2022-23 Troupe Officers
Carly Callen - President
Abbey Ball - Vice President
Emma Hay - Secretary
Chloe Smith - Treasurer
Carly Callen - President
Abbey Ball - Vice President
Emma Hay - Secretary
Chloe Smith - Treasurer
State Conference is in Kansas City, January 5-7, 2023
Being inducted into our Thespian Troupe is an honor and something that theatre students work hard to accomplish. The benefits of being a part of the International Thespian Society are immeasurable. 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.
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 school administration appoints one adult adviser to lead the troupe, the official troupe director (Michael Butcher). The troupe director recognizes and rewards student achievement by inducting eligible students into the International Thespian Society.
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. Thespians receive a wide range of benefits and opportunities throughout their high school careers and become Thespian alumni after graduation.
Benefits and Honors associated with Thespian induction
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 GDA, you are eligible to earn points for your work in the theatre department. At GDA, students are eligible for induction when they have earned at least 10 Thespian points.
Thespian points are tallied by the individual student using the following linked form (Thespian Points Record). When using this form, students should first make a copy of the form and then name the copied form with their own name before completing the form. Students should keep accurate track of all participation. The following link are a set of instructions on how to fill out the form (How to fill out the Thespian Point Sheet). In May each year, the Troupe Director will assess the point records, and invite those who are eligible for induction.
Please be aware, that upon acceptance, there is a one time induction fee of $35. This fee goes directly to the International Thespian Society. Students must pay this fee. If you qualify for induction and would like to join Thespians, we can charge the $35 to your school account.
The official point system for the International Thespian Society can be viewed by the following link (Thespian Point System); however, our form simplifies the record keeping for the student and for the director.
Thespian Honors
All Thespians are theatre arts honor students, and induction as a Thespian is the first of many honors that troupes may bestow on a student. However, the International Thespian Society recognizes three achievement ranks beyond induction. Students should continue recording Thespian points after induction. These points will be used to recognize ongoing Thespian achievements.
Thespian stars are presented to acknowledge each additional 10 points (or 100 hours) earned. Star ratings should be designated on the student’s membership certificate under “Thespian Stars Earned.”
Below are brief descriptions of Thespian honor ranks and the point totals associated with each. See “Thespian and graduation honors program” below for details.
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 school administration appoints one adult adviser to lead the troupe, the official troupe director (Michael Butcher). The troupe director recognizes and rewards student achievement by inducting eligible students into the International Thespian Society.
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. Thespians receive a wide range of benefits and opportunities throughout their high school careers and become Thespian alumni after graduation.
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.
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 GDA, you are eligible to earn points for your work in the theatre department. At GDA, students are eligible for induction when they have earned at least 10 Thespian points.
Thespian points are tallied by the individual student using the following linked form (Thespian Points Record). When using this form, students should first make a copy of the form and then name the copied form with their own name before completing the form. Students should keep accurate track of all participation. The following link are a set of instructions on how to fill out the form (How to fill out the Thespian Point Sheet). In May each year, the Troupe Director will assess the point records, and invite those who are eligible for induction.
Please be aware, that upon acceptance, there is a one time induction fee of $35. This fee goes directly to the International Thespian Society. Students must pay this fee. If you qualify for induction and would like to join Thespians, we can charge the $35 to your school account.
The official point system for the International Thespian Society can be viewed by the following link (Thespian Point System); however, our form simplifies the record keeping for the student and for the director.
Thespian Honors
All Thespians are theatre arts honor students, and induction as a Thespian is the first of many honors that troupes may bestow on a student. However, the International Thespian Society recognizes three achievement ranks beyond induction. Students should continue recording Thespian points after induction. These points will be used to recognize ongoing Thespian achievements.
Thespian stars are presented to acknowledge each additional 10 points (or 100 hours) earned. Star ratings should be designated on the student’s membership certificate under “Thespian Stars Earned.”
Below are brief descriptions of Thespian honor ranks and the point totals associated with each. See “Thespian and graduation honors program” below for details.
- Honor Thespian. 60 total points earned or the equivalent of 5 stars. For outstanding contributions to the ideals of the Society and meritorious work in the field of theatre.
- National Honor Thespian. 120 total points earned or the equivalent of 11 stars. For exceptional commitment to the ideals of the Society and distinguished work in the field of theatre.
- International Honor Thespian. 180 or more total points earned or the equivalent of 17 or more stars. For extraordinary dedication to the ideals of the Society and exemplary work in the field of theatre.
Use the Thespian Point Worksheet to fill out the Individual Thespian Point Record Sheet. Open the link, print the worksheets, and fill them out by hand. Then proceed to the Individual Thespian Point Record Sheet. If you need assistance, bring your worksheets with you and ask Mr. Butcher for guidance.
Please note these instructions for figuring Thespian points.
Use your answers on your worksheets to help you fill out the Individual Thespian Point Record Sheet. After opening the Individual Thespian Point Record Sheet you will not be able to fill out the form until you make your own copy of the form and save with your name. To do this, go to the upper left corner and click on File. Next, click on Make a Copy. Then you can change the name to your own name, something like “Jim Bob Thespian Points” Now you will be able to edit your copy and fill in your information. After you have completed the form, you can click on Share and put in the following email address mbutcher2868@yahoo.com. Copy the link and paste it in an email to me. You can email it to mbutcher@gloriadeoacademy.org. Note that these are two different email addresses. If you are counting drama class for points, list it under acting and write "Drama Class" the current year and count it as a one-act play.
If you are planning on going to the State Thespian Conference in January, you must fill out the following form.
