Written by Ben Cox – Brownwood High School’s Theater department held the first induction ceremony for the International Thespian Society in 25 years last night in the auditorium.
The program had been a part of the society, but its participation had lapsed in 1991.
Graduating seniors were honored by Mama Lee, as her students call her, for their work in the theater departments numerous shows and productions. Awards and recognitions were given to Theater Honors students, the new Pride awards were given to members who had accrued enough points for roles in productions, as well as best actor for the year was given to Jason Sanchez.
43 students were inducted during the ceremony, including the first officers for Troupe 429. Tim Crawford and Jordan Roberts will serve as the 2018/2019 Co-Executive Officers.
Former Brownwood High School Theater teacher Larry Mathis was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Mathis offered words of wisdom to the newest crop of members. “It is as you will it to be. Whatever your circumstances, if you have the will for it to be, you have the ability for it to be.”
Shannon Lee, director of the program, offered these words to her students. “Commitment to theater is what the International Thespian Society is all about.” Lee continued “the Thespian Society strives to make education and arts programs places for good theater and to honor those students who do theater well.”
Thespians are named after the Greek performer who became the first actor, Thespus. Thespus was the first person to use masks to allow a single person to play multiple parts, which is where the famed comedy and drama masks come from.
The new officers and fellow inductees recited a pledge to play well their parts, accept criticism and praise with grace, and to honor their fellow Thespian Society members.
Newsies will be the next show put on by the theater department, taking the stage this fall.
