International Thespian Society

What is ITS?  Since 1929, more than two million students have been honored for excellence in theatre arts by being invited to join the International Thespian Society.

As a member of ITS, you join a group that includes not only accomplished actors but people who have distinguished themselves in business, science, law, medicine, and every other field of endeavor.

Why Join ITS? As an incoming freshmen, I was thoroughly dazed and confused when it came to adjusting to high school life. Having also just moved to Texas from New Jersey, I was largely unaware of the vast opportunities that awaited me in a new state at a bigger high school. I wish someone had written this article for me…

For those interested in theater at CHHS, taking theatre classes is the obvious way to get involved. However, there’s more out there. International Thespian Society (ITS) is an international (as the name implies) organization that links theatre people across the globe. Again, as a freshmen, I found this concept highly complicated and confusing. But it’s not! Becoming a member is easy. Just go to the meetings that will be announced on the morning announcements. They are usually held in the black box or on the stage. When you come, give out your contact information to one of the officers and you will become a pledge. In order to become a member, you must earn 10 points. This feat can easily be accomplished by participating in oral interp, shows, or helping out with various theatre activities. You then document your points on a piece of paper and put them in the ITS Points envelope in Ms. Phagan’s room, and you will be inducted at the next ITS banquet.

I’m sure you’re wondering, “Why should I do all this work? What’s the point of ITS?” Well my friend, I’m going to tell you. By joining ITS, you are able to automatically expand your theatre community. You are able to attend state convention in which you can audition for various colleges, attend workshops, and compete in individual events:

Also, at the meetings, we plan fund raisers, publicity events, and ways to get more involved in theatre. If you are serious about theatre, joining ITS is a great way to get involved and become a leader (not to mention it does look good on a college application). It’s also tons of fun! We have special events planned especially for pledges, like pledge week, which is October 4-8. According to ITS President Meghan Gaffney, joining ITS allows you to “become part of the national thespian community.” Treasurer Katie Parker adds, “You get to be more involved.” When you join ITS, it is easy to make friends with people who share your passion for theatre. When you go to auditions, it is less intimidating because you know most of the people there. When you attend banquet and other theater events, you don’t feel left out because you are part of all the inside jokes. You are involved and included; you become a leader; your voice is heard.

So, why waste any time? If you are serious about theatre, join ITS your freshmen year. And don’t worry, it’s not a binding commitment. If you decide that theatre is not for you, then we won’t bill you monthly or anything. But, if you decide your junior year that theatre really is what you want to do, then you will wish you had become involved in ITS at the very beginning. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings! And don’t worry… we won’t bite!