TCS Hosts Inductions into Thespian Troupe 8184

By Samantha DePriest

This past Thursday, TCS honored a record number of performing arts students at the induction into the International Thespian Society. The International Thespian Society is an honor society that honors excellence in Theatre. This past Thursday evening, 20 high school students and for the first time in TCS history, 20 middle school students were inducted into Troupe 8184.

Thespian Board members Chloe Cook, Stephen Nussbaum, Tori Pullin, and Lily Wozniak accompanied Roman Arcadi, Vice President, and Lindsey James, Troupe 8184 President. TCS Theatre Director Mrs. Lizzie Perez shared “Being a Thespian at Trinity is more than just loving theatre, or even being good at it. It is about giving your all and using your God-given talents to show those around you the light of Jesus.”

This year TCS had the honor of inducting our first class of JR Thespians. Twenty incredible 6th through 8th graders who have completed at least 100 hours of excellent theater both here at TCS and in the community were celebrated. The induction honors all the hard work that is put into completing those hours. Mrs. Perez shared, “As middle schoolers, it is easy to look forward to many opportunities that the High School Thespians have to lead. As you look up to them, the kids in Elementary Drama Club are looking up to you. We urge you to be a leader starting now and carry those abilities into high school. We also want to encourage you to grow closer in your relationship with Christ and your abilities in theater as you take on this new role.”

The high school inductees participated in Induction Week completing tasks every day with meaningful themes preparing them for induction. On Monday, students learned the pledge preparing for the commitment being a Thespian means. On Tuesday, students learned the choreography they performed at the beginning of the ceremony, practicing preparation. On Wednesday, students practiced the tech side of theatre, remaining silent all day, emphasizing the relationship that is necessary and present in theatre between tech and performers. On Thursday, students were given an accent to use all day, reminding them that sometimes we have to work to grow our capabilities, and that is not always perfect the first time. Theatre is a process of growth and trying hard things, and something takes us out of our comfort zone. On Friday, students wore yellow and blue to represent the colors of the Thespian Society.

Lindsey James shared on stage, “The goal of the International Thespian Society continues to be guided by the principles of its founders; a believe that participation in the arts is an essential means of widening students’ cultural horizons enriching their lives.” She went on to share, “Tonight we honor all that is drama, from the use of artistic lighting to focus attention, to the painting of the scenery or the sculpture of a costume or the makeup on an actor’s face, from the soundless movements of acting to the rhythmic movements of dance, from the playwright’s script that will heighten our awareness of the world to the spoken speech, we honor all the arts that are theatre.”

In closing, Mrs. Perez shared “Through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, the candidates have earned sufficient points on a scale dictated by the International Thespian Society to have the right to. be called Thespians. It is a title of honor, signifying a commitment to an art as old as humanity. As we honor all that is drama, it is important to remember where our TRUE honor lies. We strive to work toward excellence in our storytelling, because we believe as a Christ-centered troupe, that the story we have to tell points others back to Christ. While you consider the many accomplishments you have and will attain in theatre, may you motivation be worship returned to the Lord as thanks for the gifts He has given you.” What an exciting time it is for our students to be involved in Performing Arts at TCS!