What is THE International Thespian Society?
The International Thespian Society (ITS), founded in 1929, is an honorary organization for high school and middle school theatre students located at more than 4,200 affiliated secondary schools across America, Canada, and abroad. The mission of ITS is to honor student achievement in the theatre arts. High school inductees are known as Thespians and junior high/middle school inductees are known as Junior Thespians. ITS is a division of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
WE ATTEND REGIONAL THESPIAN FESTIVAL EACH YEAR IN THE WINTER.
North Carolina uses Regional qualifiers pass students on to NC Thespian Festival. Students will be adjudicated first at Regional qualifier events. Students who are rated Excellent or Superior in their Thespy event will be passed on to State Thespian Festival to be screened in their event for the International Thespian Festival. Superiors in International Thespian Events are eligible to be adjudicated at that festival in June.
WE ATTEND STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL EACH YEAR IN THE SPRING.
Every spring, we gather the North Carolina Thespian Troupe to celebrate our passion for theatre. Students are immersed in a weekend of attending workshops, viewing One Act productions, and connecting with Thespians from across our state. This festival is also an opportunity for Thespians in 11th grade to audition for colleges, and explore their college options within the theatre realm. Thespians in their Senior year of High School have the opportunity to interview and be awards scholarship money towards persuing a degree in the theatre arts realm. Students from any grade level are also given the opportunity to audition here at Carson to compete in Individual Events (IEs). Individual Events range in various categories from monologues to duet acting or singing, to group musical, technical theatre concentrations, and beyond. For more information see Ms. Glass or Mr. Reynolds.
WE ATTEND INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN FESTIVAL EACH YEAR IN THE SUMMER.
Every summer, thousands of high school Thespians bring their love of all things theatre to the International Thespian Festival—also known as ThesFest—a celebration of student achievement in the arts. Organized by the Educational Theatre Association, the Festival is a one-of-a-kind, weeklong immersion experience in singing, dancing, acting, designing, directing, creating, writing, and memory-making. Festival features workshops presented by theatre professionals, individual and group performances, programs for technical theatre students, and opportunities to audition for college admission and scholarship. So whether you’re a freshman just beginning your theatrical journey, a seasoned senior with an impressive résumé and great headshot, or an educator seeking enriching professional development—opportunities and adventures await at the International Thespian Festival.
How do I participate and/or compete at the STATE OR International Festival?
Any student interested in attending the State Thespian Festival or International Thespian Festival must complete an application process in order to be selected to attend. You must attend our State Festival in order to attend the International Thespian Festival. Freshmen, or students who have not been inducted yet are allowed to apply, but will need to continue working toward their hours for induction if chosen to attend.
At Carson students wishing to participate in our Thespian Society field trips must be eligible to be inducted into our school's Thespian Troupe. We alert students after completing their 100th hour of work in the theatre arts department here at Carson High School. Student's who have met the required time are issued an invitation and must pay dues to be inducted.
Ask Ms. Glass or Mr. Reynolds for more information on this process if you are interested!
At Carson students wishing to participate in our Thespian Society field trips must be eligible to be inducted into our school's Thespian Troupe. We alert students after completing their 100th hour of work in the theatre arts department here at Carson High School. Student's who have met the required time are issued an invitation and must pay dues to be inducted.
Ask Ms. Glass or Mr. Reynolds for more information on this process if you are interested!