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  • 1.  Graduation Awards, Stoles, and Honor Cords

    Posted 04-16-2025 10:43

    I am looking to purchase stoles, cords, and medals for our graduating seniors in recognition of their achievements as troupe members. Could anyone please share the website or vendor where I can order these items?



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    Curtisha Starks
    Theatre Director
    Duncanville High School
    TX
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  • 2.  RE: Graduation Awards, Stoles, and Honor Cords

    Posted 04-16-2025 14:17

    Thespian Store

    Trophy Store



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    Josh Kauffman
    Teacher, Thespian Society/Drama Club sponsor
    Winfield City Schools
    Winfield, AL
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Graduation Awards, Stoles, and Honor Cords

    Posted 04-17-2025 07:51

    Just a heads-up, there are no medals available on the store site. Zero. They won't be back in stock until late May, which is unfortunately too late for our graduation. We had to get creative with some of our distinctions. 



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    Rebecca Black
    Teacher/Director
    Wayland Union High School
    MI
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Graduation Awards, Stoles, and Honor Cords

    Posted 04-17-2025 11:54
    Edited by Guy Barbato 04-17-2025 11:55

    Thanks for the heads-up!  Looks like I'm going to have to get creative this year, too.  ...  Again ...

    This has been an ongoing problem ever since they outsourced the store. Which, unfortunately was a necessary step during COVID to keep EdTA/ITS alive (but was probably coming eventually) and I fear we are stuck with it, because going back to the way it was would involve significant cost increases for all of us, which nobody wants.

    So, the real question is whether there is a better option/company out there to work with, which could do a better job without a significant cost increase? I know EdTA is aware of the issues and is always looking for better partnerships, but finding one isn't easy (if it exists) and timelines are often dictated by contracts etc.

    Everyone should keep letting them know it is a problem so it stays on their radar. And no, many of us can't just "plan/order sooner". But I also know that the folks "upstairs" are doing the best they can, and are also in the busiest time of year for them, planning for ITF, while most troupes are also inducting etc.

     I'm hoping to have some conversations about these issues in July at the leadership summit. For now, thanks again for the info and hope everyone has a great end of the year!



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    Guy Barbato
    Theatre Teacher/Director
    Leonardtown High School
    MD
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Graduation Awards, Stoles, and Honor Cords

    Posted 04-18-2025 10:15

    As Executive Director of EdTA, I wanted to take a moment to respond to this thread. First I am so grateful that you brought this matter forward. We at EdTA were surprised to learn of this supply chain issue. When we saw this post, we immediately contacted our supplier to inquire about what was going on. We know all too well that your Thespians work for sometimes years to earn their Thespian induction and having the proper and authentic regalia is extremely important. 

    We spoke with our suppliers and distributors to find an immediate solution to this issue and they assure us that starting tomorrow afternoon orders can be taken and fulfilment of orders will be completed in priority of graduation date so that we can make sure you all receive your items in time to celebrate your students!!

    If you are experiencing problems ordering regalia from the official EdTA Thespian Shop for the 2024-25 school year, please let us know by emailing tschneider@schooltheatre.org with "Thespian Shop" in the subject line. We want to know about your experiences with the Thespian Shop and are happy to address concerns that you may have.

    We apologize for the inconvenience. This is not how EdTA wishes to do business and we are actively looking at how we can avoid issues like this in the future. We appreciate your help in letting us know about your experiences.



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    Dr. Jennifer Katona
    Executive Director/President
    Educational Theatre Association
    Educational Theatre Foundation
    NYC
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    Original Message


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