“Theatre programs deserve the same high-profile recognition as sports.” That’s been a longtime refrain of theatre educators – and EdTA’s newest program is designed to offer that kind of recognition to schools who demonstrate excellence in theatre education.
Premiere Communities for Theatre Education aims to celebrate the whole school community for its contributions to student success in theatre. To qualify as a Premiere Community, a school must demonstrate that its theatre program is rooted in EdTA’s Opportunity to Learn Standards and provides resources at or above levels suggested by the National Theatre Standards.
“While students and schools can bring home ‘bling’ from arts competitions, there wasn’t a program recognizing the educator, the program, and the community that contributes to the successes of the individual students,” said EdTA Chief Membership Officer Hans Weichhart. “Premiere Communities for Theatre Education was developed to do just that.”
Each Premiere Community recipient will receive a toolkit of materials to celebrate the distinction within their school and community, including badges for their website and social media, and signage to display.
As a benefit of membership, schools with International Thespian Society troupes can apply for free. The fee for non-member schools is $129 and includes a one-year professional membership with EdTA for one teacher at the school. The distinction will be awarded annually in April. Applications for the 2022-23 school year open August 1, 2022 and close January 31, 2023.
Visit the Premiere Communities page to learn more about the application process and to apply.
