Thespian membership and awards are presented at the troupe's Hammy's Awards Show in June of each year. For a list of current members and their respective honors and awards, please see the Troupe Members page.
International Thespian Society Membership
The ITS relies on a points system for membership. The approximate conversion is that ten hours of theatre-related work equals one Thespian point. Once a troupe member has earned ten Thespian points in two separate areas of theatre arts, he or she is eligible to become initiated into the International Thespian Society. Membership lasts a lifetime and includes a subscription to Dramatics magazine, eligibility for theatre scholarships, discounted Thespian conference tickets, a membership card and a Thespian pin.
Honor Thespian Award
Once an ITS member earns 60 points, he or she becomes an Honor Thespian. Honor Thespians receive a special certificate and pin, and they are eligible to letter in theatre arts, provided all other criteria are met.
Lettering in Theatre Arts
In order to earn a varsity letter in theatre arts, members must sastify certain requirements. First, they must have earned at least 90 points. Second, they must have been actively involved with the troupe for at least two years. Finally, members must have maintained an 85% attendance rate at meetings and Thespian events in order to letter in Theatre Arts. Recipients of this award are presented with a Sunset High School activities letter and a Theatre Arts patch.
Best Thespian
The Best Thespian award is presented annually to one graduating member. Chosen by the troupe advisor, this person most embodies the spirit of the International Thespian Society. Recipients of this award are presented with a Hammy's pig trophy, and their names are engraved on a plaque kept in the Thespian display case.
Points for troupe members are recorded in a special file. Each troupe member receives a page that lists the date of the production, the title, the theatrical role and the points received. All troupe members’ points are regularly verified by the Thespian Board. For a PDF version of the Official High School Thespian Point System, please click here.
