What is the Aspiring Educator Program?
Opens: August 9, 2025 (with the opening of Troupe Days)
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Notification of Acceptance via email by: November 1, 2025
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 Send a Thespian/Teacher 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.
- Grant funds are non-transferable and may only be used for the approved purposes outlined above.
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.