Important note: The following are brief answers to common questions. More detailed information is available in the EdTA code of regulations, EdTA membership policy, and troupe handbook.

General information

What is the Educational Theatre Association?
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is a professional organization supporting the field of theatre education. Members include theatre arts educators, students, professionals, and enthusiasts. EdTA’s student division is the International Thespian Society (ITS), an honorary organization for middle school and high school theatre students. EdTA publishes Dramatics magazine, a monthly magazine for high school theatre students, and Teaching Theatre journal, a quarterly magazine for theatre education professionals.

What is the International Thespian Society?
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is the student honorary division of EdTA recognizing excellence in middle and high school theatre. Membership into ITS is earned by participating in an affiliated school’s theatre program and accumulating points towards membership. Since 1929, approximately 2 million students have been inducted into ITS.

High school students in grades 9 through 12 who have been inducted into ITS are known as Thespians. Middle school students in grades 6 through 8 who have been inducted into ITS are known as Junior Thespians.

What kinds of educational programs and events does the Educational Theatre Association offer?

EdTA Annual Conference. The event for busy theatre education professionals, Conference features practical workshops designed to be integrated into the classroom. Attendees learn about the latest trends in theatre education, hear from some of the most respected voices in the field, explore new subjects and techniques, and discover the newest programs and products in our Theatre Expo area. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and college credit are available.

EdTA Professional Development Institute (PDI). These intensive training programs for theatre education professionals are one- or two-day workshops focused on a single topic. PDI attendees explore subjects that extend their professional arsenal. Sample topics include: directing musicals, curriculum mapping, teaching acting, and lighting. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and college credit are available.

International Thespian Festival. The world’s largest international educational and performance event for middle and high school theatre, Festival is a weeklong celebration of theatre for students and educators held each year at the end of June. The Festival features a variety of performances from some of the best high school theatre programs, hands-on workshops, auditions for the National Individual Events Showcase (NIES), scholarship and college auditions, and the opportunity to make new friends from North America and beyond.

Junior Thespian Festivals. The only events specifically for middle school theatre students, Junior Festivals differ from the Thespian Festival. They are designed to address the needs of the emerging theatre student in a safe environment with others just like themselves. All students participate in workshops, see performances from other middle school programs, create an original play based on the Festival theme in the “Team Play-Create” program, and can participate in Individual Events.

Chapter festivals/conferences. These celebrations of theatre on the local level are organized by many EdTA chapters established within a geographic area, typically U.S. states and Canadian provinces. At these events, Thespians and educators enjoy performances, workshops, and audition opportunities. Qualification for the National Individual Events Showcase (NIES) auditions (held at the International Thespian Festival) begins at chapter festivals/conferences.

What other benefits are available to members?
EdTA is always looking for new ways to serve our members.

Members-only pricing in the EdTA resources catalog. We’ve expanded the resources available through our catalog and the online EdTA Store to more than 200 items. EdTA members, including official troupe directors of active troupes, receive special rates for most items.

Website. EdTA’s website, edta.org, is a comprehensive resource for our members. You can make purchases, register for events, and pay dues all with the click of your mouse! Our threaded discussion boards allow you to connect with others in the field and ask questions regarding the Association, curriculum, and practical theatre. You’ll also find all kinds of information to enhance your knowledge and share with your students. All this plus Association updates, membership documents, and much more await you at our website.

How do the website log-in IDs and passwords work?
Every EdTA member (professional member, troupe director, pre-professional member, or emeritus member) receives a log-in ID and password. These are used to access members-only features such as the online member directory and special member pricing in the online EdTA Store. Troupe directors must log in to purchase Thespian honor items and troupe supplies online. At this time there are no access codes for Thespians or Junior Thespians. Contact the home office at members@edta.org if your codes do not work.

Log-in IDs and passwords cannot be changed, so we strongly advise members not to share codes with others. The troupe and school will be held accountable for any online activity involving its log-in ID and password.

The EdTA discussion board is not linked to member access codes and requires the creation of a separate account not administered by EdTA. Any member, including Thespians, may participate in the EdTA discussion boards.

Thespian troupe information

How do schools benefit from International Thespian Society affiliation?
Your school’s membership as a Thespian troupe allows you to recognize the achievement of your theatre students through induction into ITS, the honor society for school theatre. It also provides troupe directors access to the resources of the professional association for the field of theatre education, EdTA.

What does a Thespian troupe get for its annual troupe dues?

• A full EdTA professional membership for the designated troupe director.
• The ability to induct outstanding students into the honor society for theatre arts students, ITS
• A charter certificate and membership roll
• Materials to help manage the troupe and honor students’ accomplishments in theatre
• Access to Thespian graduation and honor items, which can only be purchased by troupe directors
• Member rates for EdTA educational programs and events
• Special member pricing for classroom resources through our catalog or online EdTA Store
• Assistance in obtaining reduced royalties on plays from publishers
• The ability to nominate and be considered for EdTA awards and grants
• Troupe director ability to nominate, vote, and run for elected office in the Association
• A one-year subscription to Teaching Theatre, our quarterly journal for theatre educators (a $34 value)
• A one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine (nine issues, September through May) (a $27 value)
• Scholarship and grant eligibility for Thespian inductees
• Advocacy support and representation at the national, chapter, and local levels
• EdTA e-bulletins with timely and important information from the EdTA/ITS home office

How do students benefit from International Thespian Society affiliation?
Thespians receive the highest recognition due those who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in their school’s theatre program—induction into the world’s largest theatre honor society. In addition to the many tangible benefits listed elsewhere, Thespians enjoy the sense of belonging and recognition inherent in being inducted into world’s largest theatre honor society. Thespian membership encourages them to practice their craft and to grow as a person. The skills that they learn from a quality theatre arts education—creativity, self-confidence, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as specific theatre skills—will benefit them in their school days and beyond.

How does my school charter a Thespian troupe?
Schools with full academic accreditation may charter an ITS troupe. In addition, ITS makes provisions for some programs to join as “non-traditional” troupes. Details on charter eligibility are found in the Association’s membership policy. If you aren’t sure whether your school meets charter criteria, contact the home office. To charter a troupe, a school must submit: a charter application signed by the troupe director and school principal (or administrator), a one-time charter fee ($65), its first-year troupe dues ($65), and a minimum of six new student members for Thespian induction.

Once my troupe is chartered, how do I keep it active?
Each troupe must submit its annual troupe renewal dues by October 15 of each school year to remain active. If a troupe has not paid its dues by October 15, the troupe’s membership will become inactive and benefits will be suspended. Once the troupe has renewed its membership, student members may be submitted at any time during the school year.

Do I have to have a minimum number of Thespians to keep my troupe active?
Yes. As of August 1, 2008 troupes will be required to maintain an active student membership base of at least six Thespians or Junior Thespians. Troupes are not required to induct six students each year. Troupe directors should keep this in mind as students graduate or transfer from their troupes.

What is the term of my troupe’s membership?
The troupe membership term is from August 1 through the following July 31, which corresponds to EdTA’s fiscal year and the school year in most communities. Troupes chartered or reinstated August 1 through June 30 become active through the end of the current school year (July 31). Fees are not prorated for partial years. Troupes chartering late in the school year are still required to pay renewal dues for the following school year by October 15. Troupes chartered or reinstated in the month of July receive that month as a “bonus” and will be active through July 31 of the following school year.

What happens if the troupe does not meet its annual dues requirements by October 15?
Troupes not submitting their annual troupe dues by October 15 will have their benefits suspended and become inactive. If a troupe’s dues remain unpaid after November 15, the troupe’s membership will be withdrawn and continuous affiliation will terminate. If a troupe’s membership has been withdrawn, it must pay its annual troupe dues ($65) plus a reinstatement fee ($65) to reactivate the troupe’s membership. Once a troupe has been reinstated, its continuous affiliation will start over, effective with the reinstatement date.

Does the drama director have to be the troupe director?
No. A troupe director may be any adult appointed by the school’s administration. It could be another teacher, a parent, or an alumnus.

Can we have troupe assistant or co-directors at the school, and how does that work?
If a troupe director wishes to share the responsibilities of running and maintaining the school’s troupe, they may do so. However, for Association purposes, only one person may be the official troupe director. This person receives the full EdTA professional membership. We encourage assistant or co-directors to become professional members, so they can enjoy EdTA benefits as well.

What is a troupe constitution?
Each troupe must develop its own constitution (a template is available on the troupe documents page or home office). This document outlines rules for membership, activities, and governing policies for the troupe. At the end of the troupe constitution, a section for bylaws documents organizational information unique to the troupe that may need to change more frequently. The school administration and all members and potential members of the troupe must have access to a copy, so that membership requirements and benefits are understood.

What is continuous affiliation?
Continuous affiliation refers to the number of years that a troupe has gone without having its membership withdrawn, or, in other words, the number of consecutive years that a troupe has fulfilled all of its membership requirements without interruption.

Is my troupe’s continuous affiliation based on my charter date?
The charter date is the date that the school originally was granted a charter. This date will never change. The troupe’s continuous affiliation date is the date used to track the number of years that a troupe has maintained constant active membership status without having it withdrawn or suspended.

What is the difference between an Honor Thespian and an Honorary Thespian?
Honor Thespians are student Thespians who have attained that rank by earning a minimum of 60 points and fulfilled other local troupe requirements. The National Honor Thespian rank is achieved with 120 points and International Honor Thespian rank at 180 points.

Honorary Thespians are adults who perform outstanding service for a Thespian troupe. Troupe directors can induct them after completing an Honorary Thespian roster form. Honorary Thespians receive an honorary membership card and certificate and a one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine. Honorary Thespians are affiliated with the troupe and ITS, although they are not active, voting members.

Thespian student membership

How do students qualify for membership?
Students qualify by earning points for their work in the theatre arts. ITS provides a point system guide for your use. The points listed are the suggested maximum for excellent work.

Thespians (grades 9 through 12). 1 point is equal to 10 hours of excellent work. To be eligible for membership in the troupe, a student must obtain a minimum of 10 points. These points must be earned in a minimum of two productions and must be from two different production areas (i.e., acting and stage management).

Junior Thespians (grades 6 through 8). 1 point is equal to 5 hours of excellent work. In order to be eligible for membership in his or her school’s Junior Thespian troupe, a student must obtain a minimum of 10 points. These points must be earned in a minimum of two productions and must be from two different production areas (i.e., acting and stage management).

What do Thespians and Junior Thespians receive as inducted members of ITS?
All Thespians and Junior Thespians receive:

• A membership certificate
• A personalized membership card
• Eligibility to serve as a chapter student officer (per chapter policy)
• Eligibility to participate in Individual Events at chapter conferences and the National Individual Events Showcase at Festival (per chapter policy)
• Eligibility to receive Thespian graduation and honor items (per troupe policy)

All Thespians also receive:

• A one-year (nine issues, September through May) subscription to Dramatics magazine (a $35 cover value)
• The ability to renew the subscription at a special member rate ($14 as of 8/1/07)
• Eligibility for scholarships and grants, including the Doug Finney Festival Grants, a need-based grant to help Thespians attend Festival
• Eligibility to serve as an International Thespian Officer
• Eligibility to submit their original plays to the Thespian Playworks program

All Junior Thespians also receive:

• Ability to begin their high school careers with half of the Thespian points required for high school induction.

When are student memberships due?
Student memberships for high school Thespian and Junior Thespian troupes may be submitted at any time during the school year.

Do students need to renew their memberships every year?
No. Payment of the one-time induction fee entitles the student to a lifetime membership, the active benefits of which last through high school or middle school graduation. Upon graduation from high school, Thespians become Thespian alumni. Troupes may assess additional participation fees at their discretion.

What if a troupe director does not use the point system as published by the home office?
The ITS Official Point System is a guide. Different programs have different needs, and each director may need to alter the qualifications to fit a school’s unique program and environment. It is highly recommended that if a troupe is using anything other than what is published by the Association, these changes must be documented in the troupe’s constitution and made available to students and administrators. Other induction requirements that may not be altered can be found in the EdTA membership policy.

Can a troupe director revoke a student’s membership?
No. Once a student has been submitted to the home office for induction, he or she is a Thespian for life. Each troupe, however, may have its own requirements for being a member in good standing. These should be defined in the troupe’s constitution. If a director determines that a student is not eligible to participate in Thespian activities, he or she may prohibit that student from participating (as long as the sanction is within the guidelines of the troupe’s constitution). Resolution of any dispute over a student’s ability to participate in a troupe activity rests with the school’s administration.

Can a student be a member of more than one troupe?
No. A student can only be inducted into one troupe. While a student may participate in and earn points for work done with other Thespian groups and in other theatrical activities (if allowed by the troupe), he or she may be a member of only one troupe. Additionally, a student may only be inducted into the troupe at the school he or she attends.

What if a student changes schools?
Troupes are expected to accept transferring student members with credit for a minimum of 10 points. If a Thespian transfers to a school that has an active Thespian troupe, the director of the new school must submit a Thespian or Junior Thespian transfer form to the home office. Transferring Thespians are not submitted on roster forms, and they do not pay any additional membership fees. Transferring Thespians may be required to fulfill certain additional expectations to receive local troupe benefits at their new school. The troupe director may order new Thespian credentials for the transferring Thespian for a small fee. If a Thespian transfers to a school without an active troupe, he or she remains a member of the original troupe. That troupe’s director and constitution determine if the student will continue to receive local benefits. We encourage Thespians transferring to unaffiliated schools to ask about chartering a troupe there.

What happens to students’ points should they move to another school with a Thespian troupe?
Whether or not points beyond the 10 needed for induction will be recognized at the new troupe is up to the new troupe director and that troupe’s constitution. Similarly, all, some, or none of the points of uninducted students may be accepted by the new troupe.

Do Junior Thespians transfer to high school troupes?
No. Junior Thespians moving to high schools must be inducted into the high school troupe. They begin their high school careers with at least 5 of the 10 points needed for high school induction. When they become eligible for induction, they are submitted along with all other inductees on a high school Thespian roster form.

What are Thespian credentials?
Thespian credentials are documents used to verify Thespian membership. There are two types:

Membership certificates. Troupe directors are sent one membership certificate for each new inductee. The troupe director fills out the membership certificate and presents it to the inductee, usually as part of an induction ceremony. The troupe director can order replacements from the home office for small fee. Paper stars and honor bars may be added to the certificate to signify points earned after initial induction.

Membership card. The personalized membership card is proof that students have been inducted into the International Thespian Society. High school Thespian cards are mailed directly to the students’ homes. Junior Thespian cards are mailed to their troupe directors for distribution. Membership cards are usually mailed within 4 to 6 weeks of processing. Troupe directors can order replacements from the home office for a small fee.

Of what use is a Thespian membership card?
Some chapters require proof of induction to participate in auditions and other activities at their chapter conferences. Some member schools extend special deals and privileges (discounted tickets, free preview performances, etc.) to cardholding Thespians as part of a good neighbor policy. Some local theatres and businesses may extend similar deals to cardholders based on previously arranged deals. Troupe directors should make themselves aware of any such deals and inform their students. We encourage troupes to gather with others in the area and see what’s possible.

How do the Thespian subscriptions to Dramatics magazine work?
All Thespians receive a one-year, nine-issue subscription that is renewable thereafter at our lowest rate. Thespians inducted between August through March can expect to receive their first issue within 4 to 6 weeks, and those inducted between April through July will receive their first issue the following September. ITS will only provide missing issues if notified within 90 days of the scheduled start date. If a student’s address changes while his or her subscription is active, he or she should contact the home office with corrections. If the subscription is allowed to lapse, renewals may be purchased for the current non-member rate.

What are Thespian graduation and honor items?
ITS offers a wide variety of items for recognizing Thespian achievement. Thespian induction pins, graduation honor cords and tassels, medallions, and other honor items may only be purchased by troupe directors. They may only be presented to Thespians. ITS trophies and plaques may be presented to Thespians and non-Thespians (parent volunteers, for example) at the troupe director’s discretion. Troupe directors should work closely with their school administrations to determine which items are appropriate. Graduation and honor items can be ordered through the catalog or through the online EdTA Store.

EdTA professional membership

Who are the professional members of the Educational Theatre Association?
EdTA professional members are theatre educators, teaching artists, administrators, and other individuals who have an interest in keeping theatre a part of the educational curriculum.

Why do I need to be a professional member of the Educational Theatre Association?
By joining EdTA, you become a member of the largest professional organization for the field of theatre education. You become part of a network devoted to developing the strongest and most educated professionals and advancing the importance of theatre’s role in the educational curriculum. Membership in EdTA provides the professional development and advocacy resources to aid you in your efforts.

What are the benefits of an EDTA professional membership?

• A one-year subscription to Teaching Theatre, our quarterly journal for theatre educators (a $34 value)
• A one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine (nine issues, a $27 value)
• Special member rates for purchasing theatre and classroom resources sold through EdTA
• Special member rates for EdTA educational programs and events
• Access to networking opportunities, including our online member directory
• Advocacy support and representation at the national, chapter, and local levels
• The ability to nominate and be considered for EdTA awards and grants
• The ability to nominate, vote, and run for office in EdTA

How do I become an EdTA professional member?
Any adult interested in membership can join using the online application form or the downloadable version from our website or home office. The annual membership fee is $75.

EdTA pre-professional membership

Who are the pre-professional members of the Educational Theatre Association?
EdTA pre-professional members are university, college, or conservatory students who plan to make theatre arts a part of their professional lives. Many pre-professional members are theatre education majors.

Why do I need to be a pre-professional member of the Educational Theatre Association?
By joining EdTA, you become a member of the largest professional organization for the field of theatre education. You become a part of network devoted to developing the strongest and most educated professionals and advancing the importance of theatre’s role in the educational curriculum. Membership in EdTA membership provides the professional development and advocacy resources to aid you in your future in the field and help prepare you to take up that mission as well.

Is pre-professional membership the same as “college Thespians”?
No. The International Thespian Society is the honor society for high school and middle school theatre arts students. Pre-professional members join the Educational Theatre Association, not ITS. The focus of pre-professional membership is professional development, networking, and advocacy, as opposed to the honorary nature of Thespian membership. Pre-professional dues are paid annually like those of EdTA’s professional members, rather than the one-time payment for Thespian induction. Thespian alumni who are interested in becoming pre-professional members of EdTA are encouraged to do so.

What are the benefits of a pre-professional membership in the Educational Theatre Association?

• A one-year subscription to Teaching Theatre, our quarterly journal for theatre educators (a $34 value)
• A one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine (nine issues, a $27 value)
• Special member rates for purchasing theatre and classroom resources sold through EdTA
• Special member rates for EdTA educational programs and events
• Access to networking opportunities, including our online member directory
• Advocacy support and representation at the national, chapter, and local levels
• A résumé-building opportunity as a member of the professional association for theatre education
• The ability to nominate and be considered for EdTA awards and grants
• The ability to nominate, vote, and run for office in EdTA
• A $25 discount certificate for use toward any one EdTA educational program or event scheduled during the membership term

How do I become a pre-professional member?
Any full-time student enrolled in a college, university, or conservatory (including full-time graduate students) can join by filling out an application, having an authorized school representative sign the form, and paying the membership fee. Applications can be downloaded from the pre-professional member page or by contacting the home office. The annual membership fee for pre-professional membership is $25, and the active membership term is one year based on the join date.

EdTA emeritus membership

Who are the emeritus members of the Educational Theatre Association?
EdTA emeritus members are theatre educators who have retired from teaching full-time, have an interest in remaining a part of their professional association, and are interested in keeping theatre a part of the educational curriculum by sharing their considerable knowledge and expertise with fellow EdTA members.

Why do I need to be an emeritus member of the Educational Theatre Association?
As an EdTA emeritus member, you remain a member of the largest organization for the field of theatre education and help build its future through your knowledge and expertise. You can also support the professional development of present and future theatre educators.

What are the benefits of an emeritus membership in the Educational Theatre Association?

• A one-year subscription to Teaching Theatre, our quarterly journal for theatre educators (a $34 value)
• A one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine (nine issues, a $27 value)
• Special member rates for purchasing theatre and classroom resources sold through EdTA
• Special member rates for EdTA educational programs and events
• Access to networking opportunities, including our online member directory
• Advocacy support and representation at the national, chapter, and local levels
• The ability to nominate and be considered for EdTA awards and grants
• The ability to nominate, vote, and run for office in EdTA

How do I become an emeritus member?
Any adult who is retired from teaching full-time and interested in membership can join EdTA as an emeritus member. Applications can be downloaded from our website or obtained from the home office. The annual membership fee is $50, and the active membership term is one year based on the join date.

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