Become a State Thespian Officer
What IS an STO and who can be a STO Member?
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 and 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:
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 and 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 a recommendation letter to Nicole Morgan AND
- by filling out the online application
- All candidates are required to participate in the Candidate Process which includes attending specific meetings, Leadership and Advocacy workshops and working a couple of events at State Festival.. Registration as a candidate is done through the online registration process.
- The candidate will then complete the application and required data via the form below by October 18, 2019.
- All candidates will be required to assist the current STO in various festival activities. Candidates will need to be onsite at 8pm on Wednesday, November 20th for a meeting and will receive further detail once applications are completed. All candidate's sponsors will also need to be present and will attend a brief meeting regarding the weekend procedures and expectations.
- Students must submit a video response to the application and upload it to YouTube. You will video yourself answering all the questions on the application below as if you are being interviewed.
- Send the YouTube link for private viewing by the committee to Nicole Morgan
- Troupe Directors must view the video and then they should send an email verifying their viewing to Nicole Morgan
- There is no general campaigning to become an STO. After applications and qualifications are reviewed, a vote of the incoming officers will be taken by the current officers and STO sponsors on Friday evening of the Festival.
- On Friday evening all Candidate's Sponsors will receive a phone call announcement of new STOs and will contact the individual student.
What are the expectations of the STO?
- To serve Texas Thespians for one year (February 14th-February 14th)
- To attend various meetings, workshops and festivals throughout the year
- Transportation and hotel costs are your responsibility
- 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 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--
If Elected--
What is the responsibility of the Troupe Director if his/her Thespian is elected to the STO?
- Complete the online application below
- Submit your recommendation letters from your troupe director and your principal
- Arrive at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center by 8pm on Wednesday, November 20 to attend the opening STO Candidate meeting and help work the Festival (Troupe Director will also be asked to assist and will meet during that time frame too).
If Elected--
- Attend the MANDATORY STO Intensive Board Retreat in the summer each year (2019 will be from June 16-19th in New Braunfels, Texas)
- Attend the MANDATORY Board Planning Meeting, typically in September/October each year
- Work the STO Leadership Program around the state
- Work the Junior Regional Festivals around the state
- 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
- Act as a school liaison
- Troupe directors must also work at STO sponsored events during Festival as they are assigned
For more specific information, see the rubric.
Ready to apply? Fill out the State Thespian Officer Application below
Ready to apply? Fill out the State Thespian Officer Application below
