OUR ORGANIZATION
Texas Thespians, an affiliate chapter of the Educational Theater Association (EDTA), is the largest chapter in the nation. A chapter is established to support the mission of the Educational Theatre Association’s student honor organization, the International Thespian Society.
Texas Thespians is led by Chapter Director, Amy Jordan, who is supported and assisted by the Chapter Board and staff. The Texas Chapter provides local, state, and regional support for adult members, Thespians, and Junior Thespians. With over 600 troupes, Texas Thespians represent over 16,000 middle school and high school students.
The Texas Thespians Chapter, named as a Gold EdTA Honor Chapter, is recognized for tremendous work at the state, regional, and local levels.
Our organization provides educational festivals and workshops for students, and conferences and professional development for teachers and administrators. We provide over $75,000 in scholarships each year for graduating seniors, and award over $15,000 in Thespian Bucks™ for teachers.
As an affiliate of the International Thespian Society, we follow the national model for promoting excellence in middle school and high school theatre departments across Texas.
There are over 600 troupes throughout Texas in public, private and charter schools. If you would like to charter a troupe for your school, you will find all the necessary documents at the International Thespian Society's website.
Membership in the International Thespian Society offers numerous benefits for students and their directors.
How do students benefit?
If you need resources to help make your case for starting a new troupe at your school, visit the Education Theatre Associations website.
Schools that are members of the International Thespian Society (ITS) are automatically members of the Texas Thespians. To become a member of ITS, contact the Educational Theatre Association, the parent organization of ITS, for complete information and an application.
If you have additional questions, contact Amy Jordan.
There are over 600 troupes throughout Texas in public, private and charter schools. If you would like to charter a troupe for your school, you will find all the necessary documents at the International Thespian Society's website.
Membership in the International Thespian Society offers numerous benefits for students and their directors.
How do students benefit?
- As members of ITS, your students will be honored on a national level and have access to resources beyond those of their school.
- ITS state and national events, including the International Thespian Festival, with workshops, college and scholarship auditions, as well as opportunities to showcase and receive assessment on tech and performance skills.
- A membership card, certificate, and induction pin.
- Thespians receive print and digital subscriptions to Dramatics magazine, the only publication edited exclusively for theatre students and teachers.
- Student leadership opportunities at the troupe, state, and national levels that provide forums to learn and put their leadership skills to work.
- ITS honor society membership to enhance college and employment applications.
If you need resources to help make your case for starting a new troupe at your school, visit the Education Theatre Associations website.
Schools that are members of the International Thespian Society (ITS) are automatically members of the Texas Thespians. To become a member of ITS, contact the Educational Theatre Association, the parent organization of ITS, for complete information and an application.
If you have additional questions, contact Amy Jordan.
