ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS STATE THESPIANS
Mission First
SHAPING LIVES
The Massachusetts State Thespians strive to promote and strengthen educational theatre through theatrical experiences that encourage, advocate, and celebrate theatre in our schools.
The vision for the Massachusetts Thespian Society is to use its collaborative talents and resources to promote, strengthen, and advocate for theatre arts education in all Massachusetts secondary schools. We believe the outcome of our efforts will be the cultivation of educational communities that share our belief that theatre is an essential component in our schools and in our society.
The Massachusetts State Thespians are affiliated with The International Thespian Society and the Educational Theatre Association. The International Thespian Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt honorary organization for middle and high school theatre students. The society is committed to the advancement of educational theatre, and to this end publishes Dramatics Magazine, sponsors Thespian Festivals and theatre workshops, produces educational materials, and provides college scholarship opportunities for students.
EdTA's mission is shaping lives through theatre education by: honoring student achievement in theatre and enriching their theatre education experience; support teachers by providing professional development, networking opportunities, resources, and recognition; and influencing public opinion that theatre education is essential and builds life skills.
Jessica Harms
Chapter Director and One-Act Coordinator
Jessica is the theatre teacher and Proscenium Circus director at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, and a Pre-AP National Faculty Member for Theatre at the College Board. She founded the Massachusetts Thespians in 2014 through the Educational Theatre Association and has served as Chapter Director ever since.
Robbie Heath
Treasurer and Registration
Robbie works in the University Advancement office at Clark University in Worcester, MA. He has volunteered with the Educational Theatre Association since 2015 to help establish the Massachusetts Thespians.
Ash Bell
Thespys Coordinator
Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Ash is an educational theatre consultant and former Texas high school theatre director. They first joined the Massachusetts Chapter Board in 2018.
Drew O'Connors
One-Act Tech Director
Drew is the Multimedia Engineering Instructor at Minuteman Technical High School. He is a thespian alum, having been inducted in 2006 and graduated as an International Honor Thespian.
Ben Rush
Freestyle Coordinator
Ben is the founding Artistic Director for Wellesley Theatre Project. A non-profit training program for ages 4-18. He has been an official, inducted Thespian for 16 years, and has been attending EdTA conferences across the country for nearly 30.
Christin Rills
Workshop Coordinator
Christin works as an educator, director, choreographer, and improv coach in K-12 schools, universitie and theaters in the greater Boston area. She has been involved with ITS for over 20 years and is excited to grow the Massachusetts chapter.