| Each year the Educational Theatre Association honors individuals, schools, and programs that exemplify quality theatre arts education. Award programs are open to active members of the Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society. You may request applications for awards offered during the 2007–2008 school year by contacting the EdTA awards administrator, or you can download PDF versions by clicking on the links below. You’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download these. If you don’t have it, you can get it for free here. To see a list of the award recipients, visit the Hall of Fame page.
The Educational Theatre Association annually recognizes a maximum of twelve high schools (up to three in each EdTA region) whose theatre programs exemplify and promote high standards of quality in educational theatre. All schools that have been members in good standing for at least two consecutive years are eligible for the award. Schools wishing to apply must complete an application that is evaluated by a committee using a point system. Recipients of the award receive $100 off their International Thespian Festival registration, a plaque (presented on the main stage during Festival), and complementary dues for the following school year.
Application deadline: February 28, 2008
This award is given to recognize school administrations that have encouraged and promoted educational theatre. Members may submit nominations by completing an application that is reviewed by the EdTA executive director. Recipients are honored at the International Thespian Festival.
Deadline for nominations: February 28, 2008
The Hall of Fame Award is presented annually to EdTA members who have dedicated themselves to promoting educational theatre and who have given twenty or more years of service to this cause. Members interested in nominating an individual for the award complete an application that is reviewed by a committee based on a point system. Up to four Hall of Fame inductees may be selected each year. In addition, the governing board may choose to award this honor to an individual who meets all of the above criteria but has not been nominated. Recipients are honored at the annual EdTA conference, and receive complementary registration for the conference and complementary dues for the next membership period.
Deadline for nominations: February 28, 2008
Doug Finney was a performer, teacher, sponsor, state director, and EdTA staff member. He supported theatre in all aspects of his life. Doug served as the International Thespian Festival chair, and although that was his greatest joy, his one great regret was that not every Thespian had the opportunity to attend. In 1993, after Doug’s death, the EdTA governing board established the Doug Finney Educational Foundation Fund. This fund is Doug’s legacy to theatre students, and through this fund EdTA offers four Festival grants each year to high school theatre students. Application deadline: December 15, 2007
Ronald L. Longstreth was a teacher, troupe director, and state director, and he served as the executive director of EdTA for thirty-five years. Ron took great pride in the International Thespian Festival, which he co-chaired with Doug Finney for many years. Ron’s commitment to creating the finest Festival possible and sharing it with as many students as possible was always evident. He dreamed that international students would be able to share in the experience. In 1999, at Ron’s retirement, the EdTA governing board established the Ronald L. Longstreth International Thespian Festival Grant Fund to fund expenses for one international student to attend the International Thespian Festival. Updated application deadline: December 15, 2007
Two grants are offered annually to assist K–12 public or private school teachers who are in the early years of their careers. The grants will cover the basic registration fee for attending the Educational Theatre Association Annual Conference, formerly known as the EdTA Convention, as well as one Professional Development Institute (PDI) of the recipient’s choice. Updated application deadline: May 1, 2008.
Two grants are offered annually to assist pre-professional members of EdTA. The grants will cover the basic registration fee for attending the Educational Theatre Association Annual Conference, formerly known as the EdTA Convention, as well as one Professional Development Institute (PDI) of the recipient’s choice. Updated application deadline: May 1, 2008.
This grant provides registration expenses for one student to attend the International Thespian Festival. This grant was created by Joe Burnsworth for the purpose of encouraging students to enhance their leadership skills. Qualifying students are those who have demonstrated leadership through Thespian activities by being a troupe or state officer and have previously participated in the leadership training program at the 2007 International Thespian Festival. This grant is available only to participants of the 2007 Festival leadership training program. Application deadline: December 15, 2007
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