Drama Students Form Chapter Of Theater Society

Fifteen Garden City High School students committed to excellence in theater arts have formed a chapter of the International Thespian Society (ITS), a nationally recognized honor society for students involved in theater.

To participate in the chapter, now officially recognized by ITS as troupe #7135, students begin as apprentices and accumulate points based on their participation in theatrical productions and related activities. They are eligible for induction into the troupe as full-fledged members when they acquire at least 10 points.

"As both apprentices and members, the students provide leadership within the school's theater program, support all aspects of school productions, both on the set and behind the scenes, and are involved in community and children's theater," Advisor and Theater Arts Teacher Laura Rebecca said.

The founding troupe members are James Akel, Xavier Alisse, Liam Bingham, Andrea Boccia, Caitlin Crowley, Elizabeth Debold, Gemma Donofrio, Amanda Efthimiou, Kristen Focella, Ashley Galligan, Ryan Johnston, Rebecca Levine, Brittany Rotella, Brittany Stein, and Maggie Tittler.

The troupe was officially established on December 27 with support from James McCrann, the Garden City School District's Music and Arts Coordinator, and held its first meeting on January 31. An induction ceremony is planned for the spring. ITS is a program maintained by the Educational Theater Association (EdTA), which offers many benefits to students and theater teachers across the country.