Censorship Resource Guide
Censorship stifles learning.
When school theatre programs are censored — by restricting the shows produced or the directors’ casting choices — their entire communities suffer. Disallowing shows with trans and LBGTQ themes or limiting what roles students can play stifles learning. Worse, it sends a troubling message to youth that they are not accepted or valued. EdTA urges all school districts to carefully consider the impact their policies have on student learning and well-being. EdTA supports the right of theatre educators to make appropriate choices for their students and communities.
School Theatre Censorship by the Numbers
Data from EdTA survey of 1,807 theatre educators conducted May 2024.
Resources
- National Coalition Against Censorship
- Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools by Henry Reichman (American Library Association, 2001)
- PEN America: Educational Gag Orders
- Howard Sherman’s Blog
Freedom of Expression Statement
EdTA led a coalition of organizations to issue a position statement on freedom of expression. The statement contains points and guidelines you can use in discussions within your communities. Tell your administrators that the national professional association for theatre educators supports teachers’ right to choose appropriate material and flexible gender casting.
School Theatre Censorship in the Headlines
Read about recent censorship cases making news.
Apr. 20, 2024 – What Began as a War on Theater Won’t End There
Read More >
Apr. 1, 2024 – The Courage to Produce: A Conversation on High School Censorship
Read More >
Reinstated
Mar. 7, 2024 – Texas High School Laramie Project is Back On After Outcry
Read More >
Reinstated
Jan. 22, 2024 – The show went on: Inside the fight to perform ‘Oklahoma!’ at Sherman High School
Read More >
EdTA’s Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Katona speaks out against censorship.
Nov. 19, 2023 – Texas school board reinstates cast, script of musical production after restrictions led a transgender student to lose role
May 2, 2023 – The culture war’s latest casualty: The high school musical
Mar. 29, 2023 – Some school districts are canceling student musicals. Here’s why.
Report Censorship
If you see censorship of school theatre happening in your community, we want to know. Please contact us with the details of the case and we’ll be in touch to determine possible ways we can support you. Rest assured, any personal information you provide will remain confidential.