Sponsored by BookTix, the Educational Theatre Association has awarded seven members with the BookTix National Conference Grant for Theatre Educators in support of professional development. This grant was developed to: assist EdTA members in reaching a higher level of professional achievement by participating in EdTA’s National Conference; assist EdTA members with the cost of professional development and create access to valuable continuing education and networking opportunities; and enhance the knowledge and skills of experienced theatre educators so that they can better contribute to their school, students, and the profession. The following members were awarded the 2019 grant:
- Sharkey Andrews is a special education and theatre teacher at McKinley Technology High School, home of Thespian Troupe 8836 in Washington, D.C.
- Ruthe Baez is a theatre educator and an EdTA Professional Member from Pleasant Hill, Calif.
- Melissa Mintzer is a theatre educator and director of Thespian Troupe 274 at Penn Manor High School in Willow Street, Penn., where she also serves as the foreign language coordinator and Spanish teacher.
- Valerie O’Riordan is a theatre teacher director of Thespian Troupe 5596 at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, Calif.
- Jennifer Simmons is a theatre teacher and director of Junior Thespian Troupe 89562 at Carolina Springs Middle School in Lexington, S.C.
- Kaye Stucky is a theatre teacher and director of Thespian Troupe 5391 at Brandon High School in Brandon, Miss.
- Elena Villa is the theatre teacher and director of Thespian Troupe 7716 at Citrus Valley High School in Riverside, Calif.