Chardon, Ohio
Madelon Horvath’s association with EdTA began when she found out about the Ohio Thespian Conference in 1981. She took her students to the conference, and as she puts it, “I was hooked.”
A teaching veteran of more than twenty-five years, Ms. Horvath has always fought for the arts. She has defended her school’s theatre electives from being eliminated, written grants to fund guest instructors, and persuaded school administrators to hire additional drama department staff.
She was the director of Troupe 1784 at Chardon (Ohio) High School from 1980 to 1999, and continued to contribute at the time of her induction as co-director of the troupe. She is fondly called “Mama H” by students.
Ms. Horvath was a member of the Ohio Thespian board for ten years, including a term as chapter director, and later as regional director. She also worked as a leadership coach with chapter directors to improve their leadership and programming. She served on the EdTA nominating committee, and directed for Thespian Playworks at the International Thespian Festival several times.
Inspired by an EdTA workshop, Ms. Horvath started a Leadership Camp at Chardon for Thespian Officers (and other leaders at school), where they received training in leadership and planning for two days. It became an annual event and was highlighted at the Ohio School Board Convention.
