2024-2025 Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education!

Ends on

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. 


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


How are districts chosen?

The Texas Thespians Executive Board will secure a review committee to check the criteria and determine whether the district submission meets the qualifications to receive the designation of a Texas Thespians Premier Community for Theatre Education. All districts fulfilling the rigorous criteria shall be awarded the prestigious title. 

Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education Tiers/Awards

80 - 100 points - Exceptional; 50 - 79 points - Quality 

Rubric is based on district events/activities fromSeptember - June.


Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education

Eligibility Criteria

  • Program uses standards-based instruction
  • Program offers curricular theatre courses
  • Performance space is safe as proven by regular inspection from certified technicians and inclusion of first aid/safety materials and instruction
  • Program adheres to licensing, copyright, and intellectual property laws
  • Program provides production opportunities to students
  • Program has certified theatre teachers on staff
  • Program provides teachers with qualified evaluators who use meaningful evaluation methods to measure instructional design and effectiveness, classroom management, and pedagogy in the theatre classroom
  • Program provides theatre students many opportunities to explore a potential career path in theatre


Submission Requirements 

  • District classification
  • Total District Enrollment
  • Theatre courses by grade level
  • Stipend Information
  • Budget Information (including Title I and Title IV usage)
  • Theatre Curriculum & Scheduling
    • Standards used for assessing theatre education
    • Standards used for curriculum and scheduling
    • Seat counts for theatre courses
  • Staffing
    • Theatre educators & qualifications
    • Theatre Courses
    • Professional Development
  • Resources & Equipment
    • Literary resources
    • Technical resources
    • Production elements
  • Safety
  • Facilities
  • Troupe Engagement & Involvement


Districts that earn the Texas Premier Communities award are eligible to apply for the Educational Theatre Association’s national award.


We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.
Create Your Account Have An Account? Sign In