Thespian Troupe Handbook

THESPIAN INDUCTIONS

Mandatory school and student eligibility requirements are defined in the EdTA membership policy. Schools and students must meet all of these, plus those listed below for inductions to be granted.

Thespian Points

To be inducted as a Thespian and to earn special honors past induction, students earn points for theatre-related work that they do as part of class or extra-curricular participation. EdTA provides a Thespian point system to help determine induction eligibility along with Thespian point record sheets and our guide on awarding thespian points that provides the recommended number of points awarded for a specific assignment and helps track each student’s points.

Only the troupe director and the associate troupe director (if appointed) may make the final decisions regarding the awarding of Thespian points. The troupe secretary (if the position exists in your troupe) is often responsible for maintaining point records and making them available for each student’s person review. Point records are kept at the troupe level. They are not sent to EdTA/ITS.

Point Accrual for New Thespian Troupes – Troupe directors of newly chartered Thespian troupes may begin inducting Thespians as soon as their charter has been approved. Troupe directors can choose to tabulate and award points to students for their work prior to the official chartering of the Thespian troupe. It is highly recommended that the troupe director works to document the allocation of any such points awarded in a way that is consistent with how future inductees will record and tabulate their points as detailed in the troupe’s constitution.

Changes to the Thespian Induction Point System – Troupes may adapt changes to the point system to meet the unique needs of their theatre programs and students. Approved changes must be documented in the troupe constitution and shared with all theatre students.

Thespian Point System Summary:

• One point represents approximately 10 hours of excellent work. Use this formula in awarding points for items not specifically listed in the point system.
• To become a Thespian, a student must earn 10 points (the equivalent of 100 hours of excellent work). 5 of those points should be acquired at the school where they are to be inducted.
• Junior Thespians working toward high school Thespian status may apply up to 5 earned points for induction into the high school Thespian troupe.
• At the troupe director’s discretion, students may earn up to 5 points toward induction through participation in community, children’s, or professional theatre. Once inducted, students may continue to earn points for theatre participation outside of the school/organization’s program. This should be clearly documented in the troupe constitution.
• Thespian membership is offered to all students who qualify. No student can be elected to the troupe, nor can a student be denied membership if all membership requirements have been met.
• In accordance with the Anti-Hazing Policy, as approved by EdTA’s Board of Directors, hazing is strictly forbidden.

Junior Thespian Point System Summary:

• One point represents approximately 10 hours of excellent work. Use this formula in awarding points for items not specifically listed in the point system.
• To become a Junior Thespian, a student must earn 5 points (the equivalent of 50 hours of excellent work). 3 of those points should be acquired at the school where they are to be inducted.
• At the troupe director’s discretion, students may earn up to 2 points toward induction through participation in community, children’s, or professional theatre. Once inducted, students may continue to earn points for theatre participation outside of the school/organization’s program. This should be clearly documented in the troupe constitution.
• Thespian membership is offered to all students who qualify. No student can be elected to the troupe, nor can a student be denied membership if all membership requirements have been met.
• In accordance with the Anti-Hazing Policy, as approved by EdTA’s Board of Directors, hazing is strictly forbidden.

Troupe directors are to notify students that records of their activities are maintained, and that honor society induction will be available when all criteria have been met. All induction requirements must be provided in writing to all students in the theatre program.

Induction Criteria

Grade at Time of Induction – Only students in grades 9-12 (or the international equivalent) may be inducted as a high school Thespian. Students in grades 6-8 must be inducted as a Junior Thespian.

Graduating from Junior Thespian to High School Thespian – Induction into ITS as a Junior Thespian does not guarantee induction into ITS as a high school Thespian. Inducted Junior Thespians who qualify must be inducted as high school Thespians to achieve that level of membership. When a Junior Thespian is promoted from eighth to ninth grade, they become a Junior Thespian alum. They begin earning points toward their high school Thespian membership and induction into the high school troupe (if it is different from the troupe they were inducted into as a Junior Thespian) or re-induction into the troupe (if the troupe inducts both Junior Thespians and Thespians). While they can apply at least 5 points toward their high school induction, the decision as to how many additional points can be carried over is made by the troupe director of the high school Thespian troupe in accordance with the troupe’s constitution and bylaws.

School Enrollment – If a student receives academic coursework from a school with an active troupe, they may only be inducted into and receive benefits through that troupe. Troupes may induct students who attend other schools only when those schools do not have their own active troupes.

Additional Criteria – The school or troupe director may adopt additional requirements for induction into ITS. Attendance, academic performance, behavioral expectations, and community service projects are examples of criteria that may be considered when determining induction eligibility. Any changes must be documented in the troupe constitution. Criteria may not include recommendation of approval by other students.

Guidelines for Determining Troupe Affiliation

• Each student may only be affiliated with one ITS troupe. A Junior Thespian alum maintains alum affiliation with the troupe into which they were initially inducted and may be affiliated with a new/different troupe (if the troupe is different than the troupe of which they were a Junior Thespian member).
• A student may only transfer troupe affiliation or membership once in any academic year.
• Students may only participate in ITS programs with their troupe of affiliation unless troupe or event rules state otherwise. Participation with another school/organization/troupe does not alter troupe affiliation. Points may be awarded for work done with outside organizations/schools/troupes based on the guidelines of the student’s official ITS troupe.
• Participation in chapter events is governed by the guidelines of the chapter.
• EdTA reserves the right to determine any student’s eligibility and affiliation in accordance with current regulations and policies.

Specific Guidelines for Active Troupes – If there is a troupe at the school where the student receives other core academic education (language arts, math, science, social studies, etc.), then

• The student may only be affiliated with and/or a member of that troupe.
• An inductee transferring to the school must transfer membership to the school’s troupe.
• If a school’s troupe reinstates after a period of inactivity, any of its students who are affiliated with other troupes must transfer their affiliations and memberships to the reinstated troupe.

Specific Guidelines for When There is Not an Active Troupe – If there is no active troupe at the school where the student receives core academic education, and

1. The student has been inducted into ITS, then
   • The student is still affiliated with and a member of their original troupe. Whether or not they are a member in good standing is decided by the troupe director.
   • The student may transfer ITS membership to a nearby troupe with that troupe director’s permission provided that the student participates in the regular activities of that school’s theatre program and troupe (beyond any preparation for or participation in ITS district, chapter, regional, national, or international events).
2. The student has not been inducted into ITS, then
   • The student may be affiliated with or inducted into an active troupe at another local school/organization provided that the student actively participates in the activities of that school’s theatre program and troupe (beyond any preparation for or participation in ITS district, chapter, regional, national, or international events).

Affiliation Terms

• Affiliated – The student is actively participating in the troupe’s program (i.e., a troupe member or one actively earning points toward membership in the troupe). Troupe affiliation is often required for ITS program participation.
• Troupe Member – The student is affiliated with the troupe and has been officially inducted into ITS.
• Member in Good Standing – The inductee’s local membership benefits have not been suspended or withdrawn by their troupe director.

Inducting New Thespian Members

Troupes with active membership status may induct new members as often as they choose. The steps for inducting new Thespians are as follows:

1. Present membership invitation cards (optional). In this optional step, the troupe director presents each eligible student with a Thespian Induction Invitation, a personalized invitation to join ITS and the troupe.
2. Gather completed student induction RSVPs. Students receiving a Thespian Induction Invitation confirm their desire to be inducted by returning their RSVPs to the troupe director, ideally three weeks before the ceremony. The RSVP is used to verify each inductee’s correct name, birthdate, and current contact information. If students pay their own induction fees, they should submit payment with the RSVP. The troupe director uses information on the RSVPs to induct students online. Do not send RSVPs or individual student payments to EdTA.
3. Induct students online. The troupe director follows the procedures to induct students online. Upon submission, inductions are activated immediately. Please allow two to three weeks for EdTA to send the troupe director the following for each inducted student: one personalized membership card and certificate, one official ITS induction pin, and one bumper sticker that reads “Proud parent of a theatre arts honor student.” These items are provided in addition to the full list of member benefits for inducted Thespians.
   
   Log into the Membership Portal to induct Thespians
   
   

NOTE: Allow extra time for rosters or payment submitted by mail. If you need the membership credentials expediated (for receipt in under two to three weeks), we recommend paying for rush service (see below).

4. Rush service for dues and merchandise processing. The vast majority of inductions and orders are submitted between April 1 and June 1. EdTA recommends that troupe directors plan for their inductions well in advance. Normal processing during this time period is three to four weeks. Troupe directors may purchase priority rush service at any time of the year to receive induction materials within five business days after receipt of the payment or purchase order by EdTA. Rush service is only guaranteed for transactions paid by credit card or purchase order. Rush service on orders paid by check cannot be guaranteed. Rush orders are not available on international orders outside the United States.
5. Hold an induction ceremony. Most troupes choose to welcome and celebrate the accomplishments of their new Thespian members through an induction ceremony. Conducting a ceremony alone does not constitute induction. Students’ information must be submitted to EdTA for an induction to be valid (see Step #3). The following information may be helpful when planning your induction ceremony:

• • Thespian Motto – “Act well your part; there all the honor lies.” —Alexander Pope’s Essay on Man
  • Thespian Pledge – Used by both Thespians and Junior Thespians. Note that the “t” in “fellow thespians” is purposely lowercase to intentionally encompass the wide community of thespians inside and outside ITS.

“I promise to uphold the aims and ideals of the International Thespian Society. I am a student of theatre and excellence is my ideal. I promise to perform my part as well as I can; to accept praise and criticism with grace; to cooperate with my fellow thespians and work for the good of the troupe; and to share my love of theatre.”

• • History – A timeline of ITS/EdTA history may be of interest during your induction procedures.
  • Thespian Colors – The International Thespian Society’s founders originally adopted the same official colors as the college theatre honor society, Alpha Psi Omega (ΑΨΩ), which they had founded four years prior to ITS. Alpha Psi Omega’s colors were taken from the commonly used theatrical lighting gels Moonlight Blue and Bastard Amber. The official ITS colors have evolved over time to blue (PMS 286) and gold (PMS 123)
  • Thespian Flowers – Blue delphinium and yellow roses.
  • Distinguished Thespian Alumni – This list of accomplished Thespian alumni is an enlightening look at Thespians who have gone on to achieve success in the arts, business, and government.

6. Process Payment of Purchase Orders – If the troupe submitted a purchase order, EdTA will generate an official invoice that reflects the purchase order number and the date the purchase order was applied. It is the troupe director’s responsibility to forward all invoices and statements for processing and prompt payment as required by the school’s payment policies and procedures.

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THESPIAN HONORS BEYOND INDUCTION

Thespian Stars & Honor Ranks

Troupe directors should continue tracking Thespian points after induction and use these points to recognize ongoing Thespian achievements. Thespian stars are presented to acknowledge each additional 10 points (100 hours) earned. Star ratings may be designated on the student’s membership certificate under “Thespian Stars Earned.” We also encourage the troupe to indicate star ratings and honor ranks after student names on playbills, membership rolls, and in other printed materials. ITS recognizes three achievement ranks beyond induction.

1. Honor Thespian – 60 total points (600 hours) earned or the equivalent of six stars. For outstanding contributions to the ideals of the Society and meritorious work in the field of theatre.
2. National Honor Thespian – 120 total points (1,200 hours) earned or the equivalent of 12 stars. For exceptions commitment to the ideals of the Society and distinguished work in the field of theatre.
3. International Honor Thespian – 180 or more total points (1,800+ hours) earned or the equivalent of 18 or more stars. For extraordinary dedication to the ideals of the Society and exemplary work in the field of theatre.

Troupe directors should update the Honor Rank field on their Thespians’ online profiles regularly by the end of each ITS academic year, July 31.

Thespian Scholar Distinction

Thespians who demonstrate high academic success in overall coursework earn the distinction of scholar. The scholar distinction always follows the student’s ITS rank to create a full designation, such as Thespian Scholar, Honor Thespian President’s List Scholar, National Honor Thespian Scholar, etc. Upon completion of eighth grade, Junior Thespian scholars retain that designation, but after induction as a high school Thespian, they must earn new Thespian scholar distinctions for their academic work in high school. Thespian troupe directors may award the Thespian scholar distinction if the student:

1. Is officially inducted into ITS.
2. Is currently enrolled in the school and a member in good standing of the troupe.
3. Has earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its local equivalent for all academic coursework as determined upon completion of tenth grade or any official grading period thereafter. Students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA become Vice President’s List Scholars, and students with a 4.0 GPA are awards the President’s List Scholar distinction.
4. Has fulfilled any additional local criteria required by the troupe that is clearly stated in the troupe constitution.

Troupes may require additional criteria that are higher than those established by ITS. Examples might include a higher GPA or an additional minimum GPA for theatre arts coursework. Those criteria may not conflict with the ITS guidelines and must be included in writing as part of the troupe constitution.

Troupe directors should regularly update the Academic Distinction field on their Thespians’ online profiles. Profiles should be updated by the end of each ITS academic year, July 31.

Thespian Graduation & Honors Program

ITS offers a wide variety of items for recognizing Thespian achievement. Graduation and honor items may only be purchased by official troupe directors of active Thespian troupes for presentation to inducted Thespians via the Thespian Shop. Presentation of honor items in addition to induction pins is a Thespian tradition, but it is not mandatory.

Thespian Graduation and Honor Items and Use

• Thespian Member Certificates – A benefit of membership that is personalized and sent to troupe directors along with membership cards for presentation to new inductees. Gold foil seals and trim on ITS certificates are heat-resistant and compatible with any high-quality laser printer.
• Honor Rank Certificates – Specific certificates are available for all three Thespian honor ranks as described above.
• Graduation Honor Cords, Stoles, and Tassels – Any graduating high school Thespian is eligible to receive these items. Cords, stoles, and collars are worn around the neck over the graduation gown. Special stoles are available for presentation to Thespian scholars only. Tassels are attached to the graduation cap. Troupe directors should work closely with their administrators to determine guidelines for display of graduation items.
• Thespian Letters – Any inducted Thespian is eligible to receive a felt or chenille letter patch. Letters are also available for Best Thespian recipients and all Thespian honor ranks. Thespian pin and ribbon items are often displayed on Thespian letters applied to the front of a school jacket.
• Best Thespian Certificates – Any inducted Thespian can be voted “Best Thespian” by the troupe’s membership. Troupe directors set standard for this distinction at the troupe level, which should be clearly stated in writing in the troupe constitution.
• Thespian Recognition, Achievement, and Honor Medallions – Medallions may be presented to any Thespian and may represent any achievement that a troupe or EdTA chapter director deems appropriate. Some schools permit display of medallion with, or in place of, graduation honor cords or stoles.
• Thespian Seals – These self-adhesive, embossed, gold-foil seals are commonly used to create official troupe documents, seal induction invitations, or seal envelopes for official troupe correspondence.
• Thespian Point Star, Officer, Scholar, and Honor Bar Stickers – These self-adhesive foil stickers are usually placed at the bottom of the Thespian membership certificate to signify the respective achievements. Each star sticker represents 10 points earned.
• Thespian Certificates of Recognition – Certificates of recognition are presented for many reasons at the troupe and chapter level. They may be presented to Thespian and non-Thespians (e.g., parents, sponsors, administrators, and/or volunteers) at the troupe or chapter director’s discretion.
• Thespian Beanies – These traditional caps harken back to the early days of ITS. They are sometimes worn at induction ceremonies and other troupe activities.
• Thespian Trophies, Plaques, and Awards – EdTA provides a full complement of personalized trophies, plaques, and presentation pieces via our ITS Awards Store.
• Thespian Induction Pin – As of August 2015, the Thespian Induction Pin is awarded to all Thespians and is included as part of the induction fee. It represents 10 points.
• Thespian Honors Ribbon – The ITS honors ribbon is a combination of a metal pin and a fabric ribbon. Thespians can attach their induction pins and a variety of additional pins to their ribbons to display Thespian honors and achievements. They can also attach star pins, each representing 10 additional Thespian points earned.

Guidelines for the Thespian Pin and Ribbon System (all points are cumulative)

Guidelines for the Thespian Pin and Ribbon System (all points are cumulative for Junior Thespians only; 5 points may be carried over toward Thespian induction)

Recognizing Adults as Honorary Thespians

Adults may be named Honorary Thespians of an active Thespian troupe for outstanding service and support of the mission and purpose of ITS. They are typically parent or community volunteers, school employees, or generous patrons. They receive an Honorary Thespian pin, card, and certificate. Many troupes also add Honorary Thespians to their official membership rolls. Troupe directors submit new Honorary Thespians online using the same process used for inducting students.

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TROUPE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS & POLICIES

Troupe Constitution & Bylaws

Each Thespian troupe is expected to adopt a constitution containing basic information about how the troupe operates. This includes any local additions to induction eligibility and the recommended point system. This troupe constitution template includes the process for approving changes. If the troupe has not adopted a modified version, the ITS troupe constitution template is the governing document.

At the end of the template is a section for troupe bylaws. These cover the day-to-day details of troupe operation, which vary greatly from troupe to troupe and may need to be updated more frequently than the articles of the troupe constitution. Bylaws often include such things as rules of order for troupe meetings, elections, and induction ceremonies. Thorough, up-to-date bylaws help the troupe document and communicate these important details to everyone involved and provide continuity from year to year as officers and troupe directors change. The troupe constitution and bylaws must be made available to all students, their parents, and the school administration.

Troupe Officers

While most troupes find great value in a troupe officer program, installing officers is optional. Troupe directors may determine the leadership structure, responsibilities, and the means of selecting and removing student officers in keeping with school policy. Details should be included in the troupe constitution and bylaws.

All Thespian troupe officers must be officially inducted members of the International Thespian Society and their troupe. Non-member students may serve as officers on a temporary basis as long as they are inducted into ITS by the end of the academic year in which they are serving. Most often, this is done to accommodate officers in a new theatre program or school. We recommend that student officers be appointed or elected immediately after a troupe has been chartered. Regular elections near the close of the academic year (beginning the following year) will ensure that officers are ready to serve when students return in the fall. Recommended officer positions include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and historian. Other officers such as webmaster, theatre advocacy chair, publicity chair, etc. may be added to the troupe’s constitution at the troupe’s discretion.

Troupe Governance Documents

This handbook is one part of a hierarchy of documents that govern troupe operations. Your troupe should have access to all governance information and be familiar with the troupe handbook, constitution, and bylaws. These documents are designed to help the troupe operate smoothly and prevent confusion and/or conflict.

Code of Professional Standards – Principles to guide ethical decision making.

Code of Conduct and Complaint Policy – This document provides clarity regarding appropriate behavior.

Anti-Hazing Policy – Strict guidelines prohibiting any type of hazing within an ITS troupe.

Troupe Handbook – The ITS Troupe Handbook (this document) explains how troupes are expected to operate.

Troupe Constitution – Document that details how an individual troupe will operate.

Troupe Bylaws – Contained within the troupe constitution, these are easier to add, delete, or change than full articles of the constitution, which makes it easier to document day-to-day troupe operations.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Logos & Branding

For detailed information about the use of logos, including color options, editing/distorting, and use/placement, see the International Thespian Society branding library.

Glossary & Thespian Style Guidelines

To help promote consistency of style and branding across all chapters and troupes, here are basic definitions of common ITS terms and guidelines for using them.

Alum/alumni – When referring to graduated ITS members, alum and its variants are not capitalized, e.g., Thespian alum, Junior Thespian alums. When referring to individuals or small groups, the general term “alum(s)” is preferred.

Associate troupe director – In addition to the troupe director, a troupe may designate another adult to be an associate troupe director, giving that person the same access to troupe records. This person must be a current member of the Educational Theatre Association. Final troupe decisions regarding official troupe business are always made by the troupe director. Only capitalize when used with a person’s name as a title: Associate Troupe Director Jane Smith.

Chapter – Troupes from the same state are all part of that state’s chapter. Capitalize only when used with a particular state: Delaware Chapter.

Chapter director(s) – Capitalize only when used with a person’s name as a title: Chapter Director John Smith.

EdTA and ITS – Pronounced EE-DEE-TEE-AY and EYE-TEE-ESS.

Honorary Thespian(s) – Capitalized when referring to those members of ITS.

Induct vs. initiate – Always use “induct” and its variants. “Initiate” has strong connotations with hazing, and in accordance with our anti-hazing policy, its use should be avoided.

Junior Thespian(s) – Students in grades 6-8 are eligible to be Junior Thespians. Capitalize when referring to middle/junior high school members of ITS.

Student Members – Use “Student members,” “ITS members,” or “ITS student members” to refer to all members of ITS, Thespian and Junior Thespian. “Inductee(s)” may be used in place of these terms, especially to refer to new members or students in the process of being inducted.

Thespian(s) – Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to be Thespians. Capitalize when referring to ITS or members of ITS.

Troupe(s) – Capitalize only when part of a proper noun: Troupe 1234. Do not use “#:” between “Troupe” and the identifying numerals.

Troupe director(s) – The preferred title is “troupe director” rather than “troupe sponsor.” Capitalize only when used with a person’s name as a title: Troupe Director Sally Smith.

The – The word “the” is not part of EdTA’s or ITS’s name. When using “the” before either name, do not capitalize. “The” is also not part of the name of any organizational events: the International Thespian Festival, the International Thespian Society, rather than The International Thespian Festival, The International Thespian Society.

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