International Thespian Society

What are the Thespys?

The Thespys is a program OJR now participates in dedicated to pushing students further in the different aspects of stagecraft. 

"The Thespys journey starts at the school theatre level, where Thespians prepare performances, presentations, plays, and films showcasing their talents and skills. At EdTA chapter events, students are scored on official rubrics that evaluate their skills based on recognized learning standards for the theatre classroom. An overall rating is determined and constructive feedback is given so students can grow their skills. Students who score “superior” overall ratings qualify to move on to the final round of adjudication, which takes place annually at the International Thespian Festival. Students present their work again, incorporating feedback from previous rounds of adjudication, and the highest-scoring superior-rated students in each category receive Thespy Award"

-Description on the International Thespian Society Website

Our department encourages students to participate in the Thespys adjudications, be it in the categories of Acting, Costume design, lighting design, makeup design, theater dance, performance, playwriting, scenic design, short film, sound design, stage management, and theater marketing. Multiple submissions in various categories are allowed, and students are given opportunities to develop their skills before adjudication.