Issued jointly by Richard Frazier-Sostillio, EdTA Board President, and Jay Gerlach, Interim Executive Director CINCINNATI (August 27, 2026) — The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is extremely disappointed to learn that
Surviving the First Year of Teaching! Whether you’re entering the classroom for the first time ever or are an early-career educator still getting your bearings, teaching theatre can often feel
As a theatre educator, advocacy can sometimes feel like an abstract concept, something reserved for policy experts, state leaders, or people with time you simply don’t have. But most theatre
The 2026 Festival will feature an expanded Main Stage lineup that reflects the breadth of school theatre today. The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), producer of the International Thespian Festival (ITF),
By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy After months of intense advocacy and lingering uncertainty, the much-anticipated Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor–HHS–Education appropriations bill has been signed
On why theatre class matters—and how it changes lives offscreen When Stranger Things fans met Ms. Harris in season five, they were meeting more than just a new character in
The Arts Education Alliance is sounding the alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent decision to move several major U.S. Department of Education (ED) programs to other federal agencies through six
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) today announced that the International Thespian Festival (ITF), the premier gathering of middle and high school theatre students and educators, will relocate to Louisville, Kentucky
World-Class Theatre, Now Streaming to Your Classroom A guide to accessing and using the National Theatre Collection through your EdTA membership. As part of our new partnership with the National
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:
The Arts Education Alliance is pleased to learn that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has finally released the more than $6 billion in federal education funds that were
Stand Up for Arts Education: Oppose Federal Budget Cuts On May 30, President Trump released full details of his administration’s FY 2026 budget proposal. Cuts to federal education, including the
A Legacy of Leadership, Laughter, and Love for Theatre The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) community is celebrating the life of a beloved leader, mentor, and friend—Gloria McIntyre, who passed away
Speak Out Against Federal Budget Cuts Impacting Arts Education On May 2, President Trump released information about his administration’s FY 2026 budget proposal. Not all details were shared, but the
Broadway Stars and Creative Leaders to Inspire and Collaborate with Students at Annual Event The International Thespian Festival (ITF) is proud to announce an exciting lineup of Broadway performers, creative
Twenty-Six Schools Set to Bring One-Acts to the International Thespian Festival Each year, International Thespian Society chapters across the country carefully evaluate an array of one-act plays, ultimately selecting an
Two-Time Tony Winner to Receive Founders’ Award and Join Keynote Conversation The Educational Theatre Association is thrilled to announce Shaina Taub— two-time Tony Award winner, Grammy-nominated songwriter, and writer, composer,
A Main Stage Production at ITF 2025 The International Thespian Festival (ITF) Main Stage showcases talented theatre programs and Thespians from around the country as they perform diverse productions ranging
A Main Stage Production at ITF A trip to the International Thespian Festival (ITF) is an opportunity to connect with Thespians and theatre educators from around the world, hone your
A Main Stage Production at ITF 2025 The International Thespian Festival (ITF) is where the future of theatre starts. Each year, talented Thespians, directors, and programs from around the country
A Main Stage Production at ITF 2025 Each year, the Main Stage at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) dazzles audiences with a diverse lineup of exceptional high school theatre from
The results are in! The Educational Theatre Association is pleased to announce the outcomes of the 2025 Board of Directors election, which concluded this March. Thank you to all members
A Main Stage Production at ITF 2025 The International Thespian Festival (ITF) Main Stage celebrates theatre programs from around the country as they showcase their hard work and dedication. It’s
Details of President Trump’s Executive Order
Like you, we are deeply concerned about recent announcements regarding the significant staffing reduction at the Department of Education. We share your concerns about what this could mean for public
