The Educational Theatre Association's student honorary organization, the International Thespian Society, is the world’s largest honor society for recognizing excellence and achievement in middle and high school theatre students. More than 2 million students have been inducted into ITS since its beginning in 1929. Through their EdTA membership, Thespians have access to college auditions, scholarship money, and to countless other young people with similar interests.

Starting a troupe is a fairly simple process. Each new school pays a one-time $100 sign-up fee and gather a minimum of six students willing to be inducted at a fee of $30 each. There is an annual charter renewal fee of $100 to upkeep your school's membership. So, for a relatively small amount of money, you and your students can join the largest theatre organization in the world. Each inducted student will also receives a full year subscription to Dramatics magazine along with their membership card; each director receives a subscription to Teaching Theatre. If your school is Title I, there are also grants available to start a troupe here.

Some benefits of starting a troupe:

• Students will be honored on a national level and have access to resources workshops, college and scholarship auditions, and opportunities to showcase and receive assessment on tech and performance skills at festival.

• A membership card, certificate, and induction pin.

• Receive print and digital subscriptions to Dramatics magazine, the only publication edited exclusively for theatre students and teachers.

• Student leadership opportunities at the troupe, state, and national levels that provide forums to learn and put their leadership skills to work.

• ITS honor society membership to enhance college and employment applications.