What is the International Thespian Society / Indiana Thespians?
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is the only theatre honor society for middle and high school students in the United States. Affiliation brings credibility and distinction to students, theatre programs, and schools. It is a visible, positive symbol of the quality of your theatre program.
ITS recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre – performance and production. Each student is honored on a national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school. (source: https://schooltheatre.org/international-thespian-society/)
Indiana Thespians is the state chapter of the International Thespian Society. Indiana Thespians also represents Indiana students and educators as the state chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). (source: Indiana Thespians Facebook)
ITS recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre – performance and production. Each student is honored on a national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school. (source: https://schooltheatre.org/international-thespian-society/)
Indiana Thespians is the state chapter of the International Thespian Society. Indiana Thespians also represents Indiana students and educators as the state chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). (source: Indiana Thespians Facebook)
How can I join Troupe 487?
Shelbyville High School students in grades 9-12 that have been involved in the Theatre Department in some capacity (either on stage or in tech) are eligible to join ITS Troupe 487. Students must fully participate* in at least one show (either the Fall Musical or Spring Play) before they are eligible.
(*Fully participate means you are actively involved in the show from when the cast/tech list comes out until strike. If you are removed from a show, leave a production, or join part-way through, that show can not count towards induction to Troupe 487)
(*Fully participate means you are actively involved in the show from when the cast/tech list comes out until strike. If you are removed from a show, leave a production, or join part-way through, that show can not count towards induction to Troupe 487)
Does it cost anything to join Troupe 487?
In order to join International Thespian Society Troupe 487, there is a one-time Thespian Induction fee of $35
What is the International Thespian Festival / Indiana State Thespian Conference?
The Indiana State Thespian Conference is held in January each year. The Indiana State Thespian Conference takes place over a weekend (usually Friday-Sunday) and is a time for Indiana Thespians from across the state to attend workshops, performances from other Indiana Thespian Troupes, and speeches from various keynote speakers. Students are also able to perform College Auditions and compete in Thespys for the opportunity to move on to the International competition and be awarded scholarships.
The International Thespian Festival (ITF) is held at the end of June each year in Bloomington, Indiana. ITF is a week long theatre festival (Sunday-Saturday) where students are able to attend workshops, performances, and compete in the final round of Thespys. Workshops at ITF are taught by theatre professionals from all over the world and cover everything from memorization techniques for actors to light hanging techniques for technicians! There are two Main Stage productions everyday from Monday to Thursday put on by different Thespian Troupes from around the country. Students who received a Superior Quality ranking in their Thespy entry at the Indiana State Thespian Conference are eligible to compete again at ITF for the opportunity to win a Thespy Award and potential scholarship money.
The International Thespian Festival (ITF) is held at the end of June each year in Bloomington, Indiana. ITF is a week long theatre festival (Sunday-Saturday) where students are able to attend workshops, performances, and compete in the final round of Thespys. Workshops at ITF are taught by theatre professionals from all over the world and cover everything from memorization techniques for actors to light hanging techniques for technicians! There are two Main Stage productions everyday from Monday to Thursday put on by different Thespian Troupes from around the country. Students who received a Superior Quality ranking in their Thespy entry at the Indiana State Thespian Conference are eligible to compete again at ITF for the opportunity to win a Thespy Award and potential scholarship money.
What are Thespys?
Thespys are a program of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and the International Thespian Society (ITS). Thespys can be done solo, as a duet, or small group (depending on category) in either performance or a technical element. Categories students can compete in include Acting, Musical Theatre Performance, Musical Theatre Dance, Lighting Design, Set Design, Costume Construction, Stage Management, and more! Students will present and receive feedback from theatre educators in these various categories. Students who receive a Superior Quality ranking in their Thespy entry at the state level are eligible to compete again at the International Thespian Festival for the opportunity to win a Thespy Award (one of the highest awards granted by EdTA and ITS) and potential scholarship money.