What is the Aspiring Educator Program?

Opens: August 9, 2026 (with the opening of Troupe Days)
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Notification of Acceptance via email by: October 15, 2026
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 Aspiring Theatre Educators will: 
  • ​Serve as an example of the ideal Thespian
  • Be in training and serve Texas Thespians for one year (October - October)
  • ​Receive Future Ready training on: 
    • Lesson planning, TEKS. Classroom management, teaching strategies
    • ​Resume creation, portfolio development, exploring college programs, and meeting with college representatives
  • Create lesson plans or play studies ready for classroom use for TTM 
  • ​Participate in State Festival tailored activities:
    • Participate in focused workshops at the State Festival with their cohort
    • Assist with tours on Admin Day
    • Greet at Educator Breakfast
    • Write “Thank You” notes to all teachers in attendance
  • Serve Texas Thespians by honoring Texas Thespian Teachers

    Students who complete the program’s initiatives are invited to return for Year 2.     ​ 
  • Aspiring Educator Application and Selection
    Any junior or senior who is an inducted Thespian and is in good standing with their troupe may apply.  

    Three students per school may apply for the Texas Thespian Aspiring Educator Program.

    Application Process through Submittable
    Opens: July 25, 2026
    Deadline: September 15, 2026
    Notification via email by: October 15, 2026

  • No fee to apply, but would pay $50 if selected (covers resources and Lanyard/Badge)
  • Basic information about the student, school, director, and troupe
  • Free Response Questions:
    • Why do you believe theatre education is important for young people?
    • What qualities do you think make a great theatre teacher? Which of those do you already have, and which would you like to develop?
  • Video link to an unlisted YouTube video to include:
    • An introduction to the student (2 min.)
    • A well-planned statement describing a moment in their theatre journey that made them realize they wanted to teach theatre.
  • Headshot/Resume
  • Permission Forms
  • Letter of Recommendation from the student’s theatre teacher confirming their dedication to the craft, strengths on and off the stage, and likelihood of success as a theatre educator in the future.
  • Finalists will have a Zoom interview with a Theatre Education Committee member.

Returning Members Video Prompt:
  • During your time in TTAEP, what skills have you learned that will directly help you become a successful educator?
  • In the coming future, what are your plans to pursue the field of theatre education?
  • How have the skills learned in your SMART goals, helped to better your performance in your home department?

For more information on the Aspiring Theatre Educator Program, contact Jessica Brewster.