Breaking Character: The Educational Theatre Association is eager to get back to school after a record-breaking year. In 2014-15, EdTA’s International Thespian Society welcomed 41,440 new Thespians, the highest number since 1972, and a record 6,007 Junior Thespians at the 4,307 schools with high school and middle school troupes in the U.S. and abroad, including a new chapter in China.
3 comments:
Yes! This is so important; I am thrilled to see someone caring about fine arts in public schools. It is refreshing to hear about an influx in theatre education, as it is so often thought to be on the decline. Their inaugural to raise money for theatre education in underprivileged schools is phenomenal, and I think in a a couple of decades it will lead to a more diverse stage. I think the most important concept this Educational Theatre Association is trying to implement is the sustainability of these program’s. My middle school drama teacher was laid off a few years ago and things like that are just heart breaking to see. People seek out art and entertainment and yet when times get hard it is the first thing our youth loses. Creativity should not have to be a privilege for any children, regardless of where they live or what kind of school they go to.
Yes! This is so important; I am thrilled to see someone caring about fine arts in public schools. It is refreshing to hear about an influx in theatre education, as it is so often thought to be on the decline. Their inaugural to raise money for theatre education in underprivileged schools is phenomenal, and I think in a a couple of decades it will lead to a more diverse stage. I think the most important concept this Educational Theatre Association is trying to implement is the sustainability of these program’s. My middle school drama teacher was laid off a few years ago and things like that are just heart breaking to see. People seek out art and entertainment and yet when times get hard it is the first thing our youth loses. Creativity should not have to be a privilege for any children, regardless of where they live or what kind of school they go to.
It always makes me happy to see the work that EdTA is doing recognized. I’m a proud alumni (and former president) of ITS Troupe 6803, and have attended both the New Jersey State Thespian Festival and the International Thespian Festival the past four years. EdTA really has some amazing initiatives, and I’ve seen firsthand their positive impact. ‘Send a troupe to Festival’ is just one of their many outreach and theatre education programs I’ve seen in action. Being a part of ITS was really important in forming my love of theatre because it gave me a sense of community. Coming from a town where the theatre club consisted of the same 30 kids, with little to no community support, it was really important to me to see a national web of support. I’m happy that EdTA is continuing to grow and spread their reach further into more schools and organizations. I’m really hoping to help with both the NJ State and International Festivals, because I think it is really important to help the young ones in the theatre community, and I remember how important that support was to me.
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