The velvet curtains open, and a bright light is cast upon the performers’ faces. At this moment,  actors begin to feel an exhilarating shock, almost as if they are being struck by bolts of electricity. 

This feeling is why many students apply to join the Thespian Honor Society.  This organization gives students an opportunity to meet peers with similar interests in a theatrical environment, improve their skills, as well as create bonds with other members. 

“Students should join the theater for so many amazing reasons,” said performer and club president Julia Namia. “Not only can you step out of your comfort zone in many ways and express yourself through performing, you can also be a part of the technical aspect of things backstage. Both of these are incredibly rewarding opportunities that we have at this school, and no matter what part of theater you want to be in, there’s a big sense of community as we are all united by doing something that we all love to do. It is a great way to work with others and meet new people, creating so many strong bonds and lifelong friendships.” 

General meetings for all participating members in the club are once or twice a month depending on the club events, but for those involved in whatever production is being rehearsed, whether it be the cast or the tech crew, members are called to meet nearly every day of the week when there are rehearsals or a production running.

“In the Honor Society, we participate in competitions, go on field trips to see performances, throw monthly socials and shows,” explained club sponsor Ms. Marshall “I teach my students how to produce live theatre,  be it on the stage as actors or managing it as technicians and stage managers. When they leave our program they will have years of experience working, producing and acting in a theatre.” 

According to Marshall, students who are interested in holding office must be members of the honor society in good standing,  they must complete an application packet, write an essay and are voted into office by their fellow inducted members. Senior Namia has been participating in theater since she was a child, and was elected as the club president at last year’s  banquet.

“I felt very proud and honored to be named president of Thespian Honor Society as I have always looked up to those running the organization since I was a freshman, and so I felt very excited to step into that role this year and become an even bigger part of this honor society that I care so much about,” Namia shared.

The first performance of this school year is the comedy “The Play that Goes Wrong.” The opening night will be on November 9th.  “I’m very excited for the upcoming year, as this

is the year where we will be rebuilding the theater department as we are fully post-COVID,” Marshall exclaimed. 

Being involved in theater doesn’t mean you have to take a theater class. You can be in the Honor Society with or without participating in a big production or taking part in a theater elective. Likewise, you can participate in the productions without being in the classes or in the Honor Society. Having an extracurricular activity such as theater is very beneficial and fulfilling to many.            

Marshall concluded, “theater creates an opportunity for students to reignite their imagination – a vital tool that is too often told to remain in the shadows of academia.”

Namia expressed her love of theater from a student’s perspective.  “No matter what part of theater you want to be in, there’s a big sense of community as we are all united by doing something that we all love to do. It is a great way to work with others and meet new people, creating so many strong bonds and lifelong friendships.”