Students - Educational Theatre Association
Welcome Students!
Did you know that EdTA actually began with YOU?
The formation of the International Thespian Society in 1929 marked the first time K-12 theatre students were honored and supported for the work they do in school theatre, and it continues to this day. Find out more about becoming a student member (or Thespian) here!
Students are welcome at the Educational Theatre Association
Attend the International Thespian Festival!
Theatre Students & Thespians
International Thespian Society
Welcome Thespians!
The International Thespian Society is the only theatre honor society for middle and high school students just like you! Whether you love design, technical theatre, playwriting, or performing, ITS has something for you.
What does it mean to be part of a Thespian Troupe?
Student Honor Society Induction
Becoming a Thespian is a symbol of pride and recognition as you join the ranks of millions of theatre students who came before you.
As a Thespian, you’ll get access to exclusive benefits and events with theatre lovers from around the world, have access to workshops and leadership opportunities to grow your skills and your resume, and cultivate a lifelong love of theatre — whether on stage, behind the curtain, or in the audience!
Learn more about the benefits of being part of a thespian troupe below.
Dramatics.org
Thespians everywhere have access to
Dramatics.org
, the online home of
#ThespianNation
. As the official student publication of the
International Thespian Society
, Dramatics.org is your guide to embracing your passion, honing your craft, and enjoying all things theatre.
You’ll discover stories of Thespians and Thespian Alumni (there are over 2.4 million!) doing amazing things inside and outside the entertainment industry; tips for acting, directing, designing, writing, and other on- and offstage skills; college and career advice for following your dreams in theatre and beyond; and fun quizzes, videos, polls, and other ways to celebrate your love of theatre.
There’s a lot to explore, so get clicking and
follow us on social
Dramatics.org
Regional & International Events
As a Thespian, what’s better than meeting other passionate theatre students?
The
International Thespian Society
hosts events large and small, with one bound to be near you! Regional festivals bring together the best theatre in your region, with the culminating event — the
International Thespian Festival
— capping off the school year in June. You’ll get to participate in workshops, audition for colleges, and see the best school theatre from around the world, all while spending a week making new lifelong friends!
Explore all the exciting things going on at #ITF today!
International Thespian Festival
The International Thespian Excellence Awards
Broadway has the Tonys, Hollywood has the Oscars
, and Thespians have the Thespys
The International Thespian Excellence Awards
(or Thespys for short) recognize the highest level of achievement in school theatre performance, technical theatre, writing, and filmmaking. Students prepare performances, presentations, plays, and films showcasing their talents and skills and bring their prepared works to local and regional Thespys qualifying events. The top scorers advance to the International Thespian Festival where they are eligible to win Thespy Awards and scholarships funded by generous sponsors.
Start preparing your Thespy audition today!
Learn More About the Thespy Awards
Students Speak Out!
I joined the Educational Theatre Association as a State Thespian officer. I’m now one of six and International Thespian Officers for the 2021-22 year. I got involved so that I could tap into the theatre network and impact schools around the world. I’ve reached out to New York Senators to share the reasons why we want Theatre in Our Schools (TIOS) month given an official recognition. It is the first step necessary in our fight for funding for New York Art Programs.
Rosanna Gao
International Thespian Officer
What's New for Students
ITF
ITF Expands Student Access to Performance with more Main Stage Opportunities
The 2026 Festival will feature an expanded Main Stage lineup that reflects
Read More »
February 11, 2026
international thespian festival
Louisville Becomes New Home of ITF in 2027
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) today announced that the International Thespian Festival
Read More »
September 24, 2025
More Thespian News
Upcoming Events
April 2026
Apr
25
25
April
All day
Chapter Events
Thespian Festival
Thespys Qualifiers
New York Thespian Festival
Hofstra University,
1000 Hempstead Tpke.
Hempstead
NY
11549
United States
Find out more
May 2026
May
02
02
May
All day
Chapter Events
Junior Thespian Festival
Thespys Qualifiers
South Carolina Junior Thespian Festival
Castle Heights Middle School,
2832 Firetower Rd.
Rock Hill
SC
29730
United States
Find out more
June 2026
Jun
13
13
June
All day
Chapter Events
Student Leadership Event
Kansas STO Leadership Training
Find out more
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