Chapter FAQ
A chapter is a separately incorporated organization that is affiliated with the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and established to deliver the EdTA mission to members in a given area. Chapters have geographic territories, such as a state, a province, or a country. Every EdTA member, Thespian, Junior Thespian, Troupe Directors, Professional, Pre-Professional, and Emeritus, within a chapter’s territory is automatically a member of that chapter. Each chapter is governed by a local board of directors that establishes and executes the programs that the chapter will offer. Programming offered by the chapter may include festivals, teacher conferences, professional development, student leadership and advocacy. Many chapters offer Thespy® qualifying events which allow Thespians who receive overall Superior scores at a chapter qualifying event to have their performances adjudicated at the international level. The International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys® for short) recognize the highest level of achievement in school theatre performance and technical theatre.
Please visit https://www.schooltheatre.org/chapters and click on your location to be directed to the chapter representing your area. If you are in an area that does not have a chapter, please reach out to chapterrelations@schooltheatre.org.
While there is not a separate fee or dues required for most chapters, a portion of every student induction to the International Thespian Society (ITS) is given back to the chapters to support programming and services in that state or province.
Chapters are always looking for volunteers who are passionate about supporting theatre education. Opportunities range from helping out at a local event to serving on the chapter board and everything in between. Don’t worry if you aren’t a theatre professional. Marketing, accounting, event management, technology, and organizational skills are always needed too! If you have some time to give and want to support theatre education in your community, you can locate you chapter at: https://www.schooltheatre.org/chapters Click your location on the map and you’ll be taken to a page with the chapter contact information. Reach out to the chapter director and let them know you’d like to volunteer!
