The International Thespian Society is the only organization to honor secondary school students for outstanding work in theater. The resolution with which the Society approaches this role is evident in its focus on the students; their achievements, involvement, and access to qualify theater arts instruction are basic concerns of ITS.
 Thespian membership is granted for the performance of meritorious work in theater 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 100 hours of work is eligible for Thespian Society membership
 Sponsors should notify their theater arts students, production participants, or drama club members that records of their activities will be maintained and that Thespian membership may be conferred when qualifications have been met. The troupe secretary or clerk is ordinarily responsible for maintaining these records, which should be available for students' review.
 A Thespian moving to another affiliated school is entitled to transfer 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 through the fax on demand service (1-877-329-9329, document #470) or from the home office.
 The points listed 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 the discretion in awarding points-from zero to the maximum-accordingly 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 is initiated.

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 is she has accumulated the required ten points and has fulfilled all membership requirements.

A students must participate in at least two full-length productions, or one full-length and two 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, in community, children's or professional theater, 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 should be notified that they may join the International Thespian Society. Membership notification cards are available from the home office. Students should be informed of the cost of the membership fee and date/site of initiation ceremony. No hazing for student candidates is permitted. Induction ceremonies, ranging from the very informal to formal styles, are available through the fax demand service (1-866-329-9329, document #530) or from the home office.

 After Thespians have attained membership, further their recognition for their outstanding working in the theater arts may be indicated by awarding stars for each additional ten points-or one hundred hours-earned. 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." Gold stars suitable for this purpose may be purchased from the home office.

To see the actual points breakdown, click here.