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Awards

Celebrating Excellence in Theatre Education
The Educational Theatre Association honors exceptional educators, administrators, schools, and volunteers who make outstanding contributions to school theatre
Celebrating Excellence in Theatre Education
The Educational Theatre Association honors exceptional educators, administrators, schools, and volunteers who make outstanding contributions to school theatre
Celebrating Excellence in Theatre Education
The Educational Theatre Association honors exceptional educators, administrators, schools, and volunteers who make outstanding contributions to school theatre
cristina pla guzman 2023 schwartz award winner

Celebrating Excellence in Theatre Education

The Educational Theatre Association honors exceptional educators, administrators, schools, and volunteers who make outstanding contributions to school theatre.

Meet 2026 Winners

Awards for Schools & Teachers

EdTA’s awards program recognizes the achievements of theatre educators, administrators, schools, and volunteers whose work exemplifies excellence in theatre education. Most awards are presented annually, with nominations accepted October 29–December 22 unless otherwise noted. Those wishing to nominate an individual for an award will be required to create a free MyEdTA account.

The Reba R. Robertson Award

Presented in partnership with the Childrens Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA)

Honoring outstanding work in public high school theatre education

This biennial award recognizes a public high school theatre/drama teacher who demonstrates artistic excellence, mentorship, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This award includes:

  • $5,000 for the honoree to expand professional interests
  • $1,000 for the recipient’s school theatre program
  • A distinctive trophy and up to $1,000 in travel support to the national presentation event

Nomination window: August 11–December 22, 2025

Nominate through CTFA
Learn more on the CTFA website

New in 2025-26!

Emerging Theatre Educator Award

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Emerging Theatre Educator Award

Presented annually to a graduate student, pre-service teacher, or early-career theatre educator (0-3 years) who demonstrates innovation, service, and impact in advancing theatre education in schools and communities.

Submit a Nomination

Teaching Artist Award

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Teaching Artist Award

Presented annually to a teaching artist—employed by a regional theatre, arts organization, or working independently—whose work in schools or communities reflects creativity, commitment, and significant contribution to theatre education.

Submit a Nomination

Research Excellence Awards

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Research Excellence Awards

Presented annually to recognize outstanding scholarship in theatre education, honoring a leading researcher, an author whose book advances the field, and an artist whose creative project meaningfully engages specific communities

Submit a Nomination

Thespian Alum of the Year

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Thespian Alum of the Year

Honors a Thespian alumnus who exemplifies how the lessons and skills gained through school theatre can lead to meaningful contributions in adulthood.

Submit a Nomination

EdTA Annual Awards

ASCAP Foundation Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year

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ASCAP Foundation Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year

Recognizes an elementary, middle, or high school musical theatre teacher demonstrating the highest level of achievement.

  • One recipient annually
  • $5,000 cash prize
  • Nominee must be an active musical theatre teacher
Submit a Nomination

Hall of Fame Award

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Hall of Fame Award

Presented annually to EdTA members who have dedicated their careers to promoting and advancing the field of educational theatre.

Submit a Nomination

Inspirational Theatre Educator Award

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Inspirational Theatre Educator Award

Recognizes individuals who have inspired their students and dedicated themselves to providing quality theatre education. 

Sponsored by Ludus.

Submit a Nomination

Administrator's Award

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Administrator's Award

Presented to an outstanding school or district administrator who has demonstrated exemplary support for their school or district Thespian troupe(s) during the school year.

Submit a Nomination

Founders' Award

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Founders' Award

Presented to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of theatre education, research, and practice. The award recognizes work that supports the principles and mission of the founders to promote and strengthen theatre education. The award is selected by EdTA staff.

President's Award

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President's Award

Presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the association, the president of the board of directors, the board as a whole, or volunteer leadership of EdTA. The recipient is selected by the sitting EdTA board president.

Honorary Thespian of the Year Award

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Honorary Thespian of the Year Award

Recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to Thespian troupes and students. The award is selected by EdTA staff and board.

Volunteer of the Year Award

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Volunteer of the Year Award

Recognizes individuals who support the association through exceptional volunteer efforts. The award is selected by EdTA staff and board.

Other Distinctions

Theatre In Our Schools Outstanding Impact Award

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TIOS Outstanding Impact Award

Recognizes schools who have made a significant impact in their communities through their advocacy efforts.

Applications open March 1 and are due April 15, following TIOS activities in March.

Sponsored by Disney Theatrical Group. Learn More

Premier Communities for Theatre Education

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Premier Communities for Theatre Education

Awarded to schools and districts that provide teachers and students with the resources to achieve at or above standard as suggested by the National Core Arts Standards in Theatre.

Applications open February 1 and are due April 1.

Learn More

Questions

Have questions about EdTA’s awards or nominations?

Contact Us

Past award recipients can be viewed in the Awards library.

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