International Thespian Society

What is the International Thespian Society?

What are the requirements to be in the International Thespian Society?

To be eligible for lifetime Thespian membership, students in grades nine through twelve must attend a school with an active Thespian troupe and complete a sufficient quantity and quality of work in theatre arts. A one-time induction fee is required, and troupes may assess additional participation fees at their discretion. Thespians may earn additional honors for work done after induction. Most Thespian benefits last through grade twelve. Graduated members become Thespian alumni.

The International Thespian Society is an honor society for theatre arts students; it is not a secret society or club. Thespians may not be inducted based on election or review by other students. Hazing is prohibited. The troupe constitution and all membership requirements must be readily available to any interested parties, and all troupe activities are subject to the oversight of the school administration. ITS keeps a permanent record of each student’s induction. Thespian point records are kept at the troupe level. Correspondence with the National Office should be directed through the troupe director whenever possible.

What is the history of the International Thespian Society?

The International Thespian Society was founded in 1929 in Fairmont, West Virginia. Originally named National Thespians, the society was founded by Dr. Paul Opp, Earnest Bavely and Harry T. Leeper.

What are the key benefits of being a member of the International Thespian Society?

Each year, the Educational Theatre Association’s awards, grants, and scholarships opportunities honor the achievements of individuals and theatre programs, providing award-winners with the financial support to attend Association events or further educational endeavors. Awards are presented in recognition of notable accomplishments by individuals or theatre programs. Grants are one-time financial awards presented to individuals or troupes to attend Association events such as the EdTA National Conference or the International Thespian Festival, or to help support the troupe's theatre program. National scholarships are presented to students to cover tuition and fees, typically based on a combination of merit and career goals.

Our 2022/23 Thespian Officers

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Marisa Martucci

President

Howdy! My name is Marisa Martucci and I am the current president of the thespian society. I am a senior in high school. I aid in arranging meetings, arranging open mic nights, and organizing alongside the other officers. I have done six shows with the stage company, and two of the roles you may recognize are Marmee from Little Women and Queen Aggravaine from Once Upon A Mattress, and you may even remember my dog Beau for his role as Rhett in Steel Magnolias! I look forward to working with everyone and learning from them!

Laurel Hawkins

Vice President

As Vice President, my job is to help out the president in any way that I can. With the president, I’m in charge of planning meetings, helping running the Seahawk Stage Company and organizing fundraisers. I’m a senior and have been a part of the SSC since my freshman year. Some of my favorite past credits include The Great Gatsby (Jordan Baker) and Little Women (Meg March). I’m super excited to work with everyone and can’t wait to see what this year will hold!

Meagan Berger

Secretary

Some of my responsibilities include recording thespian points and attendance for current and potential members and keeping track of important dates. Going into my senior year, I have now done six shows at the school with my favorite roles including Beth March from Little Women and Lavender from Matilda. I look forward to working with everyone this year!

Channing Coulter

Historian

HI! As the Historian, my responsibilities include, managing the website and the social media platforms. I am a senior this year. I have now done four shows with the Seahawk Stage Company. You may recognize me from my two favorite roles include Matilda in Matilda, and Amy in Little Women. I am thankful to be an officer for the 2022/23 school year. Excited to see you!

Seahaw​k Stage Company