Advocacy Resources

We have compiled various resources for you to use in your advocacy journey. 

General Resources

Advocating at the School and District Level - A presentation from EdTA Advocacy League Network members. Theatre Counts - A research-based report that validates the lifetime value of K-12 Theatre Education. AFTA 10 Reasons to Support the Arts in 2020 Arts Education Is Essential 10 Skills that Every Theatre Student Learns Theatre Education FAQs Four Reasons Why Arts Education is Central to College Prep and Long-Term Success The Do’s and Don'ts of Advocacy Theatre In Our Schools Month - March - Plans and Resources Theatre In Our Schools - 31 Facts Dear Mr./Mrs. Smith - Admin Letter Template Arts Are Education - Join a national campaign to secure funding for arts education 2021-2022. Educate Yourself! Americans for the Arts  10 Awesome Advocacy Resources for Arts Education NEA Arts Advocacy Resource Guide Center for Arts Education Advocacy Resources Texas Commission on the Arts - Arts In School Texas Cultural Trust - Art Can Map

Resources for Theatre Teachers on Advocating for Your Position

Texas Thespians Advocacy Assistance Request Form TEA Class-Sizes (Note: class size limits do not apply to physical education classes or fine arts classes.) TEA Curriculum Requirements TEA Fine Arts TEKS Theatre Curriculum Framework Americans for the Arts 12 Core Competencies of an Arts Education Leader National Advocacy Research and Reports from Educational Theatre Association “Opportunity to Learn” Standards - Theatre Arts Education is Essential (One-Pager) - Endorsed by 60+ National Arts Organizations

Official Information Sources

TEA COVID Support & Guidance Fine Arts Frequently Asked Questions  Texas Education Agency - once the Governor announces the plan for reopening Virginia's schools, detailed information will be posted to the Texas Education Agency website TEA Fine Arts  UIL Theatre

Teaching Theatre Virtually during School Closure

EdTA’s Open Community Forum - New posts from fellow teachers and experts every day regarding changes to educational delivery. Texas Thespians Educator Resources Page Arts Education Guidance from Arts North Carolina 3 principles are spelled out in “Arts Education Is Essential” from Young Audiences Arts: “Arts education supports the social and emotional well-being of students, whether through distance learning or in person.” “Arts education nurtures the creation of a welcoming school environment where students can express themselves in a safe and positive way.” “Arts education is part of a well-rounded education for all students as understood and supported by federal and state policymakers.”​

Producing Theatre During COVID-1

From Theatrical Rights Worldwide: Free Scripts! During this challenging time, TRW is pleased to offer, at no cost, our entire digital script library. Every title, every show is now available to you free of charge, https://form.jotform.com/200954337914054. TRW Concert Versions Coming Soon: To address social distance restrictions after reopening, TRW will be offering “concert’ish” versions of Broadway titles, intended to be played to a socially separated audience by a cast of socially separated actors. MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, A Socially Distant Concert’ish Version for Plagues & Pandemics is the first title that will be available in June. Here is a link to download a draft of the 90-minute, no intermission concert version,  https://theatricalrights.citrixdata.com/d-s4a017f000eb451ba. THE ADDAMS FAMILY Quarantined – a Concert Version, ALL SHOOK UP at the Drive-In, a Concert Version and RING OF FIRE Concert Version will also be ready by September. BookTix Live - ticketing and streaming platform 7 Plays and Musicals That Could Be Performed With Social Distancing Rules in Place

Recovering from COVID-19

Texas Commission for the Arts - Recommendations and Information about Grants Texas Commission for the Arts - Arts in Schools Resources Guidelines for Reopening from Actor’s Equity Association Texas Commission for the Arts COVID-19 Resource Page The CDC’s Considerations for Schools Reopening Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide Educational Theatre Association’s Guide for Reopening Theatre Classrooms Texas Thespians Recommendations for Reopening Theatre Classrooms & Facilities The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide Guide to Reopening Theatrical Venues American Repertory Theatre - Roadmap to Recovery & Resilience in Theatre National Federation of State High School Associations - COVID 19 Study Texas Association of School Administrators - COVID 19 Information

Resources for Advocating for the Arts in General

Facts and Figures from Americans for the Arts Arts Education & Social-Emotional Learning Outcomes Among K-12 Students

Resources Regarding Singing

Study being conducted on dangers of singing American Choral Directors Association COVID Response Committee Report