The International Thespian Society (ITS) annually recognizes up to three individuals who have gone above and beyond in their role as a volunteer. The Honorary Thespian of the Year Award honors those adults who have selflessly given their time and ability to help a Thespian or Junior Thespian troupe with set construction, chaperoning, fundraising, advocacy, and more.
According to a news release, two educators in the country have been honored this year, including Andy Turner, Junior High Project Lead the Way Teacher and theatre volunteer with Smith-Cotton High School’s Thespian Troupe 4261 in Sedalia.
The news release says Turner assists the Smith-Cotton theatre department building sets, transporting props and set pieces and other behind-the-scenes roles. Turner also provides support and mentors students, teaching them to use power tools and encouraging them every step of the way. Thespian Troupe Director Teri Turner said, “He became part of the program by establishing relationships with students, their parents, and our community simply by volunteering his time to our program because he believed in it. He sees incredible potential in these students and his action is the most encouraging way to show his belief in the program.”
The International Thespian Society, which was established in 1929 and has 2.3 million members, is the honor society for middle and high school drama students; a Thespian troupe is a group of students who have earned induction into the honor society. ITS is a program of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
The Educational Theatre Association is an international association with more than 135,000 active members. EdTA’s mission is shaping lives through theatre education: honoring student achievement in theatre; supporting teachers by providing professional development, resources, and recognition; and influencing public opinion that theatre education is essential and builds life skills.