On September 27, a group of five students and Academy Theatre Teacher Christa Vogt met in room 400 during One Lunch. They were discussing Fall Fest, the 24-Hour Theatre Festival, and other school-wide events. They are ITS, the International Thespian Society Troupe 4687, run by Vogt.
“Being involved in ITS can be a [stepping stone] to wherever your theatre path may lead,” said Vogt. “Lin Manuel Miranda is a proud ITS Alum, so who knows where it may take you!”
ITS is an honor society, so becoming a member is based on being invited. One must accrue 10 thespian points by being a cast member of a show or being a production crew member. Each show and role are worth a different amount of points, and you need to perform on stage as well as work a technical position to officially earn an invitation.
“The idea behind that is membership requires dedicated well-rounded theatre students,” said Vogt.
Students are able to rise in the ranks of ITS. There is a small, five officer group that makes decisions for the honor society, Including president junior Savannah Coulter.
“I have looked up to the president and the work that they do for ITS and the theatre strand in general,” said Coulter. “Now that I’m in that role, it’s very surreal and I want to do the best possible.”
ITS has a few planned activities this year, including a candy guessing game at this year’s Fall Fest, their yearly 24 hour theatre festival, and a possible theatre only open mic in March.
“We want ITS to expand their reach this year and gain a more widespread audience. While most of our members are academy students, ITS is for everyone!” said Coulter.
The International Thespian Society has many plans and with a new circle of officers, they plan to keep trying to make theatre better.
“It’s like a flower,” said senior ITS Melaina Robinson. “ITS helps theater bloom into something and gives you a better perspective.”
Whether a member of the academy, or a student here, ITS is an honor society dedicated to helping expand the love of the theater to all.
