Troupe Charter Ceremony

The following ceremony is to be used to celebrate the chartering of a new Thespian troupe. Normally the first induction of members happens at the same time. The troupe charter ceremony can be used in combination with any of the three induction ceremonies.

Some general notes:

1. The troupe director and/or members of the new troupe should begin planning the charter ceremony as soon as the charter is granted.
2. The EdTA chapter director may be invited, and if he or she is able to attend, the chapter director could serve as the installing officer. Otherwise, the troupe may select a representative of a nearby, established troupe, one of its own school officials, or the new troupe’s director to lead the charter ceremony.
3. Troupe officers may be elected or appointed before the charter ceremony, and can be assigned to help with the program. In the latter case, they should be introduced during the ceremony.

A. Begin the ceremony by introducing any guests and then introducing the installing officer.

B. Suggested text for the installing officer:
“___________(school name) has petitioned the International Thespian Society, the student honorary division of the Educational Theatre Association, for the privilege of chartering a Thespian troupe. The theatre arts program of ___________(school name) has been determined to meet the standards required by the board of directors of the Educational Theatre Association, and the application has been accepted. You are now eligible to become members of the International Thespian Society.

“Membership in this international organization is not only a reward for the fine work you have done, but further evidence of your desire to continue to work in this specialized field. As a troupe, your work will contribute to the growth of better theatre in this community, our country, and throughout the world.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you into the fellowship of the International Thespian Society, which has troupes in every state of the United States and in several other countries around the world.

“The International Thespian Society has as its aim the advancement of excellence in educational theatre and the continuing enrichment of theatre arts and their appreciation worldwide. Because of your dedication to the cause of our cultural improvement, your charter is hereby granted. It is my pleasure, on behalf of the International Thespian Society, therefore, to grant you this charter for the constitution of Troupe _______, of ___________(school name). Would ___________________________ please accept this charter on behalf of your troupe.”