Julie Woffington, executive director at the Educational Theatre Association, oversees the organization’s many programs geared toward providing theater experiences to students and teachers within and outside the U.S. through the International Thespian Society. According to Woffington, the society, founded in 1929, has inducted over 2 million students since its inception. Woffington handles strategic planning, oversees the budget, and prioritizes goals for EdTA.
How can schools get involved with ITS or EdTA? They can start a thespian troupe in their school. It’s usually the theater teacher who would start that, and they can do it through our office. They can charter it online or by calling our membership department. They just need six students to start.
What do teachers need to know before starting a troupe? They just need support from the principal. We have a lot of resources on our site and a membership department that can hold their hand. We give tips on how to help use the troupe to get recognition, press, and opportunities for the students that also bring recognition to the school. Also, we have a service center that’s available during business hours. We have four people to answer the phones and work with
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