Anonymous
06/08/2026 12:19
Subject: Thespian Society or Drama Club
Anonymous wrote:I was an inducted ITS Thespian in high school. The Thespian club was the drama club. People could participate in putting on the school's plays and musicals without belonging to the club. But most of us were heavily involved in high school theater, so we wanted to qualify for induction.
In addition to occasional club meetings and the end of year get together/induction ceremony, we usually went to a state Thespian festival (2 days/1 overnight) and the week-long "International" Festival (99% US). Both of the festival trips were optional, and the International Festival cost a fair bit to attend. I went twice.
I loved going to the International Festival so much that I took my own kids when they were in high school. It's a week of high school productions and workshops. Currently housed at Indiana Bloomington. Unfortunately, our high school also did not have faculty support for investing in converting the Drama Club to a Thespian chapter. So we went unaffiliated. I had a great time.
I highly recommend you check this out.
https://schooltheatre.org/international-thespian-society/
This is very helpful information. Thank you so much for sharing. -OP
Anonymous
06/06/2026 01:53
Subject: Thespian Society or Drama Club
I was an inducted ITS Thespian in high school. The Thespian club was the drama club. People could participate in putting on the school's plays and musicals without belonging to the club. But most of us were heavily involved in high school theater, so we wanted to qualify for induction.
In addition to occasional club meetings and the end of year get together/induction ceremony, we usually went to a state Thespian festival (2 days/1 overnight) and the week-long "International" Festival (99% US). Both of the festival trips were optional, and the International Festival cost a fair bit to attend. I went twice.
I loved going to the International Festival so much that I took my own kids when they were in high school. It's a week of high school productions and workshops. Currently housed at Indiana Bloomington. Unfortunately, our high school also did not have faculty support for investing in converting the Drama Club to a Thespian chapter. So we went unaffiliated. I had a great time.
I highly recommend you check this out.
https://schooltheatre.org/international-thespian-society/
In addition to occasional club meetings and the end of year get together/induction ceremony, we usually went to a state Thespian festival (2 days/1 overnight) and the week-long "International" Festival (99% US). Both of the festival trips were optional, and the International Festival cost a fair bit to attend. I went twice.
I loved going to the International Festival so much that I took my own kids when they were in high school. It's a week of high school productions and workshops. Currently housed at Indiana Bloomington. Unfortunately, our high school also did not have faculty support for investing in converting the Drama Club to a Thespian chapter. So we went unaffiliated. I had a great time.
I highly recommend you check this out.
https://schooltheatre.org/international-thespian-society/
Anonymous
06/04/2026 18:45
Subject: Thespian Society or Drama Club
+1Anonymous wrote:At my kids' school, drama club is just the kids that do the shows, either on stage or crew. There's not really time to meet to do other things, except maybe very late spring after the spring show is over. Auditions for fall are typically the first week of school.
Anonymous
06/04/2026 14:33
Subject: Thespian Society or Drama Club
Yes, my DD is the same age and was just inducted into ITS. I asked her what they do, and she said you get to wear a sash at graduation - ha!
I agree with PP - with all that’s going on with plays, it’s more of an honor, way to recognize theatre kids vs much of an activity in and of itself.
I agree with PP - with all that’s going on with plays, it’s more of an honor, way to recognize theatre kids vs much of an activity in and of itself.
Anonymous
06/04/2026 14:06
Subject: Thespian Society or Drama Club
Sounds like ITS- the International Thespian Society. DD's middle school has it, and yes, you have to get enough points to be a member. You earn them by doing things like writing a play, taking a class, etc. I think they've had a few guest speakers and gone to a play as a group. They talked about entering into a play festival but never did. It's probably what you make of it.
Anonymous
06/04/2026 13:20
Subject: Thespian Society or Drama Club
At my kids' school, drama club is just the kids that do the shows, either on stage or crew. There's not really time to meet to do other things, except maybe very late spring after the spring show is over. Auditions for fall are typically the first week of school.
Anonymous
06/04/2026 13:13
Subject: Thespian Society or Drama Club
DD is a rising sophomore. She's very into theatre in her school. There's one musical a year and 1-2 plays.
Her director has vaguely said, Oh we should have a real drama club... but she's never followed up about it, mostly because she's insanely busy.
DD is absolutely passionate about theatre. She may even pursue it as a college major. She wants to spend some time this summer formulating plans to bring this about, and bring them to her director, whom I think will be thrilled that DD took initiative.
Drama parents- can you share how a club like this works in your school? Any tips?
I vaguely remember when I was in HS you got "points" for acting, crew, even make-up or ushering, and if you earned enough you could be installed as a "thespian"... or something?
I don't have a lot of experience with the arts, so any advice you can impart, I greatly appreciate it.
Her director has vaguely said, Oh we should have a real drama club... but she's never followed up about it, mostly because she's insanely busy.
DD is absolutely passionate about theatre. She may even pursue it as a college major. She wants to spend some time this summer formulating plans to bring this about, and bring them to her director, whom I think will be thrilled that DD took initiative.
Drama parents- can you share how a club like this works in your school? Any tips?
I vaguely remember when I was in HS you got "points" for acting, crew, even make-up or ushering, and if you earned enough you could be installed as a "thespian"... or something?
I don't have a lot of experience with the arts, so any advice you can impart, I greatly appreciate it.