The International Thespian Society (ITS) has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre
students since 1929. Thespian troupes serve students in grades nine through twelve, and Junior
Thespian troupes serve students in grades six through eight. There are at present active ITS     
troupes in more than 3,900 high schools and middle schools, mostly in the United States and   
Canada. The Society recently inducted its two millionth Thespian.                                               

Oregon Thespians has been a long-standing Chapter of ITS and maintains a prominent and            
active presence at national and international EdTA events.                                                       

Each troupe is led by a Troupe Director who is a professional member of the Educational Theatre    
Association. The Troupe Director is typically—but not always—the theatre teacher in the school.   
Students earn an invitation to Thespian Society membership on the basis of their achievements in   
the school’s theatre program.