Thespians

What is a thespian?

A Thespian is a member of the International Thespian Society (ITS), an honor society for high school and middle school theatre students. ITS is a division of the Educational Theatre Association.

The International Thespian Society has inducted more than 2.4 million theatre students since its founding in 1929.

Both actors and technicians can become Thespians. ITS runs state and national events and offers opportunities for students to showcase and receive assessments on tech and performance skills.

RHS Thespians

Redmond High School Drama participates in Thespians. We are Troupe 5117 of the Washington State Thespians. Our students attend the Thespian Excellence Awards Festival Northwest for both performance and tech, unified college auditions, the State Festival, and sometimes the International Thespian Festival (Nationals).

Why Become a Thespian?

There are many benefits of being an inducted thespian:

• Eligibility to perform at state and national festivals. Although you do not need to be an inducted Thespian to attend State or Nationals, you do need to be one to perform or compete there.

• Official membership pin, card, and certificate.

• Student leadership opportunities for elected troupe officers.

• Discounted registration fees to events like Thespys (Individual Events - IE) and College Auditions.

• Subscription to Dramatics magazine, a publication exclusively for theatre students and teachers.

• Colleges love it!

How Do I Become a Thespian?

Any RHS student is eligible for Thespian membership after acting or being a technician in two (2) RHS extracurricular Drama productions, such as the musical, play, or Drama Fest.

Once you qualify, you can apply anytime. Some students apply mid-year so that they are eligible to perform at State.

Applying to be a Thespian is easy! You just fill out paperwork and pay a fee. The Director handles and submits all Thespian applications for our troupe.

• Fill out the Thespian Induction Application.

• Give your completed form, and a check for $30 (made out to RHS), to the Director.

• If you are facing financial difficulties and are unable to pay the full cost of induction, please see the Director.

Induction Ceremony

You are officially a Thespian, and a member of Troupe 5117, as soon as your paperwork goes through. At the Drama Banquet in June, we celebrate all new RHS Thespians with an induction ceremony.