Become a State Thespian Officer

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What is an STO and who can be a STO Member?
STO stands for State Thespian Officer.
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The STO's job is to plan, host, and manage the upcoming Texas State Thespian Festival and Leadership Days around the state. The STO also serve as advocates for their fellow High School Thespians. 

Any freshman, sophomore or junior who is an inducted Thespian and is in good standing with his/her troupe may run for office.                                                                                     

The student must be prepared to work hard for their fellow Texas Thespians.  Only one student per school may run. 

Think you have what it takes?
​Read What is a Leader? ​
How do I become an STO?
The STO candidate will be nominated by their Troupe Director in two ways:
  • Via email to Nicole Morgan stating intent of the candidate to run and this email will include Director support of the student with the understanding that the Director and Troupe will be called upon to help with Thespian Events throughout the year AND
  • by registering them for STO Candidacy in the registration process. 
  • NEXT: ​All candidates are required to participate in the Pre-Festival Candidate Process which includes them filling out the online application, speaking to their administration and requesting an email of support and understanding be sent to Mrs. Morgan, a phone interviews and Pre-Festival online meetings prior to festival. 
  • The candidate will complete the online application and email required data - Due Date: October 1st at 11:59pm CST.
  • Part of the application process will be recording a video and uploading to Youtube. You will send the YouTube link for private viewing by the committee to Nicole Morgan​.

Video on How to: STO Candidacy

  • There is no general campaigning to become an STO. After applications and qualifications are reviewed and jobs at festival completed, a vote of the incoming officers will be taken by the current officers and STO sponsors during festival.
  • More info to come, an email will be sent after Oct 1st
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What are the expectations of the STO?
  • To serve Texas Thespians for one year (February 14th - July 1st of the following year)
  • To attend various meetings, workshops and festivals throughout the year
  • Transportation costs and rooming arrangements are the responsibility of the student and school
  • Must have the ability to stay in constant communication with fellow STO members, regional students, the adult board, and Thespians in general via email, video conference and social media
  • Must meet bi-monthly deadlines and have good time management skills
  • Must be proactive and responsible
  • Must travel to surrounding schools to see shows and support the Thespian troupes in his/her region
  • Must serve as an example of the ideal Thespian
  • Read the STO Bylaws here​
Before Elections--
  • Have your Troupe Director notify Mrs. Morgan that you are running as a candidate and that they understand and support you in this process.
  • Complete the online application and video submission (Includes Application Video and Slate Video)
  • Submit an email of recommendation and support from your administration stating their acceptance of the commitment of your involvement as an STO and with the Leadership Programming of Texas Thespians to Mrs. Morgan by October 1st. 
  • Participate in the Pre-Festival interviews and online meetings as invited between October 16th and Festival

If Elected--
  • Attend the MANDATORY STO and Director Meeting at Festival 
  • Attend the MANDATORY STO Intensive Board Retreat in the summer (date TBA)
  • Work the STO Leadership Program around the state
  • Work the Junior Regional Festivals around the state
  • Attend the MANDATORY Board Planning Meeting, typically in either September/October and set up at retreat/end of the summer based on JFest information and dates
  • Flexibility, Professionalism, and Leadership skills are a must
  • Plan to arrive at Texas Thespian Festival early
  • Constant communication is a MUST
  • Keep a positive attitude, respect for your peers, the adults and theatre​

 What is the responsibility of the Troupe Director if his/her Thespian is elected to the STO?
  • Moral support and troupe support of the Student Thespian Officer member
  • Through the troupe (if possible), it is suggested to provide financial assistance for lodging and transportation for STO member
  • Troupe directors must also work at STO sponsored events during Festival as they are assigned along with their festival duties
  • To notify STO Liaison of any changes, problems or issues that may keep the STO from succeeding

For more specific information, see the rubric.
Questions? Email nicole.morgan@texasthespians.org