Along with putting on productions, one highlight of a Thespian’s school career is induction into the International Thespian Society. With COVID-19 limiting school theatre activities, EdTA is extending induction and payment deadlines so no student’s achievement has to go unrecognized.
“In this difficult year marked by show cancellations and school closings, we want to ensure that troupe directors are able to give as many Thespians as possible the honor they deserve,” said Julie Cohen Theobald, EdTA’s executive director.
Normally July 31, the induction deadline will be extended to September 15 for graduating seniors and eighth graders. In addition, EdTA is offering a grace period to schools that can’t submit payment due to COVID-19 closures: Troupe directors may submit inductions online as usual; they may select “pay by purchase order or check” and will have until September 15 to submit fees. The extended deadline will also apply to orders for honor and spirit items and apparel. Troupes with the ability to follow standard ordering and payment processes should continue to do so.
Students inducted during the grace period will be considered officially inducted, allowing them to:
- Participate in a virtual induction ceremony
- Attend the Virtual International Thespian Festival at Thespian rates and take part in the Thespy Awards (if they qualify)
- Include ITS membership on college and employment applications
Induction materials, including membership cards, certificates, and pins, will be shipped to the troupe director after payment is received. For assistance with these induction or payment options, please email members@schooltheatre.org or call 513-421-3900, ext. 1.