Junior Thespians is a chapter of the Educational Theatre Association, which sponsors the International Thespian Society for middle and high school theatre. Junior Thespians have troupes all across the country in both public and private schools, representing excellence in theatre education. A student may be inducted into a local Junior Thespian Troupe after earning 5 points – the equivalent of 50 hours working in school, community and/or professional theatre both on and behind the stage.
About Membership
To be eligible for lifetime Junior Thespian membership, students in grades six through eight must attend a school with an active Junior 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. Junior Thespians may earn additional honors for work done after induction. Most Junior Thespian benefits last through the end of grade 8. Graduated students become Junior Thespian alumni and begin their high school careers with half the points needed for Thespian induction.
The International Thespian Society is an honor society for theatre arts students; it is not a secret society or club. Junior 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 proceedings are subject to the rules and oversight of the school administration.
ITS keeps a permanent record of each student’s induction. Junior Thespian point records are kept at the troupe level. Correspondence with the National Office should be directed through the troupe director whenever possible.
The International Thespian Society is an honor society for theatre arts students; it is not a secret society or club. Junior 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 proceedings are subject to the rules and oversight of the school administration.
ITS keeps a permanent record of each student’s induction. Junior Thespian point records are kept at the troupe level. Correspondence with the National Office should be directed through the troupe director whenever possible.
Creating a Junior Thespian Troupe
If you are interested in creating a Junior Thespian Troupe at your middle school (Grades 6-8), click here. The Educational Theatre Association, the parent organization for the International Thespian Society, will guide you through the process of activating a Junior Thespian Troupe.
