What is Advocacy Day? Starting in 2017, Each year Kansas Thespians have hosted this annual event as part of Theatre in Our Schools Month, which is part of Arts in Our Schools Month.
The purpose of Advocacy Day at the State Capital is to educate students about how local and state policies affect their individual programs, encourage participation in state and local government through education and training, and to provide a positive experience that acknowledges and empowers theatre students’ voices.
For the last several years, Senator Jeff Pittman, Leavenworth, and Representative Kirk Haskins, Topeka, have sponsored Kansas Thespians by taking a point of privilege in their respective chambers. From the House floor, Representative Haskins remarked that theatre is “a testament to the dedication and creativity of our youth.” Senator Pittman spoke about how theatre education teaches students “incredible skills that help them with socializing, teamwork and other life skills outside of our traditional academics.”
Theatre students from Kansas high schools meet with members of the Kansas House and Senate to discuss the importance of theatre education.
Advocacy Day is March 6, 2025
What are we asking you to do? Along with some of your theatre students, we are asking you to meet with your local representatives and talk with them about why theatre education matters. We know some may not make it in person, so we are asking you to join virtually.
Why is this important? Theatre Advocacy Day at the State Capitol raises awareness and secures funding for the arts, highlighting its cultural and economic value. It gives theatre professionals and students a chance to influence policies that support the arts and ensures continued access to theatre programs.
What should I prepare my students for? You want to prepare your students for speaking with legislators and policy holders. They will want to plan and prepare what they are going to say in advance. You will want to talk about your program, the benefits of theatre education and maybe a personal story or two from the students.
What does the meeting look like? What do we say? The meeting can be a bit awkward at first, but just keep in mind your goals and message. Encourage to students to do the talking for the most part. They should be personalbe and friendly. Look in the resources of this packet for help developing Elevator speeches and also for talking points and data