Carrying the Thespian Legacy
Our History
The International Thespian Society (ITS), the honor society for theatre students, was founded in 1929 by a group of high school drama teachers in Fairmont, West Virginia. Their goal was simple but powerful: to recognize student achievement in theatre, raise the standards of high school dramatics, and build a supportive community of young artists and educators.
Montana Thespians proudly continues that tradition as the state chapter of ITS, celebrating the talent and dedication of theatre students and teachers across our state. Through our annual festival, Thespys, workshops, and leadership opportunities, we provide students with experiences that connect them to a national and international network of peers and professionals.
Traditions of Thespians
Since its founding, ITS has carried with it traditions and symbols that reflect the spirit of theatre:
Colors: Blue and Gold are the official colors of Thespians, representing inspiration, integrity, and excellence.
Flowers: The blue delphinium and yellow rose are the society's traditional flowers, often used in induction ceremonies as a visual reminder of our shared values.
Induction Ceremonies: New members are formally welcomed into the Society through induction ceremonies featuring official pins, certificates, and the symbols of blue and gold. These ceremonies honor both individual achievement and the collective strength of theatre programs.
Mission: Thespians strive to reward excellence in theatre and encourage schools to stage meaningful productions, explore new works, and build strong, creative communities.
From its roots in 1929 to the present day, the Thespian tradition reminds us that theatre is more than performance — it is a way of inspiring, connecting, and transforming lives.
Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that the Montana Thespian Festival takes place on the aboriginal territories of the Séliš (Salish) and Ql̓ispé (Kalispel) peoples. We honor their history, culture, and ongoing contributions to our community, and we are committed to fostering inclusive spaces that respect and uplift all voices in theatre.
Margaret F. Johnson: A Legacy that Shaped Montana Theatre
For more than three decades, Margaret F. Johnson helped define what theatre education could be in Montana. A lifelong champion of the arts, she spent 37 years teaching drama at Sentinel High School in Missoula, where her passion for storytelling and her belief in her students turned classrooms into creative homes.
Margaret’s influence reached far beyond the stage. During her tenure as Montana State Thespian Director (1972–1992), she established the annual Montana Thespian Festival in partnership with the University of Montana College of Visual and Performing Arts — a tradition that continues to inspire young artists today.
Over her career, she directed more than 190 productions, nurturing talent that would later shine on Broadway, in film, and behind the scenes. Many of her former students have gone on to acclaimed careers in the arts — including actors, designers, educators, and Emmy and Tony Award recipients — each carrying a piece of her encouragement and high standards with them.
Even after retirement, Margaret continued to share her love of theatre, teaching improv and mentoring future educators through the University of Montana’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She also returned to the stage herself, earning multiple Missoula’s Best Actor Awards, and worked alongside former students in community productions — a full-circle testament to her lasting influence.
Her passion, generosity, and vision helped shape not only countless careers but also the very spirit of Montana Thespians — one rooted in creativity, connection, and the belief that theatre can change lives.
Awards & Past Recipients:
Montana Theatre Educator of the Year Award — Past Recipients
1998–1999 — Margaret Johnson, Sentinel High School (Missoula)
1999–2000 — Robert Holter, Helena High School (Helena)
2000–2001 — Stacy Bergquist, Charles M. Russell High School (Great Falls)
2001–2002 — Larry Brazil, Whitehall High School (Whitehall)
2002–2003 — Tom Spencer, Charles M. Russell High School (Great Falls)
2003–2004 — Nancy Rokusek, Darby High School (Darby)
2004–2005 — Sarah DeGrandpre, Big Sky High School (Missoula)
2005–2006 — Steve Wing, University of Montana (Missoula)
2006–2007 — Mark Dean, University of Montana (Missoula)
2007–2008 — Bolthon Rothwell, Hellgate High School (Missoula)
2008–2009 — Bonnie Banks, Billings Senior High School (Billings)
2009–2010 — Janice Morissette and Kerry Calvert
2010–2011 — Melinda Middleton, Billings West High School (Billings)
2011–2012 — Krystina Thiel, Great Falls High School (Great Falls)
2012–2013 — Linda Piccolo, Jefferson High School (Boulder)
2013–2014 — Katie Cassidy, Sentinel High School (Missoula)
2014–2015 — Mike Monsos, University of Montana (Missoula)
2015–2016 — Laramie Dean, Hellgate High School (Missoula)
2016–2017 — Chris Evans, CMR High School (Great Falls)
2017–2018 — Greg Johnson, University of Montana
2018–2019 — Sarah Piper, Stevensville High School (Stevensville)
2019–2020 — Myra Nurre, Billings West High School (Billings)
2020–2021 — Laura Brayko, Capital High School (Helena)
2022–2023 — Lynn and Jeff West, Belgrade High School (Belgrade)
2023–2024 — Sarah DeGrandpre, Big Sky High School (Missoula)
2024–2025 — Lesli Evans, CMR High School (Great Falls)
Outstanding Troupe of the Year — Past Recipients
2015-2016 — CMR High School
2021-2022 — CMR High School
2023-2024 — Big Sky High School
2024-2025 — Great Falls High School & Helena High School
Montana Thespians Lifetime Achievement Award — Past Recipients
Margaret Johnson
Stacy Bergquist
Greg Johnson
Robert Holter
Outstanding Service Award
For Loyalty, Ingenuity, Integrity & Innovative Program Development
Past Recipients:
2016-2019 — Loni M Neilson-Kattell