[3][4] Notable members include Tom Hanks, Val Kilmer, James Marsters, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Stephen Schwartz.

Originally named National Thespians, the society was founded by Dr. Paul Opp, Earnest Bavely and Harry T.

The society held its first National High School Drama Conference and Play Production Festival in 1941 at Indiana University, which later became a bi-annual event.

By 2012, International Thespian Society had formed a bond with the charity organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and raised more than $1 million for it.

It is generally understood that a minimum of 10 thespian points (equal to 100+ hours of work in scholastic theatre) grants a student membership to the affiliated troupe.

I promise to perform my part as well as I can; to accept praise and criticism with grace; to cooperate with my fellow thespians and work for the good of the troupe; and to share my love of theatre.

"[9]After induction, members can continue to earn points in order to move up through the International Thespian Society ranking system.

They suggested policy and service changes to the Educational Theatre Association Board, and took an active role in training, chapter conferences, and the annual International Thespian Festival.

These student leaders advocate for arts education, fundraise for their chapter, and collaborate with state and national charity organizations, such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

As of 2024, there are 48 active chapters:[10] Chapters are located in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Delaware, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Hawaii, the Western Pacific Islands, British Columbia, and China.

[11] A few famous ITS alumni include Tom Hanks, Val Kilmer, Evan Golden, James Marsters, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Stephen Schwartz.