian scholar distinction if the student:
Is officially inducted into ITS.
Is currently enrolled in the school and a member in good standing of the troupe.
Has earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its local equivalent for all academic coursework as determined upon completion of tenth grade or any official grading period thereafter. Students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA become Vice President’s List Scholars, and students with a 4.0 GPA are awards the President’s List Scholar distinction.
Has fulfilled any additional local criteria required by the troupe that is clearly stated in the troupe constitution.
Both Thespian Scholars and Honor Thespians can earn Cords, Stoles, or Collars to be worn at graduation
Do you have to be a Thespian to attend club meetings? Absolutely not! Please come and have fun with us. If you choose to become a thespian you can but it is not required.
When/where are club meetings? Meetings are every other Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30PM in the Theatre classroom/Blackbox. Dates may vary based on events and holidays. See the Club meeting page for more info.
Have more questions? Reach out to Ms. Munson