What is the International Thespian Honor Society?

The International Thespian Society is an honor society for high school and middle school theatre
students. It is a division of the Educational Theatre Association. Thespian troupes serve students
in grades 9–12. Affiliation brings credibility and distinction to students, theatre programs, and
schools. It is a visible, positive symbol of the quality of your theatre program.
ITS recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of
students in all aspects of theatre – performance and production. Each student is honored on a
national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school.
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 may make the final decisions regarding the awarding of Thespian
points. The troupe clerk 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.
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.
 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.

Thespian Stars and Honor Ranks

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.
Graduation and Honors Program
Thespian Honor Society is recognized by colleges and universities nation-wide. Your affiliation
with the program is recognized and can give you an advantage against other college applicants.
Becoming an officer of the Drama Program also counts towards this and is regarded highly by
colleges due to the weight of the club you are leading.