Educational Theatre Association

10/13/2026

The students of South Grand Prairie High School’s Thespian Troupe 1653 deserve the opportunity to learn, to perform, and to have their work treated with respect. The Educational Theatre Association stands with the students affected by the cancellation of their production of Little Shop of Horrors. We urge Grand Prairie ISD to reconsider its decision and work with theatre educators, students, and families to restore the production.

Portraying a character whose experiences or identity differ from one’s own is fundamental to theatre education. A student’s portrayal of a character of another gender should not, by itself, cost that student a role or an entire company its production.

Every student’s contribution matters. Honor their work. Support their educators. Let learning continue.

Read the full statement: https://schooltheatre.org/statement-on-the-cancellation-of-little-shop-of-horrors-at-grand-prairie-high-school/

10/13/2026

👉 Reminder: Applications to join the team reviewing and revising the National Arts Standards are due Sunday, October 18.

The National Coalition for Arts Standards (NCAS) is inviting theatre educators, artists, and administrators to serve as Writing Team Members and a Discipline Lead.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/NCAS-Apply

This is a monumental opportunity to ensure the standards remain relevant and equitable across disciplines (dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts).

The American Alliance for Theatre & Education Americans for the Arts Arts Education Partnership Educational Theatre Association National Art Education Association National Association for Music Education National Dance Education Organization - NDEO Young Audiences - National National Association for Media Arts Education

10/09/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that Jay Gerlach has been appointed Executive Director of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and President of the Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF)!

A lifelong Thespian and former theatre educator, school administrator, and district leader, Jay brings a deep understanding of the students, educators, and communities at the heart of our work.

Since stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director in March, Jay has made listening, collaboration, and student voice central to his leadership. We’re excited to have him lead EdTA into its next chapter and help build an even more connected Association.

Please join us in officially welcoming Jay to the role! 🎭

10/07/2026

Congratulations to the 9 schools participating in The Long Christmas Dinner Festival this holiday season! The Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to partner with the Wilder Estate to offer schools the chance to be part of this nationwide celebration staging Thornton Wilder's work.

These schools will join a line-up that includes some of the country's most acclaimed theaters and colleges:

Central High School: Phenix City, AL
Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences: Granada Hills, CA
Simsbury High School: Simsbury, CT
Tri-Cities High School: East Point, GA
Atlantic County Institute of Technology: Mays Landing, NJ
Fort Hamilton High School: Brooklyn, NY
St. Joseph’s Catholic School: Greenville, SC
Oscar Smith High School: Chesapeake, VA
Federal Way High School: Federal Way, WA
Roswell High School: Roswell, GA

View the full list of participating organizations: https://thorntonwilder.com/christmas

Jose Llana and Ethan Hawke will lead a NYC performance at Off-Broadway's Public.

10/05/2026

The Educational Theatre Association is accepting vitas for the 2027 Board Election! Interested candidates can apply now through November 9.

So, what does the board do? EdTA's board:

🔹 Sets direction, establishes strategic goals and priorities
🔹 Ensures and protects resources
🔹 Provides oversight
🔹 Engages in outreach to understand the diverse needs of members and act as ambassadors of EdTA's mission

If you're ready to take on a bigger role at EdTA and help lead the organization, please apply! https://schooltheatre.org/board-election/

10/05/2026

Happy !

To all the teachers and mentors who show up, encourage, challenge, and cheer on their students: thank you. We're grateful for everything you bring to the theatre community.

10/01/2026

The Educational Theatre Association mourns the loss of former board president and EdTA Hall of Fame inductee Joan Hahn, a devoted educator, leader, and champion of theatre education.

During three decades of teaching, Joan helped generations of students discover their talents and experience the joy of theatre. Her program at Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake City earned remarkable recognition, including 17 consecutive regional championships at the time of her Hall of Fame induction. Her greatest contribution, however, was the care and encouragement she brought to her students and colleagues.

Joan served as board president from 1982 to 1984, when the position was known as international director. During her term, she took a sabbatical from teaching to travel across the country, presenting workshops, connecting with theatre educators, and championing the International Thespian Society.

Her Hall of Fame tribute captured a quality that made her so beloved: “She has a talent for making everyone she comes into contact with feel special.”

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joan’s family, friends, former students, and colleagues. Her legacy lives on in the educators she supported, the students she inspired, and the theatre community she helped build.

Read more about Joan’s life and share a remembrance: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/saltlaketribune/name/joan-hahn-obituary?id=62604863

09/30/2026

Help strengthen the voice of theatre education nationwide. Applications to join the EdTA Advocacy Committee close this Friday, October 2!

The committee explores current advocacy campaigns, considers EdTA’s role, and shares ideas to empower members to advocate for theatre education in their own communities.

Every EdTA member is welcome to apply. Bring your perspective, your ideas, and your commitment to theatre education.

Apply by Friday: https://schooltheatre.org/advisory-committees/

09/24/2026

EdTA Partner Post! Got a student with a creative streak? TeenLife's new guide, Your Future in the Arts 2027, maps out 230+ career paths in film, music, gaming, and visual arts, along with networking tips, scholarship opportunities, and real stories from students already building creative careers.

Get the free guide at https://www.teenlife.com/guides/yfi-arts

09/23/2026

🎨✨ Crayola Creativity Week is back for 2027, and EdTA is returning as a partner!

Get your school ready for a colorful celebration this January by signing up for early access. You'll be first to receive planning resources, event updates, and everything you need to make the most of this week from Crayola Learning.

Sign-up now: https://bit.ly/CCW2027