The Michigan Educational Theatre Association (META) is an organization devoted entirely to supporting theatre education for both students and teachers throughout the great state of Michigan.  Working collaboratively, teachers and students create a variety of events that create educational opportunities while also showcasing the talents of Michigan students. (META) is an official chapter of The Educational Theatre Association.  The EdTA is a professional association for theatre educators, with more than 4,600 members in the United States, Canada, and overseas. 

Michigan Thespians is a division of META and denotes the Michigan division of The International Thespian Society.  Each school that is part of META is identified by a Troupe number.  Troupe numbers give some indication of how long a school has been a part of the society. The International Thespian Society, has troupes in more than 3,900 North American schools and has inducted more than two million members since its founding in 1929.  

Any school that has formed a troupe is able to participate in all Michigan Thespian Events as well as any events sponsored by the International Thespian Society.