Most decisions about theatre in the school curriculum are made at the local level by principals, superintendents, and school boards. Be your school's advocate with tools from the EdTA Advocacy Toolbox.
Getting started
Teachers:
Contact other ITS troupe directors in your district to help organize a long-term theatre education advocacy strategy.
Students:
Participate in the year-round Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) campaign, an effort to promote awareness of theatre education's value and purpose in schools across America, culminating in a month-long celebration in March. Encourage your fellow Thespians to do the same, and begin planning how you can promote TIOS at public events--shows, school board meetings, and your Thespian conferences. TIOS is jointly sponsored by the Educational Theatre Association and the American Alliance for Theatre & Education.
Community members:
Attend school board meetings and request to get on the agenda. Speak out about the theatre program and its value.
Other Tips
Use the materials below to advocate for starting a theatre program or growing resources for the theatre program.
Getting started
- Establish a positive and open communication channel with your school administrators.
- Make a point to learn when your school board meets and who its members are.
- Find out who the local decision makers are and reach out to them: the mayor, district school superintendent, city council, chamber of commerce, superintendent, etc.
- Build a network of supporters that you can call on when there is a need for quick action.
Teachers:
Contact other ITS troupe directors in your district to help organize a long-term theatre education advocacy strategy.
Students:
Participate in the year-round Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) campaign, an effort to promote awareness of theatre education's value and purpose in schools across America, culminating in a month-long celebration in March. Encourage your fellow Thespians to do the same, and begin planning how you can promote TIOS at public events--shows, school board meetings, and your Thespian conferences. TIOS is jointly sponsored by the Educational Theatre Association and the American Alliance for Theatre & Education.
Community members:
Attend school board meetings and request to get on the agenda. Speak out about the theatre program and its value.
Other Tips
- Download the EdTA Statement of Educator Support letter and be prepared to use it if you, your district, or state is facing a challenge to theatre education.
- Join the Advocacy Leadership Network
- Find out when these bodies are meeting and what bills are pending.
- Look into who sits on the education committee and whether or not there is legislation pending that could impact arts education in your state.
Use the materials below to advocate for starting a theatre program or growing resources for the theatre program.
