EdTA's honor society for theatre students spotlighted student achievement in a year of rebuilding and recovery.

International Thespian Society

EdTA’s vision is for every student to have access to theatre taught by qualified educators as a vital part of a well-rounded education. An essential way for EdTA to achieve that vision is through its flagship International Thespian Society (ITS), the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. Upon induction into ITS, Thespians (high schoolers) and Junior Thespians (middle grade students) become lifetime members of a society that includes such notable alumni as comedian Wayne Brady, singers Janelle Monae and Kelly Clarkson, actor Tom Hanks, and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Student Induction ITS

ITS has been honoring student achievement in theatre since 1929: through the Depression, the Cold War, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite ongoing challenges related to the pandemic, nearly 35,000 students were inducted into ITS in 2021 — up 40% from 2020, when the pandemic abruptly shut down schools. ITS has inducted 2.4 million Thespians over nine decades.

“Being part of a troupe has given me the tools to become who I am today, and I think it does that for a lot of students in our organization.”

Isabelle Snyder, chair of the 2020-21 class of International Thespian Officers, EdTA’s student leadership program. Snyder belongs to Troupe 5029 in State College, Pennsylvania.

EdTA’s 46 chapters (in 44 U.S. states plus China and British Columbia, Canada) are another important platform for delivering the association’s mission and vision. Chapters hosted 34 events impacting more than 38,700 students in 2021.

2021 ITS Milestones

Thespians Inducted

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Jr. Thespians Inducted

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Chapter Event Attendees

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