Become an State Thespian Officer

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. 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
then by registering them for STO Candidacy on CVent 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 meeting prior to festival.
The candidate will complete the online application and email required data - Due Date October 16th at midnight.
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 as if you are being interviewed. Check out the Texas STO Social Media on How-To Videos on applying to be an STO.
Send the YouTube link for private viewing by the committee to Nicole Morgan
Troupe Directors must view the video
Candidates will need to be onsite at 8pm on Wednesday, November 18th 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 with and without their student regarding the weekend procedures and expectations. Housing is the responsibility of the school and the director will need to email Amy Jordan about the needs in advance of festival.
Candidates will be assigned specific duties during festival to complete such as introduce a show, attend a speed dating workshop in the STO Office, work the STO Booth, attend one of the Leadership Workshops at festival and one of the Advocacy Workshops offerend at festival.
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 on Friday evening of the Festival.
On Friday evening all candidates will be called to a meeting before the evening ceremonies. Students will be told in group, who has been chosen for the upcoming year and those students will be introduced that evening.
The NEWLY selected STOs will have a meeting with their troupe director and the Leadership staff on Saturday and help out with STO business from 11 am to 1:30pm.

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 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
Make sure that your Troupe Director sends Mrs. Morgan an email stating intent to run and have them sign you up as a candidate on CVent prior to deadline.
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 18th.
Participate in the Pre-Festival interviews and online meetings as invited between October 16th and Festival
Arrive at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center by 8pm on Wednesday, November 18th to attend the opening STO Candidate meeting and help work the Festival assigned and required activities as communicated.
Troupe Director will also be requested to help during festival as assigned

If Elected--

Attend the MANDATORY STO and Director Meeting on Saturday of Festival
Attend the MANDATORY STO Intensive Board Retreat in the summer (2020 will be from June 16-19th in New Braunfels, Texas)
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.
Ready to apply? Fill out the State Thespian Officer Application below