Texas Thespians Aspiring Educator Program

Prepare Today. Teach Tomorrow. Impact Forever.

We are committed to supporting the growth and development of students through a variety of leadership programs, including the Texas Thespians Aspiring Educator Program. These experiences provide students with future-ready skills that will equip the next generation of passionate, confident, and impactful theatre educators across Texas!

The Aspiring Educator Program offers focused mentorship and hands-on training to develop passionate, confident, and capable future educators. Students gain valuable experience that supports their journey into collegiate programs and careers in theatre education.  

Our cohorts will meet bi-monthly via Google Meet for training and mentorship opportunities. Hands-on opportunities will be managed through Google Classroom.  

Texas Thespians Aspiring Theatre Educators will:

• Serve as an example of the ideal Thespian
• Be in training and serve Texas Thespians for one year (October - October)
• Receive Future Ready training on:      
  • Lesson planning, TEKS. classroom management, teaching strategies
  • Resume creation, portfolio development, exploring college programs, and meeting with college representatives
• Create lesson plans or play studies ready for classroom use for TTM 
• Participate in State Festival tailored activities:     
  • Participate in focused workshops at the State Festival with their cohort
  • Assist with tours on Admin Day
  • Greet at Educator Breakfast
  • Write “Thank You” notes to all teachers in attendance
• Serve Texas Thespians by honoring Texas Thespian Teachers

Students who successfully complete the program’s initiatives are invited to return for Year 2. 

Aspiring Educator Application and Selection

Any junior or senior who is an inducted Thespian and is in good standing with their troupe may apply.  

Three students per school may apply for the Texas Thespian Aspiring Educator Program.

Application Process through Submittable

Opens: August 20, 2026

Deadline: September 15, 2026

Notification via email by: October 15, 2026

Texas Thespians Send a Troupe Grant Application

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure equitable access and support for developing theatre programs, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria listed below:

•  The application must be submitted by a current Thespian Troupe Director or a Future Thespian Director affiliated with an educational institution.
•  The applying troupe must not have previously attended any Texas Thespian events (including State Festival or Junior Festival).
•  The applying troupe must demonstrate clear and verifiable financial need that creates a barrier to participation.

Grant Awards

Selected troupes will receive a one-time grant award of up to $3,000, which may only be applied toward:

•  Basic registration fees for student troupe members and directors.
•  Hotel accommodations (State Festival only; Junior High grants do not include housing).
•  The grant award will not exceed $3,000 under any circumstances.
•  The grant does not cover scholarship application fees, competition entry fees, or transportation costs.

Grant Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Eligibility Verification

• Confirmation that the troupe has not previously attended a Texas Thespian event.

2. Demonstrated Financial Barriers

     Evidence of financial need, such as:

• Percentage of students eligible for free/reduced-price lunch.
• Annual troupe budget and program funding limitations.
• Other relevant socio-economic data or circumstances.

3. Artistic and Educational Impact

• Clear articulation of how participation in a Texas Thespians event will benefit the troupe, the school, and the broader community.

4. Program Engagement

• Overview of troupe activities, productions, and contributions to campus or community life.  

 Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Financial Barriers Statement (1 page max)  Provide a detailed narrative addressing:

•  Specific financial challenges faced by your troupe.
•  Relevant data (e.g., % of students on free/reduced lunch, current program budget, fundraising efforts).
•  Any additional context that demonstrates the need.  

2. Program Impact Statement (1 page max)  Explain the anticipated benefits of attending a Texas Thespians event, including:

•  Educational, artistic, and community impact for your students and school.
•  How does this experience align with your troupe’s goals and mission?  

3. Troupe Activities Overview (1 page max)  Summarize your troupe’s yearly activities, including:

•  Productions, Thespian activities, class projects, and community service initiatives.  

4. Roster of Attendees  Include the full names and grade levels of students and directors who will attend. Format as follows:

•  First Name Last Name – Student – Grade
•  First Name Last Name – Director  

Review Process and Notification

The Texas Thespians Grant Adjudication Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of all eligible applications. Awards will be granted to troupes demonstrating the highest level of need and potential impact. Applicants will be notified of their status via email following committee deliberations.

Important Notes

•  Incomplete applications will not be considered.
•  All submitted materials must be in PDF format and uploaded through the official Texas Thespians grant portal by the stated deadline.
•  Grant funds are non-transferable and may only be used for the approved purposes outlined above.

Texas Thespians Send a Thespian Grant Application

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure equitable access for students/teachers to participate in Texas Thespians events, applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

•  The application must be submitted by a current Thespian Troupe Director or Future Thespian Director on behalf of the student.
•  The applicant MAY have previously attended any Texas Thespian event. 
•  The applicant must demonstrate clear and verifiable financial need that creates a barrier to participation.

Grant Awards

Selected applicants will receive a one-time grant award of up to $300, which may only be applied toward:

•  Basic registration fees for Texas Thespians events.
•  The grant award will not exceed $300 under any circumstances.
•  The grant does not cover scholarship application fees, competition entry fees, meals, or transportation costs.

Grant Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated Financial Barriers

Evidence of financial need, such as:

•  Eligibility for free/reduced-price lunch.
•  Family or household income considerations.
•  Other relevant socio-economic factors.

2. Artistic and Educational Potential

• A statement describing how participation in a Texas Thespians event will support the applicant's growth in theatre and beyond.

3. Engagement in Theatre Activities

•  Summary of the applicant's current involvement in their theatre program or community.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Financial Need Statement (1 page max)     Provide a detailed narrative that includes:

•  Specific financial challenges impacting the applicant’s ability to attend.
•  Relevant data (e.g., eligibility for free/reduced lunch, family income, any extraordinary circumstances).
•  Additional context supporting the applicant's financial need.   

2. Applicant Impact Statement (1 page max)     The student (or director on their behalf) must provide a statement answering:

•  “How would attending a Texas Thespians event benefit my educational and artistic journey?”
•  Consider including how participation might impact the applicant's future in theatre, leadership development, and contributions to their school or community.   

3. Theatre Involvement Overview (1 page max)     Summarize the applicant's participation in theatre activities, such as:

•  Productions, Thespian events, classwork, or community service related to theatre.   

4. Resume

Please upload a single-page document that outlines the applicant's troupe involvement (resume) and includes a headshot. 

• Section 1: Personal Information – Includes your contact info and a small headshot.
• Section 2: Credits – This shows all your experience in Theatre.
• Section 3: Education & Training – Includes schools, workshops, and other classes you've attended (including private coaching).
• Section 4: Special Skills – Special skills are extremely important! Sometimes they'll be the only reason you get called in for an audition!   

Review Process and Notification

The Texas Thespians Grant Adjudication Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of all eligible applications. Awards will be granted to students demonstrating the highest level of need and potential impact.

Applicants will be notified of their status via email following committee deliberations.

Important Notes

•  Incomplete applications will not be considered.
•  All materials must be submitted in PDF format through the official Texas Thespians grant portal by the posted deadline.
• Original and personal statements are appreciated instead of submitted form letters.
•  Grant funds are non-transferable and may only be used for the approved purposes outlined above.

Texas Thespians Hall of Fame

Purpose The Texas Thespians Hall of Fame was established to honor adults who have dedicated themselves to promoting Texas educational theatre, creating a lasting legacy through sustained commitment to the organization and its mission. 

Eligibility Requirements

1. Years of Service — Candidates must have given 20 or more years of service to Texas educational theatre.
2. Sustained Involvement — Candidates must demonstrate consistent, ongoing involvement with Texas Thespians throughout their career, rather than isolated or short-term contributions.
3. Contribution to Growth — Candidates must have made meaningful contributions to the growth and development of the organization.

Selection Criteria

Members of the Hall of Fame are selected based on:

• Dedication to Theatre Performance in Texas — A demonstrated, career-long commitment to theatre education, performance and/or technical theater within the state.
• Alignment with Texas Thespians Aims and Ideals — Support for and advancement of the aims and ideals of Texas Thespians.
• Standards of Excellence — Contributions to establishing and maintaining continued standards of excellence in Texas theatre education.
• Legacy — Evidence of a lasting legacy in the field, reflecting a career that has shaped and elevated Texas educational theatre for future generations.

Texas Thespians Technical Trailblazer of the Year

Purpose This award recognizes an educator who serves as an innovator and visionary for Texas Thespians, setting new ground and establishing new standards for technical educational theatre.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Educator Role — Candidates must be an active educator involved in Texas educational theatre.
2. Demonstrated Innovation — Candidates must show clear evidence of introducing new ideas, methods, or approaches to technical educational theatre.
3. Impact on Standards — Candidates must have established new standards or benchmarks in one or more technical theatrical aspects.

Selection Criteria

Nominees are evaluated based on:

• Vision — Evidence of forward-thinking ideas that push educational technical theatre in new directions.
• Innovation — Original or groundbreaking contributions that distinguish the nominee from conventional practice.
• Influence on the Field — The degree to which the nominee's work has shifted standards, practices, or expectations within Texas educational theatre.

Texas Thespians Administrator of the Year 

Purpose This award is presented by Texas Thespians to honor outstanding administrators who have demonstrated exemplary support for educational theatre.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Administrative Role — Candidates must be a school administrator (e.g., principal, assistant principal, fine arts director or coordinator, superintendent, or other campus/district-level administrator).
2. Demonstrated Support for Educational Theatre — Candidates must show a clear record of supporting theatre education programs at their campus or within their district.
3. Contribution to Texas Thespians — Candidates must have contributed to Texas Thespians as an organization, beyond support of their local program alone.

Selection Criteria

Nominees are evaluated based on:

• Exemplary Support for Educational Theatre — Evidence of advocacy, resource allocation, scheduling support, or other actions that have enabled theatre programs to thrive.
• Contribution to Texas Thespians — Involvement in or support of Texas Thespians initiatives, events, or growth.
• Impact — The tangible difference the administrator's support has made for theatre students, educators, and programs.

Texas Thespian's Golden Apple Award

Purpose The Texas Thespians Distinguished Educator Award was established to honor adults who have dedicated themselves to promoting Texas educational theatre, recognizing both their sustained past service and their continued commitment to the field going forward.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Years of Service — Candidates must have given 10 or more years of service to Texas educational theatre.
2. Sustained Involvement — Candidates must demonstrate consistent, ongoing involvement with Texas Thespians throughout their career, rather than isolated or short-term contributions.
3. Continued Commitment — Candidates must be positioned and expected to continue contributing years of service to the field.

Selection Criteria

Winners will be selected based on:

• Dedication to Theatre Performance in Texas — A demonstrated commitment to theatre education and performance within the state.
• Alignment with Texas Thespians Aims and Ideals — Support for and advancement of the aims and ideals of Texas Thespians. 
• Standards of Excellence — Contributions to establishing and maintaining continued standards of excellence in Texas theatre education.

Texas Thespian's Green Apple Award

Purpose This award is presented by Texas Thespians to recognize a new theatre educator whose passion and drive stand out early in their career.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Experience Level — Candidates must be a director with 1–5 years of teaching experience.
2. New Educator Status — This award is intended specifically for educators early in their teaching career.
3. Texas Thespians Involvement - This award is intended for candidates that are involved with Texas Thespians at their home campus or at the organizational level. 

Selection Criteria

Nominees are evaluated based on:

• Passion — Evident enthusiasm and love for educational theatre and teaching.
• Drive — Demonstrated motivation and initiative in building or growing their theatre program.
• Early Impact — Signs of promise and positive influence on students and their program despite being early in their career.

Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education

     Texas Thespians is an affiliate of the Educational Theatre Association and includes numerous branches of the organization which offer multiple opportunities to Texas Theatre Educators and middle and high school students throughout our state. Our mission is to create an artistic, educational and professional network for theatre arts educators, students, professionals, and enthusiasts to share ideas and support the effort to have theatre arts recognized in all phases of education and lifelong learning. 

     The mission of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is to shape lives through theatre education. EdTA honors student achievement in theatre, supports teachers by providing professional resources, and influences public opinion that theatre education is essential for building life skills.

     EdTA is an outgrowth of the International Thespian Society (ITS), the only theatre honorary of its kind for middle and high school students. Since 1929, ITS and it's troupes have affirmed the quality of affiliated theatre programs, bringing credibility and distinction to both students and schools. 

     Texas Thespians is pleased to recognize school districts that support innovative approaches to theatre education, active involvement in The Educational Theatre Association’s International Thespian Society, The Texas Thespians Chapter, and achieve a high level of excellence in theatre education.

     School districts that meet and/or satisfy the point requirements will be recognized as a Texas Thespians Premier Community for Theatre Education. This designation is determined by the total number of points a district is eligible to earn in each category. Districts are encouraged to apply annually to receive recognition for commitment to excellence in theatre.

     Winners will be announced and recognized annually.   

Application Window: August 15, 2026 - December 1, 2026

Award winners receive the following:

1. Official certificate
2. Customizable press release template
3. Recognition on Texas Thespians Social media platforms
4. Digital signature banner
5. Letter of commendation from Texas Thespians to the school board and superintendent
6. Award presentation at a Texas Thespians event

The application should be completed for district events/activities from January 2026-December 2026.

The Mark Batts Memorial Technical Theatre Grant, presented by Texas Thespians, honors the memory and contributions of Mark Batts, a revered figure in the technical theatre world. This grant is designed to support and encourage high school technical theatre programs across Texas, enabling them to enhance their productions, purchase equipment, and provide professional development opportunities for students and educators.

Grant Description:

The Mark Batts Technical Theatre Grant offers financial assistance to high school theatre programs in Texas with a focus on technical theatre. The grant aims to foster innovation and excellence in lighting, video, sound, set design, costume design, stage management, and other technical aspects of theatre production. Texas Thespians hope to inspire the next generation of technical theatre professionals and enthusiasts by providing funds.

Eligibility:

1. Applicants: The grant is open to all Texas high schools with an active theatre program.
2. Program Focus: The applying program must demonstrate an emphasis on technical theatre, including, but not limited to, set design, lighting, video, sound, costume design, and stage management.
3. Membership: The applying school must be an active member of Texas Thespians.

Grant Guidelines:

1. Application Process:

• Proposal Submission: Schools must submit a detailed proposal outlining the specific technical theatre needs and how the grant funds will be utilized. This could include equipment purchases, software licenses, professional development for students and educators, or other relevant expenses.                    
  • Budget Breakdown: The proposal must include a detailed budget that indicates the total amount requested and itemizes all anticipated costs.
  • Project Timeline: Proposals must include a timeline for the project or purchases, highlighting key milestones and completion dates.
  • Supporting Materials: Schools are encouraged to include supporting materials such as photographs, sketches, or videos that showcase their current technical theatre work and future plans.   

      

2. Award Criteria

• Innovation and Creativity: Proposals that demonstrate creative approaches to technical theatre challenges will be given priority.
• Impact on Students: Consideration will be given to how the grant will benefit students, enhance their learning experiences, and prepare them for future opportunities in technical theatre.
• Need-Based Consideration: Schools with limited access to resources and funding will be given special consideration.
• Sustainability: Proposals that outline how the benefits of the grant will be sustained beyond the initial funding period will be favored.

This award is only for programs that have educational value, not cosmetic needs. Troupes should not apply for assistance with new curtains, seating, or areas for which the district is responsible.

Examples of Grant Use:

Sound System Improvements 

• Wireless Microphones 
• Sound Mixing Console 
• Music Editing Software
• Digital Classroom Programs for sound or video editing

Theatrical Lighting 

• LED or Intelligent lighting that can be designed by students 
• Portable Light boards or wireless instruments 
• Digital lighting programs - QLab, etc. 

Projectors 

• Classroom style projectors 
• Digital media software to create backdrops
• Rental equipment assistance as long as students are incorporated into the design of the project

Shop Tools or Materials - that will have direct student use. 

Programs or Training - students must be present and attend training. 

Innovation - out-of-the-box ideas that would greatly benefit student learning and mastery of Technical Theatre objectives. 

 3. Grant Amount:

• The grant amount may vary based on the needs and scope of the proposals received.                     
  1. (2) $500
  2. (1) $1000
  3. (1) $2000 
•   $4000 max annually 
• Matching option if you have already applied for a grant in the same area of need. 

4. Reporting and Accountability:

• Final Report: Grant recipients must submit a final report detailing how the funds were used, the outcomes achieved, and the impact on their technical theatre program.
• Acknowledgment: Grant recipients are expected to acknowledge Texas Thespians and the Mark Batts Memorial Technical Theatre Grant in promotional materials and performances that benefit from the grant.

5. Deadlines:

• Application Opens: August 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: December15, 2026
• Award Announcement: Texas Thespians Educator Conference, January 2027
• Project Completion: Projects funded by the grant must be completed by April 1, 2027.

The Mark Batts Technical Theatre Grant honors Mark Batts' legacy by empowering high school theatre programs to reach new heights in technical theatre. We invite all eligible schools to apply and look forward to seeing the inspiring work that will result from this initiative.

For more information or questions regarding the grant application, please contact:

Carla Schumann

Director of Development & Membership  

carla.schumann@texasthespians.org  

www.texasthespians.org/festivalgrant

Eligibility

• The application must be submitted by a Thespian Troupe Director or Future Thespian Director.
• The applying teacher will receive a one-time grant to cover the basic registration fee only. 
• This grant’s adjudication committee will make their selections and recipients will be notified of their grant award.

Grant Criteria

• The teacher applying must be able to demonstrate financial barriers.
• Letter of support from your administrator to participate in Texas Thespians events.

Required Documentation: 

1. Please upload your Administrator statement of support on official school letterhead that includes Administrative support for attending a Texas Thespians event.
2. Please upload a single-page document that shares the financial barriers as well as a detailed statement on the "benefits of attending" a Texas Thespians event. Example: What are the individual's financial barriers and how will this Grant benefit their theatrical goals? This is your chance to justify needs as it pertains to the Send a Teacher Grant.
3. Please upload a single-page document that outlines the applicant's troupe involvement (resume) and includes a headshot. 

• Section 1: Personal Information – Includes your contact info, and a small headshot.
• Section 2: Credits – The shows or programs you have created
• Section 3: Education & Training – Includes schools, workshops, and other classes you've taught
• Section 4: Educational Accomplishment– Awards, Nominations, student success of merit.