On October 2nd, The International Thespian Society students came together for their monthly meeting.

The organization’s mission is to show the efforts of students that participate in theater arts.

Within each ITS group, there are several main officers who serve as leaders and the voice of the group’s other members. They play a great role in bringing attention to the needs, suggestions, changes and they explain upcoming events for everyone.

“I went international, and our Lake Central group went to a workshop, so that helped me apply my skills to get where I wanted to be,” Mia Gjeldum (11) said.

There are seven officers who have different roles. Every year, each leader is elected by the students in ITS. Gjeldum works as a historian, and her job is to scrapbook and advertise for shows and events.

During October’s meeting, the group discussed several activities and fundraising issues. They are participating in a hay ride, a Thanksgiving food drive for the less-fortunate, and even an Amish Acres trip.

“We do several fundraisers throughout the year. Our biggest one, of course, are our shows. These bring in the most money, which basically recovers what we invest in the show. Besides ticket sales, we sell show shirts, refreshments and flowers,” Mr. Ray Palasz, English, said.

ITS also participates in a fundraiser for Broadway Cares, which is a fight against AIDS and other chronic illnesses. They sell ribbons for $1 individually throughout the year.

To be invited to join ITS, you must work 100 hours in high school theater; although, any student may participate in monthly meetings, outings, shows and conferences.