Most decisions about theatre in the school curriculum are made at the local level by principals, superintendents, and school boards.

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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.

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Teachers:

Contact other ITS troupe directors in your district to help organize a long-term theatre education advocacy strategy.

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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.

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Community members:

Attend school board meetings and request to get on the agenda. Use the materials below to advocate for starting a theatre program or growing resources for the theatre program.

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