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About Washington Junior Thespians
About Washington Junior Thespians
Junior Thespians is a division of the International Thespian Society (ITS) specifically for middle school students (grades 6-8) involved in theatre arts. An honor society that recognizes and rewards students for their dedication and participation in theatre, WA State Junior Thespians provides opportunities for students to enhance their theatre skills, promote excellence in theatre, and connect with other theatre loving Middle School students across Washington State.
Julie Olsen
Julie Olsen
An MFA graduate of the University of Washington School of Drama’s Professional Actor Training, Julie is heads the theatre program at Assumption-St. Bridget School in Seattle. A WA Thespians Executive Board member, Julie chairs the Washington State Junior Thespian Conference.
julie.olsen@wathespians.org
Indeah Harris
Indeah Harris
Indeah Harris now serves on the Executive Board as the secretary and has contributed to the DEIA as co-chair and Junior Thespian Committee, expanding access and representation in educational theatre. Former professional actress, earned her Masters of Education from Pacific Lutheran University, launching a decade of building a superior-rated drama program (6-12) at Harrison Preparatory School.
iharris@wathespians.org
Becky Gil
Becky Gil
Becky Gil is the Theatre teacher at Willows Preparatory School. This is her 5th year at Willows and her 4th year on the Junior Thespian board. Becky started our JSTO program 2 years ago and serves as the JSTO faculty advisor. Her 6-12th grade program at Willows earned Bronze Honor Troupe in 2025. She is passionate about all things theatre and hopes to instill that passion in her students!
bgil@wathespians.org
Dorothy Rosenthal Pierce
Dorothy Rosenthal Pierce
Performer & Educator and proud Honor Thespian herself, Dorothy has developed a year-round program with Edmonds Heights K-12. Their program currently has over 75 inducted 6th-12th grade Thespians,
dorothy@wathespians.org
Andrea Sylvester
Andrea Sylvester
Theatre Arts Educator since 2009, with a Masters in Theatre Education. Andrea Sylvester is the director at Nelsen Middle School in Renton WA. With a fresh new troupe and joining the Jr Board in 2022, she believes with a little bit of story and confidence, all kids can find the stage and live with joy!
andrea.sylvester@wathespians.org
FAQ
FAQ
What has changed and why?
Festival
Festival
Festival has moved to the FALL at beautiful CAPTIAL HIGH SCHOOL in Olympia, WA. This event will have workshops for both PERFORMERS & TECH students. In addition we'll be treated to Capital High School's Production of Sense & Sensibility by Kate Hamill.
At our festival, you’ll have the opportunity to workshop your Thespys entries for immediate verbal feedback from professional adjudicators. Our goal is to help you and your teacher gain a positive and thorough understanding of the rubric and how adjudicators use it to score your work.
You may attend Festival only or plan to join us at Showcase too. Cost and schedule are posted on the EVENTS page.
Registration is DUE SEPTEMBER 30th for FESTIVAL
Showcase
Showcase
As a separate FREE event. Showcase is an opportunity for your school to share their work (WIPS/CUTTINGS) along side THESPY entries that you may have videotaped for submission for formal adjudication and scoring. All ITF qualifiers will be notified via email if they are superior rated or not and eligible to compete at the international level.
You may attend Showcase and be scored for adjudication for the registration fee of $45 (Jr. Thespian) or $60 (Future Thespian). Cost and schedule are posted on the EVENTS page.
Registration for adjudication interest, is DUE SEPTEMBER 30th for SHOWCASE.
Are there still Jr. Thespys?
Are there still Jr. Thespys?
Yes. The format has shifted to feedback and workshopping skills during our Festival in the fall. Subsequently, students who wish to submit their entries Nationally for formal adjudication and scoring, may have their entries video taped at our Showcase event. Students may also video tape at home and submit their video for the adjudication fee of $45 (Jr. Thespian) or $60 (Future Thespian)
Registration is due SEPTEMBER 30th along with the Festival, even if you are only attending Showcase to be adjudicated.
Why has Thespys changed?
Why has Thespys changed?
As educators, we feel this new approach will help students gain a deeper understanding of the rubric as they develop their skills. We want them to feel equipped for success as they continue their theatre journey into High School programs and beyond. Additionally we wanted to make sure cost was equitable for all WA state schools.
Why is all Registration due September 30th?
Why is all Registration due September 30th?
The two events are meant to show progress in each students theatre skill. We hope that all students who are interested in being adjudicated will bring their piece to Festival first, to receive feedback. This educational step of understanding the rubric for each performer & technician allows each to continue to deepen their skills before scoring.
We understand that committing to a January event in October is challenging. We want our students to know they have the time to prepare after registration, but the commitment helps us to have the event.
No cost registration if your school is simply coming to Showcase to perform WIPS or Cuttings.
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