As an International Thespian Society troupe director, your connection to the Educational Theatre Association is more than a membership ― it’s a yearlong investment in you and in your students.

Student Recognition

The recognition students gain through induction in ITS signals to colleges and employers their leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements. It gives theatre students the same validation common for sports or academic success. And it’s a valuable asset when recruiting new students to your theatre program ― especially in a year when live productions may be limited.

Event Access

While it’s true that festivals will look different this year, the learning, recognition, and engagement built at these gatherings live on ― at both the chapter and international levels. Regional and national events offer Thespians a chance to compete for thousands of scholarship dollars, earn commendation through the International Thespian Excellence Awards, and audition for hundreds of college theatre programs.

Professional Development

Your troupe renewal comes with our Mentor Match program and full access to Theatre Educator Pro, EdTA’s online learning portal. Whether you’re new to the field or an expert theatre educator, the tools in TE Pro help you navigate today’s challenges. They include guides for creating online learning, webinars on producing virtual performances, and a library with 350 ready-to-use lesson plans.

Community Support

As a member of EdTA and ITS, you gain access to the most engaged network of theatre educators anywhere, eager to share ideas, collaborate on problem-solving, and offer expertise. Whether through the online Community forum or member-exclusives such as the weekly virtual teachers’ lounges, you’ve always got a lifeline at hand.

• Unsure how to qualify inductions for new Thespians? Explore recommendations that give you the flexibility you need to grow your troupe.
• Worried about falling below the minimum threshold for active Thespians? We’ve waived the six-member troupe minimum for the 2020-21 school year.
• Struggling to get funds approved in time to pay your troupe dues? Check out resources to help you sustain your program.