2019 DemocracyWorks winner Brannon Evans of Troupe 5483 at Millard West High School in Omaha, Neb., reads her winning essay on To Kill a Mockingbird.
DemocracyWorks
Student Essay Competition
DemocracyWorks, EdTA’s annual essay competition designed to grow student advocacy for theatre education, came to an end with the 2023 submission period.
EdTA encourages students and teachers to explore our other advocacy programs below, as well as opportunities at the chapter level.
Advocacy Quick Links
Past Winners
2023
Lea Milanini
Troupe 2296
Wiley E. Groves High School
Beverly Hills, MI
Prompt:
“How have your theatre education experiences helped prepare you to actively participate in our democracy?”
Watch Lea read the essay below:
2022
Spencer Waring
Troupe 3584
Saguaro High School
Scottsdale, AZ
Prompt:
“How has theatre helped you build resiliency in your personal life and academic studies?”
Watch Spencer read the essay below:
2021
Savannah Brown
Troupe 6303
Timber Creek High School,
Orlando, FL
Prompt:
“How does theatre support your social and emotional well-being and foster a welcoming school environment?”
2020
Lena Dougherty
Troupe 8938
Wildwood Catholic High School
North Wildwood, NJ
Prompt:
“How does theatre help bring diverse communitites together?”