WHO WE ARE
We are the state level organization of the International Thespian Organization and the Educational Theatre Association. The first Thespian troupe started in Fairmont, WV, making us the birthplace of thespians.
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WHAT WE DO
THE EDUCATIONAL THEATRE ASSOCIATION
The Educational Theatre Association and its International Thespian Society branch have been working since 1929 to honor excellence among students of theatre and support the work of theatre educators. Originally focused on theatre in high schools, EdTA has in recent years broadened the scope of its mission to inspire and supports theatre educators to deliver equitable, transformative learning experiences for all and to build a global community of creative problem-solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre.
WV Thespians sent representatives from 7 troupes to the International Thespian Festival last week. Out of 15 Thespy entries, 9 scored Superior and 2 of them won the prestigious Thespy Award! Here's the total list:
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Kate Balckwood, Bridgeport High - Excellent Playwriting
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Lillian Nardella, Bridgeport High - Superior Musical Solo
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Lillyana Smart, Bridgeport High - Excellent Costume Design
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Cherisha Deen-Diallo, Hedgesville High - Superior Makeup Design
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Maya Sarich, Jefferson High - Superior Lighting Design AND THESPY, Excellent Makeup Design
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Gulse Polat, Morgantown High - Superior Musical Solo
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Hayden Witter and Emma Teter, Morgantown High - Excellent Short Film
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Nathan Shockey, Musselman High - Superior Lighting Design AND THESPY
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Xander Overholser, Spring Mills High - Excellent Short Film
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Julia Stedman, Spring Mills High - Superior Acting Solo, Superior Playwriting, Superior Scenic Design
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Beau Atkisson, Washington High - Superior Acting Solo
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Lillian Weaver, Washington High - Excellent Musical Theatre Dance Solo
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Cherisha also represented WV Thespians as a state rep for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies!
Gulse performed her Musical Solo in the Showcase AND won a Princess Grace Scholarship!
WV Thespians at ITF '25
Superior Winners!
WV STOs
Thespy Winners!
CORE VALUES
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People Matter
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Individuals have the opportunity to make a difference.
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Take care of yourself and your colleagues.
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Cultivate each person's skills, strengths, and talents.
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Be respectful, considerate, and honest with each other.
Strive for Excellence
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Define success.
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Be open to and embrace positive change.
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Look outside the walls of WV Thespians.
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Learn and document new ways to do things better.
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Take risks - turn both successes and failures into lessons learned.
Work Together
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The best ideas, performance, and results come through collaboration.
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Focus on the objective ideas, not people.
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Be kind, assertive and supportive, even when there is disagreement.
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Work through conflicts, do not avoid them.
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Support the final decision.
Be the Person You Want to Work With
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Celebrate individuality and honor diversity.
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Engage fully.
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Bring joy and optimism to your work.
SPONSORS
