History

What Does It Mean To Be a Thespian?

The International Thespian Society is the student honorary division of the Educational Theatre Association recognizing excellence in high school theatre. Schools join the International Thespian Society by chartering a Thespian troupe, which serves as the honor society for their theatre student artists and technicians. The troupe director recognizes and rewards student achievement by inducting eligible students into the International Thespian Society. Thespians receive a wide range of benefits and opportunities throughout their high school careers and become Thespian alumni after graduation.

As a Thespian, you uphold the Thespian motto, “Act well your part; there all the honor lies.” You’ll find that this motto and the theatrical, leadership, communication, and organizational skills that you develop as a Thespian will serve you well for the rest of your life.

How Do I Become a Thespian?

Students in grades 9–12 who attend schools with active high school Thespian troupes can earn lifetime membership in the honor society. Troupe directors track student achievement and determine induction eligibility using a point system based on the quality and quantity of each student’s work in theatre and related arts. During your tenure at HHS, you are eligible to earn points for your work in the theatre department. At HHS, students are eligible for induction when they have earned at least 10 Thespian points. Thespian points are tallied throughout the year during our Thespian meetings. Students should keep accurate track of all participation. In May each year, the Troupe Director will assess the point records, meet with the student board and invite those who are eligible to the induction ceremony held in MAY

Benefits and Honors associated with Thespian induction

Membership in the only international honor society for high school theatre arts students—a recognized demonstration of achievement and a valuable addition to college and employment applications.

A membership certificate.

A personalized membership card.

A one-year (nine issues) subscription to Dramatics magazine.

Leadership opportunities at the troupe, chapter, and international levels.

Eligibility for scholarships through EdTA chapters and the home office.

Eligibility to apply for student grants, including the Doug Finney Festival Grants (juniors and seniors), which are need-based grants to help Thespians attend the ITS Festival.

Eligibility to audition at the Thespian Festival for admission to college theatre programs.

Eligibility to submit original plays to the Thespian Playworks program.

Eligibility to audition for chapter Individual Events programs and qualify for the National Individual Events Showcase (NIES) at the Thespian Festival.

Eligibility to receive Thespian graduation and honor items (honor cords, point stars, pins, etc.).

Eligibility to advance to Thespian ranks of Honor, National Honor, or International Honor Thespian.

Eligibility to receive Thespian scholar distinction for academic achievement.

Field Trip Opportunities

Community service opportunities

Who We Are

Troupe Officers