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)
*One point represents approximately ten hours of excellent work. Use this formula in awarding points for items not specifically listed.
*To become a Thespian, a student must earn ten points, five of which must be acquired at the school where he or she is to be inducted.
*A prospective member must participate in at least two full-length productions, or one full-length and two one-acts, or four one-acts.
*Participation should be in at least two of the listed categories, for example, acting and business.
*Students may earn up to five points toward membership in the high school Thespian troupe through participation in community, children�s or professional theatre, or in other activities in the performing arts, or through participation at the middle school level or within a Junior Thespian troupe.
*Thespian membership will be awarded to all students who qualify. No student can be elected into the troupe, and no student can be denied membership if he or she has fulfilled all membership requirements.
*A student member must maintain satisfactory standards of membership as set forth by the constitution of the troupe and by the EdTA governing board. A student may be suspended or expelled from the troupe by the sponsor. A suspended student may not participate in the activities of any Thespian troupe nor attend Thespian conferences during the period of his or her suspension.
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is an organization for theatre educators, artists, arts advocates and anyone else involved in theatre as a life-long learning activity.
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 to college audition opportunities to formal awards and scholarships. Since 1929, more than two million students, schools and educators have benefited from ITS membership.
What kinds of special events does the Educational Theatre Association offer?
The Thespian Festival. A week-long event for students and teachers that features performance, hands-on workshops, networking, college auditions, and much more. More than 2,500 Thespians and their teachers from throughout North America and around the world attend each year. The event is usually held at the end of June.
State/province and regional Thespian conferences. Events similar to the Thespian Festival, on a state, province, or regional level.
What are the benefits of membership in the International Thespian Society?
Thespians receive the highest recognition due those who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in their school�s theatre program�membership in 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.
What is a troupe constitution?
Each troupe should develop its own constitution (this is ours). This document outlines rules for membership, activities and governing policies for the troupe. In addition, all members and potential members of the troupe should have access to a copy, so that membership requirements and benefits are understood.
What do Thespian inductees receive for their membership fee?
A membership certificate.
A membership card.
A one-year (nine issues) subscription to Dramatics magazine.
Ability to renew the subscription at a special member rate.
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.
How will I know that I qualify to join?
We keep track of every person involved in any theatrical production, competition, ect. And when a person has earned enough points we will give them an invitation to join our troupe. You can either accept or decline the invitation (but why would you want to do that :P ). If you accept then you will be inducted in an Induction Ceremony. We usually hold one Induction Ceremony at the end of every year.
Do I have to pay anything?
There is a one-time membership fee of $20. This will be collected when you are inducted.
If you have any more questions or need some more information visit Edta.org