Central Bucks Students Inducted to International Thespian Society

On Tuesday November 12th twenty-five Central Bucks West theater students were recognized for their work, dedication and success in the theater program at West and were inducted into the International Thespian Society.

Drama Club organizers learned about the Thespian Society when watching the television series RISE that aired on NBC in 2018. The show was based on the true story of a high school English and Drama teacher, Lou Volpe, at Harry S Truman High School in Levittown, PA. A central focus of the show was his Troupe’s quest to get one of their shows selected into a national conference/festival that occurred each summer in Nebraska. That festival turned out to be that of the International Thespian Society. In submitting the paperwork to establish a Troupe at CB West, club organizers learned that West had previously been involved with the organization but had not inducted any students since 1991.

Since Mr. Volpe was indirectly the inspiration behind the West Troupe’s reinstatement in the organization, he was invited to speak at the Induction Ceremony. He attended the final dress rehearsal for the fall show Chicago High School Edition and gave the Keynote Address at the Induction. He spoke highly of the production he had watched, spoke about his thoughts of theater as a communal art and told the students what they could expect at the upcoming State Conference in January.

Drama Club Director Jessica Bostock is thrilled to add this recognition to the school program. “Drama club students put in a lot of time on top of their schoolwork and other commitments and I am so happy to have a venue to recognize those achievements,” remarked Bostock.

The CB West Drama Club (The Harlequin Club) performs two full productions a year, two cabarets and performs at a variety of other events throughout the year. For more information visit www.cbsd.org/harlequinclub.