BECOME MARYLAND'S NEXT

troupe director

 
 
 

BECOME A TROUPE DIRECTOR
The International Thespian Society (ITS) group at each school is known as a troupe and is led by the troupe director, usually the school's theatre teacher. The troupe is the school's theatre honor society and students earn induction based on their achievements within its theatre program, either a program that is curricular, extra-curricular or both. Thespian troupes include students in grades 9-12 who have earned at least 10 thespian points. On average, one thespian point is awarded for every 10 hours of excellent work completed within the theatre program. The International Thespian Society is a program offered and administered by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). All troupe directors become full professional members of EdTA upon successful charter of a thespian troupe. 

TRACKING ACHIEVEMENT
ITS point system guides help track student work in performance, tech, and production staff categories. In fact, inductees must earn points over the course of more than one production and in more than one discipline. Students continue to earn ITS points beyond induction to achieve progressively higher honors. Additionally, inductees earn ITS scholar distinctions based on their academic performance as denoted by their G.P.A.

 
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HOW STUDENTS BENEFIT
As members of ITS, your students will be honored on a national level and have access to resources beyond those of their school. ITS state and national events, including the International Thespian Festival, with workshops, college and scholarship auditions, as well as opportunities to showcase and receive assessment on tech and performance skills. Once inducted your students receive:

  • A membership card, certificate, and induction pin. 

  • Thespians receive print and digital subscriptions to Dramatics magazine, the only publication edited exclusively for theatre students and teachers. 

  • Student leadership opportunities at the troupe, state, and national levels that provide forums to learn and put their leadership skills to work. 

  • ITS honor society membership to enhance college and employment applications. 

HOW YOUR THEATRE PROGRAM BENEFITS
Recognition from an international honor society lends additional stature to student honors and the program as a whole in the eyes of the school, community, and colleges. Funding and resources follow success. ITS provides opportunities to showcase your successes:

  • Induction Ceremonies

  • Honor rank advancement

  • Invitations to perform at state and national venues 

  • Awards and scholarships

  • High assessments for individual events at the state and national levels. 

ITS programs expand students' educational and theatrical horizons including: 

  • Training by state and national theatre arts educators and working professionals. 

  • Collaborating with students from other schools. 

  • Assessment and recognition of their skills based on national standards. 

Professional development for troupe directors is also available. ITS troupe directors are full members of the Educational Theatre Association, (EdTA), which provides topnotch professional development and networking opportunities, including the EdTA National Conference.