How do I become a Student Leader? ​

Each school may only endorse 1 student for candidacy per year. Based on their application, the student will be selected as a State Thespian Officer or Ambassador. Students wishing to apply must complete the following by the application deadline (October 18, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.) to be considered.  We will not be able to accept late applications.

Purpose

Student Leaders (State Thespians Officers and Ambassadors) exemplify and promote Texas Thespians over the course of their term. 
  • State Thespians Officers enhance and exhibit leadership skills, respect for individual differences, building consensus, academic excellence, and modeling appropriate behaviors at all times, both in and outside of school and Texas Thespians events. 
  • Ambassadors promote public awareness of the value and impact of Theatre Education by educating, encouraging, and empowering students to use their own voice to advocate for their programs across Texas.

Expectations of Student Leaders & Troupe Sponsor

  • To serve Texas Thespians for one year (February 14th - May 31st of the following year)
  • Read the Texas Thespians Student Leadership Manual Here
  • To attend various meetings, workshops and festivals throughout the year
  • Attend the MANDATORY Student Leader Board Retreat in the Summer (July)
  • Transportation costs and rooming arrangements are the responsibility of the student and school
  • Must have the ability to stay in constant communication with fellow student board, the adult board, and Thespians in general via email, video conference and social media
  • Must meet 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 their region
  • Must serve as an example of the ideal Thespian
  • Troupe sponsors must also work at Student Leaders-sponsored events (Thespian store) during the Festival as they are assigned along with their festival duties.

In order to be considered for candidacy:

  • Applicant completes and uploads the “Student Leadership Commitment Form”
  • Students must then also complete the Student Leadership Candidacy Application form through Submittable, linked in the "Become a Student Leader" icon.
    • Application Fee - $20
  • ​All candidates are required to participate in the Pre-Festival Candidate Process which includes Google Classroom Assignments, phone/in-person interviews, and Pre-Festival online meetings prior to the festival. See One Page Handout
    • Google Classroom Code: fi4sqtf
      • Assignment 1 -  Personal Bio with 5 slides (11/1 at 11:59 pm)
      • Assignment 2 - Group Presentation (3 - 5 minutes) (11/10 at 2 pm)
    • Phone Interviews 
      • 10/28 - 11/10
    • Online Meeting Dates:
      • Sunday, 10/20 - 7 pm 
      • Monday, 11/4 - 7 pm (Candidates & Directors)
      • Sunday, 11/10 - 2 pm - 5 pm 
  • All candidates are required to participate in the following at Festival assignments:
    • Candidate Only Meeting - Corpus Christi November 15th (4 pm) or Grapevine November 20th (3 pm)
    • Attend a Workshop - Candidate will select 1 to attend
    • Work a 1-hour shift in Texas Thespians Store
      • Scheduled by Adult Advisor 
    • Meeting with one of the student leader while attending a show or workshop
  • There is no general campaigning to become a Student Leader. After applications and qualifications are reviewed and jobs at the festival completed, a vote of the incoming officers will be taken by student leader sponsors during the festival.
  • Applicants are evaluated based on their application, recommendations, video, presentation, and personal interactions during the interactive selection process.

Student Leaders will be announced on December 20, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact one of the following: