South Carolina International Thespians
& Palmetto Dramatic Association
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About Our Festival
Palmetto Dramatic Association
Michele Smith
President
Freelance Artist
Sandra Dietel
Board Member
Freelance Artist
Shannon Horn
Vice President
Chas. Co School of Arts
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Jill Goodman
Board Member
Lucy Beckham High
Melissa King
Secretary
Freelance Artist
Shelby Pressley
Board Member
Lexington High
Stephanie Daniels
Treasurer
Rock Hill High
Matt Sparkman
Board Member
Brookland Cayce
Leslie Dellinger
Past President
Lexington High
The Palmetto Dramatic Association serves to encourage and further the development and quality of Theatre in South Carolina secondary schools. At the state festival, PDA hosts an original student-written playwriting festival, and professional one act performances, recognizing the work within SC Theatre programs.
South Carolina Thespians
​The Educational Theatre Association offers memberships for educators at every stage of their career—from the theatre education major who is just starting out to the most experienced retired arts educator. EdTA provides its members with educational opportunities, awards programs, special offers and opportunities, and a network of peers.
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EdTA’s student honorary organization, the International Thespian Society, is the world’s largest honor society recognizing excellence and achievement in middle and high school theatre students. More than 2 million students have been inducted into ITS since its beginning in 1929. Through their EdTA membership, Thespians have access to college auditions, scholarship money, and countless other young people with similar interests. Theatre teaches powerful lifeskills preparing all Thespians for a bright future.
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SC Student Thespian Officers 2025-26
Any Inducted Thespian is eligible to apply for a role as a STUDENT THESPIAN OFFICER (STO) for the 2026-2027 school year. Interested students must fill out the application (along with a parent signature and troupe director recommendation) and UPLOAD the form into the Delegate Registration due in January. These students must also plan to attend the PDA/SCITS Festival in February with their school in 2026 (to apply) and 2027 (to serve). Applicants will be scheduled to participate in the interview process and leadership workshop while at the 2026 festival. Selected STOs will be announced at the end of the 2026 festival weekend.
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