The Thespian club is an extracurricular group for students interested in the theater arts program. The group works together on performances, UIL competitions and writing, performing and rehearsing for a play that will take place at the end of the school year.
Work starts early in the year for thespian members, as they attend the Texas Thespian Festival, a major theatre convention in November, where members compete against other groups. Students then move on to work on school performances and competitions.
“We do One Act plays every year, so it’s a competition. We do, on average, two other plays which are just performed for the school. Sometimes, we do 24 hour theatre, which is sponsored by Texas A&M,” secretary Madeline Sibley said.
Generally, there aren’t any requirements in joining the Thespian club, but, there is a system to become a recognized thespian.
“You get points by performing a speaking role, being a tech and helping with productions,” director Christopher Rogers said. “Once you get 10 points, you become a thespian member and you go through an induction in the spring. And once you get 50 points, you’ll [earn] a letter.”
Though the Thespian club promotes good work ethics and time management, both of which are crucial for college life, it also gives students a chance to explore their emotions and open up to others.
“It’s a really good bonding experience, because everyone is close with each other, so no one is ever left out or behind and we all come and have a good time together,” president Keith Owen said.
The Thespian club offers room for improvement, whether it’s for an increase in funding or activity.
“I’d like to see us a little more active. Not just in the high school, but also in elementary school and middle school because some of the middle schools have theatre programs,” treasurer Corey Shultz said. “I’d like to go down there and get involved with them a little bit; help them, bring them up here and expand the programs more.”
Students are encouraged to join and should talk with Mr. Rogers or thespian club members for more information.
