Colleges, especially the top ones in the US, really value your commitment and active involvement in extracurricular activities. If you’re into performing arts, one standout option is the Thespian Society. Officially known as the International Thespian Society, this group has been shaping young actors for nearly a century.
So, if you’re eager to learn more about what the International Thespian Society offers, you’re in the right place! Let’s go through everything you need to know about the Thespian Society so you can decide if it’s the perfect high school extracurricular for you.
- What Is the International Thespian Society?
- Thespian Society Acceptance Rate
- Thespian Society Application Deadline
- Thespian Society Requirements
- How to Get into the Thespian Society
- Why Join the Thespian Society?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is the International Thespian Society?
The International Thespian Society has been around since 1929, giving high school and middle school students who love theatre a place to connect, grow, and be recognized for their achievements. Today, it’s affiliated with more than 4,900 schools across the U.S. and beyond, making it a well-established community for young performers like you.
If you join, you’ll officially be called a “Thespian” in high school or a “Junior Thespian” in middle school. The society itself is part of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), a national nonprofit with over 135,000 student and professional members. Their mission? To shape and improve lives through theatre education.
Here’s what they focus on:
- Honoring students’ achievements in theatre and making their experience even richer
- Supporting teachers with professional development in theatre arts
- Giving students and professionals networking opportunities, resources, and well-earned recognition
- Advocating for theatre education by showing the world how theatre builds essential life skills
Since its founding, the Thespian Society has welcomed more than 2.4 million students into its ranks. If you’re passionate about theatre and want to be part of something bigger, this could be the perfect place for you!
Famous alumni
One of the coolest things about joining the International Thespian Society is that you’re stepping into a global community filled with some of the most talented performers out there—including a long list of Hollywood stars who got their start as Thespians:
- Kathy Bates
- Meredith Baxter
- Lorraine Bracco
- Wayne Brady
- Kelly Clarkson
- Stephani D’Abruzzo
- Fran Drescher
- Adam Driver
- Faye Dunaway
- John Goodman
- Tom Hanks
- Goldie Hawn
- Christina Hendricks
- Don Johnson
- Anthony Kiedis
- Val Kilmer
- Zoe Kravitz
- Cloris Leachman
- Julie Louis-Dreyfus
- Madonna
- Laurie Metcalf
- Janelle Monae
- Sally Struthers
- Danny Strong
- Miles Teller
- Dick Van Dyke
- Jerry Van Dyke
Think about it—before they were household names, actors like Tom Hanks, Adam Driver, Goldie Hawn, Kathy Bates, and John Goodman were once in the same position as you, passionate about theatre and looking for opportunities to grow. Even musicians like Madonna, Kelly Clarkson, and Janelle Monáe were part of the Thespian Society before making it big.
That kind of connection is also something that can make a real difference when it comes to college admissions. Top theatre programs and conservatories recognize the Thespian Society as a prestigious honor, which can help your application stand out.
Festivals
Aside from these, the ITS hosts festivals at both the state and national levels, bringing together high school and middle school theater students for an unforgettable experience. At these festivals, you’ll find everything from performances and competitions to workshops led by industry professionals.
The biggest event, the International Thespian Festival (ITF), is held each summer, offering a week-long celebration of theater featuring top-tier productions, scholarship auditions, and networking opportunities.
Thespian Society Acceptance Rate
The International Thespian Society (ITS) does not have an acceptance rate in the traditional sense, as it is an honor society rather than a competitive admissions program. Any student who meets the membership requirements can join.
To become an ITS member, you typically need to:
- Be involved in your school’s theater program.
- Earn a minimum of 10 Thespian points, which are awarded based on participation in performances, tech work, and other theater-related activities.
- Be in good standing with your school’s ITS troupe.
Since ITS is designed to recognize students’ dedication to theater rather than limit membership, acceptance is based on meeting the criteria rather than competing for a spot.
Thespian Society Application Deadline
There’s usually no strict deadline for joining your school’s Thespian Society. Many schools welcome new members throughout the year, whether you’re a seasoned performer or just discovering your love for the stage.
That said, some chapters may have specific induction dates, so it’s always a good idea to check with your drama teacher or club advisor to be sure.
If you’re eyeing the 2025 International Thespian Festival, it will be held at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, from June 22-27, with the Theatre Education Conference taking place concurrently on June 22-24. Registration opened last February 5, 2025 and scholarship applications are open from February 1 to April 1, 2025.
Thespian Society Requirements
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society that recognizes student achievement in theatre arts. To become a member, students must meet specific criteria:
Eligibility
First things first—you need to be enrolled in a school that has an active Thespian troupe. If your school doesn’t have one yet, you might want to talk to a theatre teacher about starting one!
To get inducted, you must have participated in theatre-related activities, whether it’s acting, backstage work, lighting, sound, costumes, or anything else that contributes to a production.
Here’s the big one: your work in theatre is measured in Thespian points (think of them as credit hours for theatre).
- If you’re in high school (grades 9-12), you need 10 points (which equals about 100 hours of quality work in theatre). At least 5 points must be earned at your current school.
- If you’re in middle school (grades 6-8), you need 5 points (or 50 hours of theatre work), with at least 3 points earned at your current school.
Every theatre-related task you do—whether it’s performing in a play, running lights, or helping with set design—earns you points.
Required documents
You’ll need to complete the Thespian Induction Application. This form captures your personal details and outlines your theatre involvement. Your troupe director will provide this form.
Next, you’ll document your theatre activities using the Thespian Point Record Sheet. This is where you log all your hard work—acting roles, backstage duties, and more—to show you’ve earned the required points for induction.
Some schools might have extra forms or requirements for induction. It’s a good idea to check with your troupe director to see if there’s anything else you need to complete.
Program costs
To become an official Thespian, you’ll pay a one-time induction fee. This fee varies by school but typically ranges from $35 to $40.
This fee covers your lifetime membership and includes items like a personalized membership card, certificate, and induction pin.
If you choose to participate in special events like the International Thespian Festival (ITF), there are additional costs. For example, the ITF has various registration options:
All-access pass. This includes access to all activities, housing, and meals.
- Students: $999 for members, $1,099 for non-members.
- Adults: $749 for members, $849 for non-members.
Activities-only pass. This provides access to activities without housing or meals.
- Students: $699 for members, $799 for non-members.
- Adults: $549 for members, $649 for non-members.
There are also additional fees for specific activities, like College Auditions or the Thespy Awards, each costing $50 for members.
Remember, these event fees are optional and only apply if you decide to participate in these additional opportunities.
How to Get into the Thespian Society
Getting into the Thespian Society is an exciting step if you’re passionate about theatre! Let’s break down how to get inducted and some tips to help you along the way.
1. Check your school’s eligibility.
First, you’ll need to confirm that your school is eligible to activate a Thespian troupe. Your school must:
- Be a traditional, brick-and-mortar public or private school.
- Offer grades 9–12.
- Provide full academic coursework.
- Have some form of a theatre program.
2. Complete the application form.
Next, fill out the application form. This same form is used whether you’re starting a new troupe or reactivating one that has lapsed.
If your school doesn’t have one, talk to your theatre teacher about starting a chapter! It might take some work, but it’ll be worth it for you and future students.
3. Earn your Thespian points.
ITS requires a certain number of points before you can be inducted:
- High School Students (Grades 9-12) → 10 points (about 100 hours of theatre work).
- Middle School Students (Grades 6-8) → 5 points (about 50 hours of theatre work).
Keep track of every rehearsal, performance, or crew duty—these hours count! Your troupe director will help log your points, but it’s smart to keep your own record too.
4. Pay the induction fee.
The Thespian Society has a one-time induction fee (usually $35-$40, but it depends on your school).
If cost is a concern, see if your school offers fundraising opportunities or payment assistance.
5. Get officially inducted.
Once your application is approved and your fee is paid, you’ll be officially inducted into the Thespian Society! This usually happens at a special ceremony where you’ll receive your membership card, certificate, and Thespian pin.
Bonus: After induction, you’ll have access to exclusive ITS events, including competitions, festivals, and scholarship opportunities. Keep participating in theatre productions—you can earn additional Thespian honors and leadership roles in your troupe!
Why Join the Thespian Society?
If you’re wondering what being a member of the Thespian Society really brings to the table, there are plenty of great reasons to consider joining:
1. It gives you stature.
Being part of an internationally recognized honor society like the Thespian Society instantly boosts your credibility. Whether it’s among your peers, professional actors, or even college admissions officers reviewing applications for conservatory programs, membership in this group carries real weight.
2. It provides support.
One of the biggest perks of joining is the chance to showcase your talent. The Thespian Society offers incredible opportunities, including:
- Induction ceremonies
- Honor rank advancements
- Invitations to perform at state and national venues
- Awards and scholarships
- High-level assessments at state and national competitions
3. It keeps you motivated.
The society’s structured point system gives you clear goals to work toward, helping you stay motivated and engaged throughout high school. With progressively harder-to-achieve honors, you’ll always have something to strive for.
4. It builds leadership skills.
If you’re looking for leadership experience, the Thespian Society has you covered. Elected troupe officers take on real responsibilities, managing daily operations under the guidance of a troupe director. Plus, they help train future leaders, keeping the organization strong from year to year.
5. It helps you learn and grow.
Beyond performances and leadership, the Thespian Society gives you access to top-notch training and networking opportunities, including:
- Workshops with theatre educators and working professionals
- Collaboration with students from across the country and beyond
- Recognition based on your skills and national theatre standards
And if you’re interested in learning from the best, the society’s troupe directors become full members of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), gaining access to professional development events like the EdTA National Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of being a thespian in high school?
As a member of the International Thespian Society (ITS), you gain access to exclusive scholarships, awards, and performance opportunities at state and national festivals, all of which strengthen your resume.
The Thespian Society also helps you develop essential skills beyond acting—like directing, stage management, and technical theatre—while providing a structured system for recognition through the Thespian Induction Point System.
2. What abilities does a thespian have?
As a thespian, you gain way more than just acting skills. Sure, you’ll master performance techniques like voice control, movement, and character development, but you’ll also dive into directing, stage management, and even technical theatre—lighting, sound, set design, and costumes.
Beyond the stage, you’ll sharpen leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while learning to adapt under pressure. Plus, the discipline, time management, and creativity you develop will serve you well in college and beyond.
3. What are the benefits of joining ITS?
As a member, you gain access to exclusive events, performance opportunities, awards, and scholarships. You also become part of a national network of theatre students, educators, and even famous alumni who started their journeys in the Thespian Society.
4. Can I still join if I’m more interested in directing or stage crew?
Absolutely! The Thespian Society isn’t just for actors—it recognizes all aspects of theatre, including directing, lighting, sound, set design, and stage management.
5. Does being in the Thespian Society help with college admissions?
Yes! Colleges love to see commitment to extracurriculars, especially in leadership roles. Being a thespian shows dedication, teamwork, and passion for the arts—important qualities for theatre programs and even non-theatre-related college applications.
Takeaways
- The Thespian Society is an honor society for middle and high school students passionate about theater. Founded in 1929, it recognizes and celebrates students’ dedication to the performing arts.
- If you dream of performing on Broadway, directing the next great play, or working behind the scenes, being a Thespian shows dedication, leadership, and artistic commitment—qualities that colleges love to see.
- With our personalized and expert guidance, we specialize in helping students like you highlight your extracurriculars, like the Thespian Society, in a way that makes a real impact on college applications. Book a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help!
