INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY INFORMATION
What is a Thespian?
Thespis was the first person to step out of the chorus in the ancient Greek
theatre. He is considered to be the first actor in western theatre and as a
result actors (and others who work with theatre) are called Thespians.
What is the International Thespian Society?
The International Thespian Society is the honorary theatre organization for
students in high school and middle school. Operated by the Educational
Theatre Association, ITS offers everything from varied performance venues,
college audition opportunities, to formal awards and scholarships. Since
1929, more than two million students, schools and educators have benefited
from ITS membership.
What are the benefits of membership in the International Thespian Society?
Thespians receive the highest recognition as those who have demonstrated
commitment and excellence in their school’s theatre program. ITS is the
world’s largest theatre honor society. Thespians enjoy the sense of belonging
and recognition inherent in being inducted into an honor society. Thespian
membership encourages students to practice their craft and to grow as a
person. The skills that they learn from a quality theatre arts education—
creativity, self confidence, leadership, communication, interpersonal skills as
well as specific theatre skills—will benefit them in their school days and
beyond. Thespians are eligible for scholarships on the state and international
levels, have the opportunities to attend the Thespian Festival and state
conferences, and may hold leadership positions by serving on their State
student boards or as one of our International Thespian Officers. Each newly
inducted Thespian receives a one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine.
How do students qualify for membership?
Students qualify by earning points for their work in the theatre arts. ITS
provides a point system guide. The points listed are the suggested maximum
for excellent work. For high school students, defined for ITS purposes as
those in grades 9-12, one point is equal to ten hours of excellent work. In
order to be eligible for membership in his or her high school troupe, a
student must obtain a minimum of ten points. In addition, these points must
be earned in a minimum of two productions and must be from two different
production areas (i.e., acting and stage management)
What is the membership fee?
The membership fee is $22.00 and it is due before induction into the society.
What do Thespian inductees receive for their membership fee?
All high school Thespians receive:
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A membership certificate.
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A membership card.
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A one-year (nine issues) subscription to Dramatics magazine.
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Ability to renew the subscription at a special member rate.

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Eligibility for scholarships.
Eligibility to serve as an International Thespian Officer.

Eligibility to serve as a state student officer.

Eligibility to apply for Doug Finney Festival Grants, which provide
for an all-expense paid trip to the Thespian Festival

Eligibility to submit their original plays to the Thespian Playworks
program.

Eligibility to participate in Individual Events at state conferences and
at the Thespian Festival.
Do students need to renew their membership every year?
No, memberships require a one-time fee. A student’s name should not be
submitted more than once.
I hope that you qualify for and/or strive to be a member of this prestigious
organization.
For more information see Mrs. Giles in Portable 1 or e-mail her at
pgiles@mcsdga.net.