Educational Theatre Association

08/31/2026

Troupe directors, this is your cue. Renew your ITS troupe by October 15 and keep the opportunities coming for your students throughout the 2026-27 school year.

Inductions. Thespys. Grants. Event discounts. Classroom resources. National recognition.
One renewal opens a full year of possibilities.

Renew now at myedta.schooltheatre.org.

08/27/2026

The Educational Theatre Association stands with the students and educators of International Thespian Society Troupe 6279 following the cancellation of their production of Ragtime at Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School.

School theatre should create opportunities for students to explore difficult history and complex ideas with the guidance of trained educators, not silence those conversations when they become uncomfortable.

Read our full statement: https://schooltheatre.org/statement-on-the-cancellation-of-ragtime-at-louisvilles-youth-performing-arts-school/

08/24/2026

30 Seconds to Places (ahem, 1 minute 30 seconds...) ⏰💨with the dynamic duo David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo, Shrek the Musical)! Reel by ITF 2026 Playbill Content Creator Zolton Hall

08/19/2026

There is still time to help shape the future of the Educational Theatre Association. EdTA members are invited to apply to serve on one of our Advisory Committees. Committee members provide thoughtful recommendations that support the continued growth and improvement of EdTA’s programs and initiatives.

Applications are due this Friday, August 21.

Members may apply for multiple committees but will be selected to serve on only one. Committee members will generally serve two-year terms, beginning September 1.

Review the committee charters and apply today: https://schooltheatre.org/advisory-committees/

Help strengthen EdTA and support theatre education across our community.

08/17/2026

Imagine a stage where the backdrop isn’t just scenery, it’s a living, breathing part of the story. 🎭✨ Projection design can transport audiences through time, set the mood, and bring movement to every scene, giving students a dynamic new way to express their creativity.

Discover how to unlock the full potential of projection in your theatre program with “Beyond the Backdrop” by SL ShowTech. This guide empowers educators to teach projection as an essential theatrical art.

Ready to inspire your students? Dive in at dramatics.org/beyond-the-backdrop/

Article Sponsored by SLShowTech

08/07/2026

We recently celebrated a group of outstanding educators, researchers, and administrators at the EdTA Awards for Excellence in Theatre Education, part of the Theatre Education Conference. A huge thank you to our host Lilli Cooper and sponsor Broadway Plus, as well as special guest Stephen Schwartz, who presented the ASCAP Foundation Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award.

These winners joined the stellar group of award recipients who were honored earlier this summer at the International Thespian Festival (also pictured here). View the full list of 2026 winners: https://schooltheatre.org/awards/award-winners/

Congratulations!

07/31/2026

Presenting 30 Seconds to Places with Jaleel Battles Jr. (Buena Vista Social Club)! Reel by ITF 2026 Playbill Content Creator Ricky Ragazzo ⏰💨 Thanks for being a part of ITF Jaleel Battles Jr.!

07/30/2026

Friday at the Theatre Education Conference brought together educators and artists for a day of learning and inspiration. At Open Jar Studios, attendees took part in workshops for classroom educators, administrators, teaching artists, and community program managers, along with sessions featuring Broadway artists Buist Bickley, Avara Hebert, Kevin Metzger-Timson, Beowulf Boritt, Jake Swain, and Kate Baldwin. Thanks to everyone who helped make our NYC community so special!

📸: Angela Nida

07/28/2026

"There’s something so refreshing, endearing, and inspiring about the fact that theatre kids never change. Their imaginations are still wild, their sincerity is unmatched, and their ability to see into the hearts of people is far beyond their years."

Read more from a Thespy Adjudicator at the International Thespian Festival...thank you, Kelundra and American Theatre magazine!

We could all use a bit of the enthusiasm, imagination, and determination I witnessed at this year's International Thespian Festival.

07/24/2026

Day 2 of the 2026 Theatre Education Conference was packed full of sessions led by esteemed theatre educators and Broadway presenters. Thank you to Open Jar Studios for partnering with us for an unforgettable conference!
📸: Angela Nida