On a bright day in Washington, D.C., over 100 theatre educators, students, and advocates from 20 different states gathered for the Educational Theatre Association’s (EdTA) Advocacy Day 2025. The goal: use their voice. Armed with passion, personal stories, and a deep belief in the transformative power of theatre, they met with their respective lawmakers to share one key message — theatre matters.
A Day on Capitol Hill
Throughout the day, attendees shared how theatre helped shape their lives, opened doors to opportunity, and became a space for healing and growth.
“It’s the honor of my life to be a teacher to students who also need expression, freedom, empathy, challenge, creativity, and community,” said Lori Daliposon of Oregon’s Troupe 7125. “I have seen countless students find a home in theatre. Without [access] my students would not have graduated, found their calling, their community, their career, or a reason for facing the next day.”
The focus wasn’t solely on performance either, but rather the countless opportunities arts education offers in finding identity, empathy, leadership, and belonging.
“It’s not my goal to have every theatre student become the next greatest actor the world has ever known, but I do hope each students’ work in theatre helps them become their best authentic selves,” said Sarah DeGrandpre of Montana’s Troupe 3090. “Theatre students go into the workforce as better communicators with more empathy for others.”
A Lasting Impact for Students and Educators
For many participants, Advocacy Day wasn’t just about speaking up for theatre. It was about realizing their own power as advocates, citizens, and changemakers.
“If not us, who?” said Jana Heyl of Maryland’s Troupe 303. “Those who love the art form need to ensure it continues for the next generation.”
Walking the halls of Congress, meeting with elected officials, and sharing stories helped attendees see advocacy not as a one-time event, but as a lifelong responsibility.
“My students saw democracy in action and talked the entire way home about what more they can do,” said Tracy Friswell-Jacobs of Troupe 8791. “Establishing their voice and agency is critical to ensuring the voices of artists continue to be heard!”
The Fight for Access & Funding Continues
Despite the energy and progress felt throughout the day, attendees were clear-eyed: the work is far from over. Funding remains inconsistent. Access is still unequal. And the value of arts education is too often overlooked.
“Theatre often takes a back seat and lives in the space of, ‘Theatre can happen anywhere.’ While that statement is true, we can’t just sit around and allow the world to shut us out,” said Matt Wolfe of Ohio’s Troupe 513. “It’s important that we keep our collaborative, creative spirit, but still stand up for ourselves and the lifesaving work we’re doing.”
And theatre educators and students across the country are ready to do just that. As they left the Capitol, many were already thinking ahead.
“I feel supported and from that empowered. I was and am extremely proud of the work I did on the hill for two days with the elected officials from Montana,” said DeGrandpre. “I’d only met one of our four previously, but I’ll be sending them handwritten thank you letters and inviting them to our Festival in February. My goal is to build on the connections and connect on the common ground we found while visiting our officials in DC.”
Making Advocacy Strides in 2025
This year’s Advocacy Day was more than a trip to Capitol Hill; it was a chance to showcase the collaboration and intentional growth in arts education advocacy.
“We’ve been building toward this moment all year,” said Dr. Jenn Katona, Executive Director of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). “This year’s Advocacy Day was truly a continuation of so much incredible work we’ve done to increase our efforts and showcase the transformative value and impact of arts education.”
In 2025, EdTA deepened its advocacy commitment by joining the Arts Education Alliance, a national coalition of arts and education organizations working together to influence public policy and increase access to art education. Additionally, EdTA welcomed Joshua Rashon Streeter as Manager of Advocacy and Impact, a role dedicated to leading advocacy strategies at the federal, state, and local levels.
“While arts and education celebrated a big win as a result of our collective advocacy efforts on the hill, we must continue to secure, sustain, and increase funding to serve our students, educators, and communities,” Streeter said.
The impact of that work has already been heard. In a major advocacy win, the Office of Management and Budget released more than $6 billion in delayed federal education funds just days after the event.
“It’s a reminder than when we show up, tell our stories, and advocate together, we can help move the needle,” said Katona.
