EdTA Reveals 2026 Annual Award Recipients in Theatre Education

The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) has revealed the 2026 recipients of its annual awards, recognizing educators, administrators, researchers, advocates, alumni, and schools whose work has made an extraordinary impact on theatre education.

Recipients will be celebrated during EdTA's two signature events: the Educator Appreciation Dinner at the International Thespian Festival (June 21–26 in Bloomington, Indiana), hosted by Cayleigh Capaldi, and the EdTA Awards for Excellence in Theatre Education ceremony at the Theatre Education Conference (July 22–24 in New York City), hosted by Broadway's Lilli Cooper.

This year's awards program reflects EdTA's continued investment in recognizing excellence across the field, including several newer honors introduced to celebrate emerging educators, teaching artists, researchers, and alumni whose work is shaping the future of theatre education. The 2026 awards also mark a new partnership with the Children's Theatre Foundation of America to present the prestigious Reba R. Robertson Award.
 

Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA)'s Reba R. Robertson Award

Presented in partnership with CTFA, this biennial award honors a public high school theatre or drama teacher who demonstrates artistic excellence, mentorship, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Abra Chusid, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, Ill.

EdTA Administrator's Award

Recognizes outstanding school or district administrators who have demonstrated exemplary support for educational theatre programs.

• Peter Avery, New York City Department of Education, New York, N.Y.
• Matthew Ballentine, Chillicothe City Schools, Chillicothe, Ohio

EdTA Emerging Theatre Educator Award

Presented annually to a graduate student, pre-service teacher, or early-career theatre educator who demonstrates innovation, service, and impact in advancing theatre education in schools and communities.

• Julie Rose, Elizabeth Davis Middle School, Chester, Va.

EdTA Founders' Award

Presented to an individual or group whose work has significantly advanced theatre education, research, and practice.

• Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Arizona State University, Former Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, Los Angeles, Calif.

EdTA Hall of Fame Award

Honors longtime EdTA members who have dedicated their careers to promoting and advancing the field of educational theatre.

• Erik Hart, Warren Consolidated School for the Performing Arts, Sterling Heights, Mich.
• Brad Rackers, Lee's Summit West High School, Lee's Summit, Mo. (posthumous)

EdTA President's Award

Presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the association, its volunteer leadership, and its mission.

• Helen Duranleau-Brennan, Arts Consultant, Former EdTA Board President, Davenport, Iowa

EdTA Research Excellence Awards

Presented annually to recognize outstanding scholarship in theatre education, honoring a leading researcher and an author whose work advances the field.

• Distinguished Book
  • Dr. JoBeth Gonzalez, Bowling Green High School, Bowling Green, Ohio
• Distinguished Research and Scholarship
  • Dr. Thalia Goldstein, George Mason University, Fairfax, Va.

EdTA Teaching Artist Award

Presented annually to a teaching artist employed by a regional theatre, arts organization, or working independently whose work in schools or communities reflects creativity, commitment, and significant contribution to theatre education.

• Robert Hindsman, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Ga.
• Michael Wiggins, Teaching Artist & Administrator, New York, N.Y.

Inspirational Theatre Educator Award

This award celebrates educators who inspire their students and are deeply committed to providing quality theatre education.

• Martin Rodriguez, Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts, Los Angeles, Calif.

Thespian Alum of the Year Award

Honors Thespian alumni who exemplify how the lessons and skills gained through school theatre lead to meaningful contributions in adulthood.

• Carolina Garcia, Netflix, Alum of Troupe 2129, Claremont High School, Claremont, Calif.
• Morgan Scott, Broadway's John Proctor is the Villain, Alum of Troupe 7407, Woodmont High School, Piedmont, S.C.
• Dr. Tyler TerMeer, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Alum of Troupe 5440, Dublin Scioto High School, Dublin, Ohio

Theatre In Our Schools Outstanding Impact Award

Three schools have been named recipients of the Theatre in Our Schools Outstanding Impact Award for their advocacy efforts during Theatre In Our Schools Month this past March. Winners receive a prize package courtesy of Disney Theatrical Group and Music Theatre International.

• Adairsville High School, Troupe 6316, Adairsville, Ga.
• Topeka West High School, Troupe 3061, Topeka, Kan.
• York Country Day School, Troupe 5305, York, Pa.

The recipient of the Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, presented in partnership with The ASCAP Foundation, will be announced soon.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Original Score - Top 3

1. The Rescues , The Rescues - The Lost Boys

41.7% of votes

2. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

28.2% of votes

3. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!

22.8% of votes

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