Thoreau Middle School Theatre
Empathy. Family. Creativity.
International Junior Thespian Honor Society
Troupe #89294
Commitment to theatre is what the International Thespian Society is all about. The Society was established in 1929 and was named the National Thespian Society for Thespis, the ancient Greek who, according to legend, stepped out from the chorus and became the first actor. Their guiding principle was a dedication to excellence in theatre arts in secondary schools. Seventy-one schools became charter members of the society in 1929. By the time the Society had celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, there were 3,190 troupes on its rolls.
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In order to communicate, students should join the ITS google classroom
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oj5chv
At that point, the Society had grown into an international organization with more than a million members and troupes in every state and many foreign countries. Today, the Society sponsors chapter, regional, national, and international conferences where its members can learn more about the art and craft of theatre, perform and see outstanding performances, and audition for scholarships.
​Our own junior troupe here at Thoreau Middle School was formed on May 15th, 2015. Our Thespian troupe strives to give young adults a place for outstanding theatre where the standards of excellence in theatre arts will be advanced and to honor those students who do theatre well. And it continues to be guided by the principles of its founders: a belief that participation in the theatre arts is an essential means of widening students’ cultural horizons and enriching their lives.
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​Our constitution outlines the purpose and governance of the International Thespian Society. ​
In order to communicate, students should join the ITS google classroom:​
Code: oj5chv
WHY SHOULD I JOIN?
As members of ITS or in the process of earning membership, students will be honored on a national level and have access to outside resources. Students who are in the process of joining are referred to as Thespian apprentices.
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Students will be able to:
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participate on the Thoreu Theatre Sports Team and compete at the FCPS Theatre Sports competitions
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participate in the FCPS Fall Theatre Expo (Oct 26)
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participate in any Theatre workshops with professional theatre artists
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participate in the Thoreau’s Spring Play production (must be an ITS member)
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participate in the FCPS Playwriting competition (MayFest Playfest) on May 16
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7th graders - be eligible for troupe officer positions in 8th grade year
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Much more!
HOW DO I START?
To be eligible for lifetime Junior Thespian membership, students must meet one important induction requirement by earning ten Thespian points. (Students who are in the process of earning their induction points are referred to as Junior Thespian apprentices.)
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Any 7th and 8th grade Thoreau students may join the Thespians throughout the school year. Check our google classroom page for our next meeting dates. ​Troupe meetings are held bi-weekly as the schedule allows. Students should plan to attend the meetings regularly and for the full amount of time to maintain their status as an active member in their troupe.
THESPIAN POINTS
Points are awarded based on the quality and quantity of work they perform in theatre and related disciplines. One point equals approximately five hours of excellent work. Points will be awarded according to the student’s quality of work and cooperation. Please see the Points System below for categories and point value.
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Please note: It is the student's responsibility to submit points, and check that the points were approved and verified by the troupe director. ​​
SUBMITING POINTS
All potential points must be submitted by the student to the Junior Thespian Induction Point System. Use the link below to submit your points.
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Points need to be earned in at least two departments (ie. acting and production)
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Students may earn no more than five points through participation outside Thoreau Middle School
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Submitting points does not confirm them. The troupe director will check the points once a month and update the points form on the ITS google classroom in order for students to access.
January/February, TBA
Please note, you must use your fcpsschools.net email to access this form.