WASHINGTON STATE THESPIANS

ACT  WELL  YOUR  PART  FOR  THERE  ALL  THE  HONOR  LIES.

• S.O.P. GUIDEBOOK
  Washington State Thespians
  Standard Operating Procedures
  Washington State Thespians and their troupe directors are affiliated with the
  International Thespian society (ITS) and The Educational Theatre Association (EDTA).
  ITS has over 350,000 troupes worldwide and has been committed to helping
  educators (troupe directors) who employ theatre as an instrument for lifelong
  learning for over 75 years. EDTA is the professional organization for theatre
  educators and the parent organization that operates Thespians for students.
  Washington State Thespians and their sponsors believe that they are entrusted
  with the ITS motto: “Act well thy part; there all the honor lies” Alexander Pope.
  
  Washington State Thespians’ Mission Statement is: To promote
   theatre as a part of lifelong learning

  

  Washington State Thespians’ purpose is to:
   1. Encourage students to be patrons of theatre--creating life long learners.
  2. Prepare students for higher education in theatre and/or for entrance
  into the world of work. 
  3.  Provide theatre students with opportunities to learn from and be
  adjudicated by professionals in the theatre field both in acting,
  playwriting, directing and technical theatre.
  4.  Provide theatre students with opportunities to showcase individual and
  group performances.
   5.  Provide continuing education and clock hours for theatre educators

  

  Washington State Thespian Troupe Membership: Membership in the Washington State Thespian Society is automatic to any secondary school in Washington upon joining the International Thespian Society, and by following the rules and by-laws set up by that organization.
  Information concerning chartering a troupe may be found at www.EdTA.org.

  

  Washington State Thespian Board: The Washington State Thespian Society Board currently consists of two co-chapter directors, eight board members, a representative from the east side of the state, and invited members at large. The invited members at large are professionals in theatre with a strong educational link. These members are non-voting.
  
  Terms of Office: The chapter director serves for a term of four years. Board members serve for a term of 3 years.
  
  Washington State Thespian Board Responsibilities and Duties: these duties may be shared among members or assigned to a specific member.
   Attend board meetings
   Plan, organize, and produce the Fall In-service, Winter Independents Events Festival, and State Festival. Specific duties are listed
   Schedule festivals and acquire festival locations
   Register participants
   Hire workshop leaders, adjudicators, key-note speakers, and technical support
   Schedule Independent Events, In-service, workshops, showcases, performances
   Maintain financial records of festival events…i.e. Collecting and follow up regarding PO’s and checks
   Provide travel, meal, academic, and material support for all clinicians.
   Run the festival
   Follow up with festival location coordinator
   Document festival events
   Communicate with Washington State High School Theatre Teachers regarding Thespian activities
   Maintain financial records and file taxes with EdTA annually
   Maintain status as Incorporated/Non-profit organization with Washington State.
   Recruit new troupes
  
  The Washington State Chapter Director Duties: The Chapter Director facilitates all Board Meetings, acts as liaison to EdTA, sits on the Board, and ensures that all Board Member Responsibilities have been fulfilled.
  
  Board Financial Reimbursement: The Chapter Director and Board Member positions are voluntary. Each board member may be reimbursed for all travel and telephone costs in dealing with state thespian events. All reimbursement is approved of by board members.
  
  Washington State Board Elections: Elections are held every year for two board member positions. Board positions are elected with nominations and vote at the West IE festival sponsor meeting.

  

  Washington State Annual Festivals:
   A rotating Teacher In-service/Student Technical Festival will be held on the first state in-service day of each school year.
   Two regional Independent Event (IE) Festivals, East and West will be held in January or February of each year.
   The annual Washington State Thespian Festival will be the third Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March depending on availability of space.

  

  Washington State Thespians Activities:
   Maintain washingtonthespians.org/ website
   Work as a partner with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association WIAA
   Statewide distribution list for communication of all theatre educators through Ruben Van Kempen—email ruvankempen@seattleschools.org
   Annual Technical Workshop taught by professionals in the theatrical field (may be part of the State Festival some years)
   Annual Individual Event (IE) Festival with monologues, duo scenes, solo musical, duet musical and group musical events held for novice and advanced students on both the East and West side of the state
   Annual Statewide Festival; performing in adjudicated cuttings of plays; participating in workshops; attending a keynote address; and showcasing double superiors from the IE Festival and Works in Progress (WIPs) musical highlights. All performances will use adjudications and regulations that align with ITS standards, rules, and regulations.
   Annual Professional Development for sponsors and others interested in attending
   Offer scholarships with matching funds from International Thespians
   Promote Washington Troupes’ attending Thespians’ National Conference held at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in June each year, as well as attendance of the sponsors at the National EDTA conference and middle school Troupes’ to the Junior Thespian National Conference
   Promote Washington State Troupes’ applying for Administrator’s, Outstanding School, Hall of Fame, Theatre for Life, Outstanding Student Achievement, Outstanding Technical Achievement, and other National Scholarships and Awards from EDTA
   Promote Washington State Troupes’ involvement in Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat (TOTS) and Equity Fights Aids community service events
   Promote Washington State Troupes’ involvement in International Thespians’ Playworks for original student plays
   Promote arts advocacy with National Thespian partners Americans for the Arts, Arts Educational Partnership, and Kennedy Center Alliances for Arts Education Network

  

  WASHINGTON STATE THESPIAN BOARD MEMBERS
  Hjalmer Anderson, Leslie Herlich, Matt Leggett, Laurie Levine,
  Elizabeth Orme, Leslie Van Leishout, Ruben Van Kempen
  
  WASHINGTON STATE THESPIAN BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE
  Andrea Allen, AnnRene’ Joseph
   

  updated 10/12/06