Thespian Troupe #354 Congratulations to the 2009-2010 Thespian Board!!! President: Kelli Filios Vice President: Sarah Dix Treasurer: Mia Topalian Secretary: Val Stacey Member at Large: Andy Sample Troupe Directors: Mrs. Kristen Quesada and Mr. Paul Bird WHAT ARE THESPIANS? Thespians are high school theatre students who have met the requirements set by The International Thespian Society, a division of the Educational Theatre Association, and the Thespian troupe directors. The International Thespian Society was founded in 1929, and is the honorary theatre association for students in high school. Students are invited to join Thespians after they have worked 100 hours on two or more Second Stage Players and/or Park Players productions at PCEP. HOW ARE POINTS EARNED? Students must have worked on a minimum of two full-length productions (Second Stage Players and/or Park Players) and that work must total a minimum of 100 hours to be eligible to become a Thespian. Of those 100 hours, at least 50 of those hours must be tech hours. Thespians should be well-rounded theatre arts students who have had experience in all aspects of theatre---not just acting on stage. In addition to that, not every student has the opportunity to be cast in a show, but every student has the opportunity to work tech. Every 10 hours spent working tech on a production equals 1 point. Points can also be earned by holding leadership positions in Second Stage Players and/or Park Players productions. Examples of leadership positions include: Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Crew Head, Assistant Crew Head, and Dance Captain. Points are also earned by being in the cast of a show. Points are tracked and when a student has reached the required mark, they are invited to join Thespian Troupe #354. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POINTS AND STARS? After Thespians have attained membership, further recognition for their outstanding work in theatre arts is indicated by awarding stars. One star is equal to 100 hours. Students receive their Thespian letter when they reach 2 stars (300 hours = 2 stars. The 1st 100 hours are what it takes to become a thespian, then each 200 hours after that = 1 star). Over time students can earn more stars. At the end of their senior year, a student has the potential to receive the highest honor, a "Five Star Thespian" and potentially "Trouper of the Year". WHAT DO THESPIANS DO? • Thespians hold meetings the 1st Friday of every month. • Thespians do fundraising for the Second Stage Players and Park Players theatre programs. Fundraising events vary from year to year, but include having a booth at the Plymouth Fall Festival. • Thespians organize shows for theatre students to show off their talents and gain performance experience. • Thespians have social events for their members every month, which vary from year to year, but include events such as a Halloween road rally, Christmas/winter holiday party, movie nights, spring picnics, etc. • Thespians organize a spring banquet every year where dinner is served, awards are given, and the new thespian board for the following school year is voted on. • Thespians do various other things from year to year, but keep very busy supporting their high school theatre groups: Second Stage Players and Park Players. • Thespians wear honor cords at graduation. Becoming a Thespian is truly an honor, which requires a love for theatre and a lot of hard work. Membership in the International Thespian Society is for life!