The International Thespian Society has been at North Harford High School for 14 years. It has developed throughout the years bringing in new members, and rewarding the most deserving thespians.. ITS hosts an annual drama dinner every year where they induct new participants, and recollect on old memories. Especially memories that were shared throughout the This year the society was lead by seniors Scarlet Dare and Ary Colon-Pappaterra
Traditionally, during the event the title of the upcoming fall musical is announced. This year the production team decided on the show Bye Bye Birdie. Mrs. Nancy Green reports that they were drawn to this musical because, “it’s so different and fun. There will be lots of singing and dancing for our outstanding talent.”
Along with the long awaited announcement of the fall musical, there are also inductions of students who have participated in drama. This year there were twenty two inductees, including Mr. Carr being added as an honorary member. Carr commented “It’s humbling anytime you’re nominated by students because you can tell that the kids care about the same thing as you.” He also mentioned that he was in theatrical productions as a kid. He states “I played the shepherd boy in the nativity play, and in high school I worked backstage.”
This year’s dinner was the first since the passing of fellow friend and thespian, Erin Drumm. In honor of Drumm, the drama department introduced the E.D. Leadership award. Green set the requirements for the award, and made sure that the recipient reflected Erin in a positive way. Green describes Drumm as “the type of person who leads alongside you.” She then went onto describe her as “putting 110% into everything.”
The recipient must portray respectable leadership, and put their best effort into their work. The fellow members of the thespian society voted on Molly Koerber and Scarlet Dare for the E.D. award.
Koerber says, “It’s such an honor that I was recognized in memory of such an influential and compassionate girl.” She added, “It has reaffirmed in me a desire to lead others toward a creative goal.” Not only did Koerber win an award in honor of Erin, but she also won best director along with senior Maddie Rupprecht.
Dare described gaining her E.D. award as “A reassurance that I have left my mark on North Harford. I hope to always be remembered here as someone who is a true lover of the performing arts.” Dare was also the winner of the best performance in a musical award as well as the Jessie O’Shaughnessy scholarship. This $500 scholarship is given to a deserving senior. The dinner concluded with the song Seasons of Love performed by ITS members.