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Advocacy at EdTA

EdTA is the leading voice for educational theatre.

Through federal advocacy work, grassroots efforts, and public engagement, EdTA leads the charge for arts education nationwide, influencing policy and public opinion.

Our Advocacy Goals

Every state has theatre credentialing
Every school has theatre education
Every school theatre program meets the Opportunity to Learn Standards for Theatre Education.

Theatre Matters

Advocacy is at the heart of EdTA’s mission, guided by our strategic pillar to “Amplify the Value of Educational Theatre.”

How EdTA Advocates

Federal Advocacy

Arts Education Alliance

EdTA is part of a coalition of five arts organizations working at the federal level to lobby in Washington, D.C. for policies that emphasize every art form in education. Together, we advocate for schools across the nation to be arts-rich environments.

National Advocacy Resources

Find research on the outcomes of arts education

U.S. Department of Education granting program to increase student arts access

Advocacy Summit

EdTA members and students take their advocacy directly to Washington, D.C. Join us for a day of legislative visits as we champion theatre education at the highest levels of government.

State & Regional Advocacy

State Advocacy Alliance

At the state level, EdTA’s State Advocacy Alliance (SAA) empowers chapter representatives to spearhead theatre education advocacy. From combating divisive concept laws legislation to organizing state capitol advocacy days, the SAA leads grassroots efforts across the country.

State Advocacy Resources

A clearinghouse of the latest state policies supporting arts education from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Dashboard of arts education availability and participation data from state departments of education

Premier Communities for Theatre Education

EdTA offers this recognition program to celebrate schools that meet our Opportunity to Learn Standards, the benchmark for what effective theatre education should look like. Recipients earn the distinction for three years.

Local Advocacy

Theatre In Our Schools

Each March, thousands of students, educators, and supporters join this grassroots campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of theatre education in their local communities. You can help the cause, too!

Censorship Resource Guide

78% of educators faced censorship issues in 2023-24. When local communities pressure theatre educators to alter or censor their work, EdTA provides support and resources.

Advocacy News

California Theatre Educators and their fight for credentialing

What California’s Theatre Licensure Fight Can Teach Us About Advocacy

As a theatre educator, advocacy can sometimes feel like an abstract concept, something reserved for policy experts, state leaders, or

March 6, 2026

advocacy

Arts Education Advocacy Pays Off: Federal Funding Preserved for FY 2026

By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy After months of intense advocacy and lingering uncertainty, the much-anticipated

February 6, 2026

Hope Hynes Love with Matt and Ross Duffer on the set of Stranger Things

advocacy

Hope Hynes Love: From the Classroom to Stranger Things

On why theatre class matters—and how it changes lives offscreen When Stranger Things fans met Ms. Harris in season five,

December 12, 2025

More Advocacy News

More Advocacy & Policy Resources

Callboard

EdTA’s Community Forum

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Educator Resources

Thespian Troupe Resources

Events for Members & Non-Members

Amplifying the Value of Theatre Education