Lisle Senior High School International Thespian Society Troupe #660
'Act well your part; there all the honor lies.' Alexander Pope "Essay on Man"
By Aimee Park
Troupe #660-What is the International Thespians Society?
About Thespian Troupe #660
As a member of the International Thespian Society, LSHS exhibits their commitment to quality theatre. Students who are interested in Theatre and enjoy participating in theatrical activities are encouraged to join the Thespian Troupe #660 at LSHS. Within Troupe #660, Students are able to participate in high school sponsored theatrical activities throughout the year. Furthermore, students earn points and our recognized for their achievements. The best method to learn more about thespians is by talking to a current Thespian or by checking out our website. You may also read more about the International Society to which we belong below.
About The International Thespian Society
Commitment to theatre is what the International Thespian Society is all about. The Society was established in 1929 at Fairmont, West Virginia, by Dr. Earl Blank, who was then the director of dramatics at the high school in Casper, Wyoming; Dr. Paul Opp, a member of the college faculty; and Harry Leeper, a teacher at East Fairmont High Schools.
They named their organization the National Thespian Society for Thespis, the Greek who, according to legend, was the first actor; their guiding principle was a dedication to excellence in theatre arts in secondary schools. Seventy-one schools became charter members of the society. The first national convention and election of officers was held in 1930. From this modest beginning, the organization enjoyed steady growth, and in the next five years, the membership had increased to 320 troupes. The national office was moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1935. By the time the Society had celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, there were 3,190 troupes on its rolls.
At that point, the Society had grown into an international organization with more than a million members and troupes in every state and many foreign countries. The Society sponsors state, regional, national, and international theatre conferences where its members can learn more about the art and craft of theatre, perform and see outstanding performances, and audition for scholarships.
In 1989, the governing board of the Thespian Society formed the Educational Theatre Association to help it provide a broader range of services to theatre educators. The Educational Theatre Association is a professional organization for theatre teachers that includes its membership all Thespian troupe sponsors. Its board now operates the Thespian Society, continuing the tradition of honoring and serving theatre students and their teachers.
The goals of the Thespian Society haven’t changed. It still strives to give young adults a place for outstanding theatre where the standards of excellence in theatre arts will be advanced and to honor those students who do theatre well. And it continues to be guided by the principles of its founders: a belief that participation in the arts is an essential means of widening students’ cultural horizons and enriching their lives.
Membership in the International Thespian Society
Since 1929, more than two million students have been honored for excellence in theatre arts by being invited to join the International Thespian Society. As a member of ITS, you join a group that includes not only accomplished actors but people who have distinguished themselves in business, science, law, medicine, and every other field of endeavor. The International Thespian Society is the only organization to honor secondary school students for outstanding work in theatre. The resolution with which the Society approaches this role is evident in its focus on the students; their achievements, involvement, and access to quality theatre arts instruction are basic concerns of ITS.
Thespian membership is granted for the performance of meritorious work in theatre arts which meets the Society’s general guidelines. Specifically, students become members by earning points for their work. Any student who has participated in at least two productions for a total of one hundred hours of work is eligible for Thespian Society membership.
Records of student activities will be maintained at LSHS and Thespian membership may be conferred when qualifications have been met. The troupe clerk is responsible for maintaining these records, which are available for students’ review. You can download point record sheets in the Points Section of this web page.
A Thespian moving to another affiliated school is entitled to transfer his or her membership by having the new sponsor verify the membership with the ITS home office. A new membership card and certificate may be secured by submitting the replacement credentials form, which is available from the EdTA website.
The points listed below are the maximum that usually may be earned for a specific assignment. Sponsors may award two additional points for any task performed with exceptional merit, and should use their discretion in awarding points—from zero to the maximum—according to the quality of effort and work accomplished. The following are general guidelines on the awarding of points:
• One point represents approximately ten hours of excellent work. Sponsors should use this formula in awarding points for items not specifically listed in the point system.
• To attain Thespian membership, a student must earn ten points, five of which must be acquired at the school where he or she is to be inducted.
• Thespian membership will be awarded on a democratic basis to all students who qualify according to the requirements of the point system. No student will be elected into the Society. No student will be denied membership if he or she has accumulated the required ten points and has fulfilled all membership requirements.
• A student must participate in at least two full-length productions, or one full-length and two one-acts, or four one-acts. Participation should be in at least two of the listed categories, for example, acting and production.
• Students may earn up to five points toward membership through participation at the middle school level (through an ITS Junior Thespian troupe), in community, children’s or professional theatre, or in other activities in the performing arts. They may earn additional points after induction at the sponsor’s discretion and upon proof of participation.
• When students qualify for membership, they are notified that they may join the International Thespian Society. Students are informed of the cost of the membership fee and date/site of the induction ceremony. No hazing of student candidates is permitted. Induction ceremonies are in a formal style and occur in the Spring of each year.
After Thespians have attained membership, further recognition for their outstanding work in theatre arts may be indicated by awarding stars for each additional ten points—or one hundred hours—earned (to a maximum of four stars). Students may wear stars on Thespian jewelry to indicate their rating in the troupe. Star ratings should be designated on the student’s membership certificate under “Thespian Stars Earned.”
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
In order to function as an organization, we have regular meetings to discuss important group activities. Your presence at Thespians Meetings is extremely important. If you are unable to attend a meeting, please review the Meeting Agenda and contact Ms. P at apark@lisle202.org
Thespian Meeting Agenda - September 2010
&
Thespian Meeting Reminder - September 2010
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
To become a member of the International Thespians Society, students must earn points by becoming involved in Theatrical Activities. Students' earn points by their participation in various theatrical activities: acting, production assistance (crew), designing and directing, serving the troupe as an officer, seeing shows, etc. This process is similar to the process of obtaining points for union membership for professional theatrical organizations.
Current Points:
Apprentices, Thespians, & Honor Thespians
Thespians
LSHS Thespian Point System - Recommended High School Points
LSHS Thespian Point System - Recommended Junior High School Points
Apprentices
LSHS Thespian Point System - Recommended High School Points - Review how induction into the Thespian Society and earning points works. - In order to calculate some of your High School Points, you may use this system.
LSHS Thespian Point System - Recommended Junior High School Points - In order to calculate some of your Junior High Points, you may use this system.
Forms - Print these forms, fill them out as best as you can, and bring them to the next thespian meeting: Thespian Meeting Reminder
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
Thespian Apparel
This year, Thespians will be placing an order for LSHS Thespian Wear in December.
Official International Thespian Wear Order Form: Order Form
To view apparel options, go to the following link:
To view pricing, go to the following link: Group Order Form
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
September Meeting
Come one, come all! That means Freshmen are Welcome Too!
All thespians and students interested in being part of the drama program...There will be a Thespian Meeting on Wednesday, September 1st at 2:45 pm in the Auditorium.
Are you a freshman looking to broaden your horizons? Are you interested in performing in a talent show? Would you like to go see shows? Do you want to be part of the Haunted Dungeon? If any of these activities should interest to you, come to LSHS Thespians meeting Wednesday, September 1st at 2:45 pm in the Auditorium!
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
Throughout the school year, Thespians are involved in a variety of fundraising events. Fundraising earnings are used to purchase Induction materials and awards from the International Thespian Society, to provide Thespian Scholarships to graduating seniors, and to support Thespian Troupe #660 events including our Annual Thespian Evening Event (Lock In) and Spring Variety Shows or Dinner Theatre performances.
Current Fundraiser -
Yankee Candle Fundraising Catalog
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
The following is a list of yearly events that students may participate in at LSHS. These events are often sponsored by Thespians, however, you need not be a Thespian to be involved.
Thespian Evening Event
Trail of Terror & Haunted Dungeon
Seeing Theatre
Disney's The Lion King: Permission Form & Informational Flier
Wicked: Permission Form & Informational Flier
The Blue Man Group: Permission Form & Informational Flier
Illinois State High School Theatre Festival
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
International Thespian Society
International Thespian Society
Illinois High School Theatre
Illinois State Theatre Festival
Local Partners
Local Theatre
Chicago Plays - Search for Plays Within the City
Theatrical Suppliers
Scripts & Books
Killer Scripts - Dinner Theatre
Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatre Library
Theatre Communications Group, Inc
Theatre Folk - Original Playscirpts for High Schools
Supplies - Costumes, Make Up, Props, Set, Lights, & Sound
Grand Stage - Makeup & Lighting
Broadway Costumes- Costume Rental
Fantasy Costume - Costumes Rental & Purchase and Props
Theatre House - Make Up, Costumes, Props, Set Dressings, Lighting, and Sound Samples
Zap Props - Props & Set
T-shirts - Holy Cow Sports, Galapagos, & K12 Outfitters
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Home
Fantastical Performance...
Director
Aimee Park & Sheryl Alkevicus
Technical Director
Patrick Comer
Synopsis
Set in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1980, an aspiring young architect, Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that, as long as he is alive, "you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you"—so Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless "nerd"—a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. And Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leading to one uproarious incident after another, until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising "twist" ending of the play.
Click below for production information...
Performance Dates and Times
Dress Rehearsal - Wednesday, November 17, 2010 7:00 pm
Opening Night - Thursday, November 18, 2010 7:00 pm
Performance - Friday, November 19, 2010 7:00 pm
Closing - Saturday, November 20, 2010 7:00 pm
A Blast from the Past! - Previous Performances
2010-2010 The Nerd by Larry Shue
2009-2010 Don't Mention My Name by Fred Carmichael
2008-2009 A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
2007-2008 Poe's Midnight Dreary by Richard McElvain
2006-2007 One Dead Dolly by John Anthony
2005-2006 The Butler Did It by Tim Kelly
2004-2005 Rumors by Neil Simon
2003-2004 Nosferatu: The Legend of Dracula
2002-2003 13 Past Midnight by Billy St. John
2001-2002 A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Events
Trail of Terror & Haunted Dungeon
Information
For the past eight years, Thespians have been involved in the Lisle Park District's Haunted Dungeon. Throughout these experiences, Thespians have aided in creating a theme for the dungeon, designed gore makeup to bring the characters to life, and performed perfectly in the Haunted Dungeon. This year's the Lisle Park District has chosen to discontinue the Haunted Dungeon. However, they will have a Trail of Terror!
If you are interested in participating by acting or helping with makeup, please pick up an application in the LSHS Main Office and attend the The Trail of Terror Sign Up Meeting on October 6, 2010 in the LSHS commons at 2:45 p.m.
Previous Years
2009 Underworld
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for the eighth time. Members contributed their time and efforts to this haunted house. The house ran from 7pm to 10pm. This years theme was an underworld where visitors slid down a grave to visit the UNDERWORLD. The Thespians dressed in gore and blood every night for 5 days and entertained and scared those who entered.
2008 Insane Asylum
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for the seventh time. Members contributed their time and efforts to this haunted house. The house ran from 7pm to 10pm. This years theme was an insane asylum where the inmates had broken loose and havoc ran amok. The Thespians dressed up in gore and blood every night for 5 days and entertained and scared those who entered.
2007 FEAR
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for a sixth time. Thespian Members and many LSHS Students once again contributed their time and efforts to this Haunted Dungeon. The dungeon ran from 7pm to 10pm and the theme was created by the Park District and Thespian students. The theme was the FEAR. Totally engrossed in the scaring of individuals, Thespians portrayed scenes depicting the worst of all human fears!
2006 Scary Movie
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for a fifth time. Thespian Members and many LSHS Students once again contributed their time and efforts to this Haunted Dungeon. The dungeon ran from 7pm to 10pm and the theme was created by the Park District and Thespian students. The theme was the Scary Movie. Totally engrossed in the scaring of individuals, Thespians mimicked classic and modern scary movie characters.
2005 The Terror of Clowns
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for a fourth time. Thespian Members and many LSHS Students once again contributed their time and efforts to this Haunted Dungeon. The dungeon ran from 7pm to 10pm and the theme was created by the Park District and Thespian students. The theme was the Terror of Clowns. Totally engrossed in the scaring of individuals, Thespians made clown faces with a whole lot of gore features.
2004 Haunted High School
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for a third time. Thespian Members and many LSHS Students once again contributed their time and efforts to this Haunted Dungeon. The dungeon ran from 7pm to 10pm and the theme was created by the Park District and Thespian students. The theme was a Haunted High School. Totally engrossed in the scaring of individuals, Thespians made blood, cuts, bruises, and zombie features come alive.
2003 Human Testing Facility
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for a second time. Members once again contributed their time and efforts to this Haunted House. The house ran from 7pm to 10pm and the theme was created by the Thespian students. This year's theme was a human testing facility where testing had gone horribly wrong causing grotesque creatures to emerge. True to their form, Thespians dressed up in gore and blood every night for 5 days and entertained and scared those who entered.
2002 Insane Asylum
The Troupe volunteered in the annual Lisle Haunted Dungeon for the first time. Members contributed their time and efforts to this haunted house. The house ran from 7pm to 10pm and the theme was created by the Thespian students. This year's theme was an insane asylum where the inmates had broken loose and havoc ran amok. The Thespians dressed up in gore and blood every night for 5 days and entertained and scared those who entered.
Dates and Times
Wednesday, October 6 2:45 Volunteer Sign Up Meeting
Wednesday, October 6 2:45 Makeup Artist Training
Friday, October 22 5-7:00 Makeup 7-10:00 Trail of Terror
For information on the Haunted Dungeon check out - Lisle Park District
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Events
Information
For the past several years, LSHS Thespians have participated in the annual Shakespeare Contest. The purpose of the competition is to develop students' understanding of Shakespeare and his universality, and to help them communicate that understanding. In preparing a monologue and sonnet for public presentation, students can bring Shakespeare to life in their own way and can learn to express his words with feeling, understanding, and clarity.
Prizes
The winner of Lisle Senior High School Shakespeare Contest will go on to the Shakespeare Competitions help by the Chicago Branch of the English-Speaking Union (ESU). The competition will take place at Roosevelt University.
The ESU Branch winner will then be awarded an expense paid trip to New York City for the National Competition. In addition to the opportunity to compete on stage in Lincoln Center, the ESU Branch winner enjoys a weekend of workshops and sightseeing in New York City, and the chance to meet 60 other Branch winners from around the country.
The first prize winner at the National Shakespeare Competition in New York will receive full tuition scholarship to the British American Drama Academy's Midsummer Conservatory Program in Oxford, England. Second place with receive $1000, and third place will receive $500 from the Shakespeare Society.
Forms
Please print the forms below or pick up a contest packet in the main office if you would like to compete!
Dates and Times
Lisle Competition:
Regional Competition:
National Competition:
Previous Lisle Senior High School Winners
2010-2011
2009-2010 No Contest
2008-2009 Pfil Fujiwara
2007-2008 No Contest
2006-2007 Ellen DeSitter
2005-2006 No Contest
2004-2005 Ellen DeSitter
2003-2004 Amy Turner
2002-2003 Amy Turner
For information on the English Speaking Union and the National Shakespeare Competition check out - English-Speaking Union - USA Branch
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Events
Coming Soon...
To Be Announced
Directed by Patricia Kerback
Assistant Directed by Sheryl Alkevicuis
Technically Directed Patrick Comer
Synopsis
Performance Dates and Times
Dress Rehearsal - Wednesday, March 16, 2011 7:00 pm
Opening Night - Thursday, March 17, 2011 7:00 pm
Performance - Friday, March 18, 2011 7:00 pm
Closing - Saturday, March 19, 2011 7:00 pm
A Blast from the Past! - Previous Performances
2010-2011
2009-2010 The Music Man
2008-2009 Once Upon a Mattress
2007-2008 Grease
2006-2007 Cinderella
2005-2006 Anything Goes
2004-2005 Little Shop of Horrors
2003-2004 South Pacific
2002-2003 Annie Get Your Gun
2001-2002 Once Upon a Mattress
Return to Thespians Troupe #660 Events
Thespian Induction and Awards Ceremony is a special evening for our hardworking Thespians in which they are honored for their efforts and recognized for their achievements. Traditionally, the evening consists of the Induction of new members into the International Thespians Society Troupe #660, the presentation of Stars, Bars, Special Recognition, Senior Awards, and the appointment of the next year's Thespian Executive Officers.
Induction and Awards Ceremony Program
- 2009-2010 Program
- 2008-2009 Program
- 2007-2008 Program
- 2006-2007 Program
- 2005-2006 Program
- 2004-2005 Program
- 2003-2004 Program
- 2002-2003 Program
- 2001-2002 Program
Induction and Awards Ceremony Schedule
Thursday, April 28, 2011
- 2:30 - 4:00 pm - Students Decorate Commons and Auditorium
- 5:00 - 6:00 pm - Potluck Dinner & Dessert in LSHS Commons
- 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Induction and Awards Ceremony in LSHS Auditorium
- 8:00 - 10:00 pm - Thespian Showcase
