2024 Impact Report
2024 Overview
The Educational Theatre Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association and shares in its mission to build a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre. ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators, and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.
Annually, we partner with many dedicated organizations, foundations, cultural partners, and individuals to provide grants and scholarships to educators and students. In 2024, we added new partnerships with The Music Man Foundation, Broadway Cares, and Disney Theatrical Group.
JumpStart Theatre
In 2024, the Educational Theatre Foundation reimagined the JumpStart Theatre Program, increasing underserved schools’ direct engagement with teaching artists and including our cultural partners in our annual Theatre Education Conference. As a result, each partner added 1-3 new schools this year, bringing our total up to 42 active and alumni JumpStart Theatre schools and counting. ETF and EdTA also realized our goal of waving charter fees for the formation of Thespian troupes in all active JumpStart Theatre schools, enabling more students access to the International Thespian Society at an earlier point in their education and providing deeper support for educators beyond their years in the program.
JumpStart Theatre Cultural Partners:
La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, CA – serving schools in San Diego and El Cajon, CA
Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA – serving schools in Atlanta, Decatur, Jonesboro, Acworth, Quitman and Tyrone, GA
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH – serving schools in Cincinnati, Batavia, St. Bernard and Felicity, OH; and Bellevue and Covington, KY
The University of Michigan – serving schools in Detroit and Ypsilanti, MI
Mountain City Center for the Arts in Frostburg, MD – serving schools in Accident and Oakland, MD; Salisbury and Confluence, PA; and Aurora, WV
From educators:
“ Since our district has participated in the JumpStart program 3 years ago, our numbers have increased tremendously. Each year students showed a greater interest in the ar ts... Students have also discovered new interests in areas they didn’t know existed. They have even shown interest in joining art programs on a high school level, increasing the possibility of choosing art for future career paths.”
– Richell Hart, JumpStart Theatre Teaching Artist
“ Where do I start?? The invaluable mentorship that was provided through this whole experience this year has changed me forever as a performing arts educator... The joy I saw in the faces of my students has said everything, and I’m so happy to report that all of my students intend to continue in the performing arts!”
– Kasey Viani, Los Coches Creek Middle School Teacher
From students:
“ We’re all just so close this year.”
“ This had become, like, a family.”
“ I have many memories and friendships because of this experience.”
“ This musical is one of the best things I have ever done.”
Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant
ETF continued the vital work of the Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant, presenting the award to four schools. These schools staged a diverse array of plays and musicals, using their productions to foster meaningful community conversations about race and equality.
Pathway mentor and Broadway actor/producer LaChanze traveled to Cincinnati to see Detroit School for the Arts’ Pathway production of The Wiz, giving students an unforgettable opportunity to connect with a legendary working artist. Students had an incredible experience collaborating with professional tech teams comprised of BIPOC technicians and artists, providing them with a tangible pathway to careers in the arts.
KIPP DC College Preparatory brought Chicago: Teen Edition to life, while this fall, Rock Ridge High School staged Prince of Egypt, engaging the community in thoughtful discussions by welcoming faith leaders from the Greek Orthodox Church and a local synagogue.
The
Wiz opened the door for students who never thought of themselves as ‘theatre kids’ to become theatre professionals
.
This show was the gateway to building our theatre program both with par ticipation and financially… Putting these students into leadership positions, with mentors that look like them, is the first step to students believing they can work in the arts and that they belong there.” –Jennifer Leija, Detroit School of the Arts Theatre Teacher
“ This theatre invites people in. Now my senior [citizens] are excited every year to go see whatever Detroit School of the Arts is putting on. It’s become a highlight of their fall and spring.” – Ms. Joan, Catholic Pastoral Alliance
“ All those things make it feel like a real program, because we wouldn’t normally be able to get as many mentors and outside expertise. The kids feel like they’re getting professional training, and it also makes it feel like a community or family when we can hire back student interns that were part of our shows in the past… [giving] them a way to jumpstart their lives and careers.” – Elena Muzzi, KIPP DC College Preparatory Theatre Teacher
Thespian Growth & Excellence Grant
The Thespian Growth & Excellence Grant has transformed theatre programs nationwide, providing crucial resources that enhance student experiences and opportunities. In 2024, we were able to offer financial grants to 18 theatre educators to support their programs and students. These grants supported equipment upgrades, allowed students to travel to see professional theatre, covered fees for teacher training programs, reduced production expenses, and allowed Thespian troupes to be chartered for first-time EdTA member schools facing financial challenges.
We gave away $28,000 in 2024.
All-time total: 349 grants 276 schools $286,167
“ By using the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grant, we were able to take a group of 20 students and chaperones to Chicago to see the professional touring [production] of Harr y Potter & the Cursed Child. For many of our students, it was their first time in a major city and their first time seeing a professional Broadway show.”
– Melissa Baughman, Churubusco High School Theatre Teacher
“ Our Thespian Growth and Excellence Grant helped us purchase a video system, so now the backstage and house crews can actually see what’s happening onstage; it’s made our shows much more professional and a whole lot safer, and we are very grateful.” – Tracy Smith, Aliso Niguel High School Theatre Teacher
Thespy Scholarships
Qualified Thespys® finalists can apply for several scholarships that promote college and career advancement in the arts.
In 2024 we awarded $54,500 to 16 students.
In 2024, we created more touch points for college scholarship winners and a clearer shape to their mentorship experience. We moved to a digital application process, creating increased access to these opportunities for more students. We are grateful to our partners, the Marion Combs family, the Amy Bennett Foundation, Open Jar Institute, the Thornton Wilder Family LLC, and the Grace Kelly Foundation, for their steadfast support of these exceptional Thespians.
Highlights from our 2024 cohort include scholarship winners wowing casting directors at the Open Jar Institute, a Broadway summer intensive in NYC, our first cohort of Grace Kelly College Scholarship winners starting their senior year, one of our Marion Combs Career Inspiration Scholarship winners joining us in person at ITF due to the generosity of the Combs family, and the Amy Bennett Foundation team sharing the good news directly with their winner.
Your generosity will undoubtedly have a profound impact on my journey, enabling me to further develop my skills and creativity.”
– Liam Redford, Grace Kelly College Scholarship winner
“ Your generosity is making it possible for me to focus on my studies and grow as an actor in an environment that values diversity and creativity. Your belief in supporting BIPOC individuals like myself is incredibly empowering, and I am deeply moved by your commitment to fostering diversity in the arts. This scholarship is not only a gift of financial aid but a testament to the belief that talent and dedication should transcend financial barriers. Thank you for this incredible opportunity that will undoubtedly shape my future in the arts.”
– Phoenix Carroll, Marion Combs Career Inspiration Scholarship winner
ETF Scholarships
In 2024, ETF was proud to award many individual college scholarships to deserving students. We support students who are continuing on in their artistry with scholarships like the Mark Drum and the Dr. Kenny J. Hasija Scholarships, students who want to pursue teaching theatre through scholarships like the Gai Laing Jones and Future Theatre Educator Scholarships, and students who will take the crucial skills and creativity built in their school theatre programs into other fields through our many leadership scholarships.
“ This is exactly the kind of artist I’d like to be, and how I believe I can honor Dr. Hasija: by using my art to tell the stories of underrepresented voices, to shift narratives of bias and bigotry, and combatting these systems of oppression with kindness, love, and art.”
– Evan McCreary, Dr. Kenny J. Hasija winner
“ It is my hope by attempting a career in performing arts, I will be able to bring courage and inspiration to the next generation of Asian American and Hawaii-born performers to pursue their dreams.”
– Jaimee Kasadate, Mark Drum winner
“Theatre has changed my life. It has made me a better person, a stronger leader, more confident, and a bigger team player. My ultimate goal is to open a not-for-profit community theatre to give young performers all of the opportunities theatre has given me.”
– Claire Venisnik, Christopher Hunt Leadership winner
Production Grants
In partnership with The Music Man Foundation and MTI, ETF awarded 25 schools $10,000 grants to produce The Unsinkable Molly Brown, incorporating the “share the luck” spirit of the story in the production and surrounding community outreach initiatives. Our Fiddler on the Roof grant, created through the generosity of private funders, helps educate students and communities about Jewish heritage and culture. This year we awarded the grant to three schools.
“ I was moved by how The Unsinkable Molly Brown involved everyone in town. From the fundraisers to the final performance, the spirit of ‘sharing the luck’ was contagious. It reminded me of how important it is to support our young people and their passions.”
– Diane, local business owner
“ Taking part in the fundraiser for Options for Women gave me a real sense of how we can use theatre to make a difference in our community. It reminded me that art isn’t just about entertainment; it can be a force for social change.” – Thea, 12th grade student
Broadway Cares
In a powerful show of unity, ETF joined Broadway Cares to launch a national fundraising campaign at ITF, bringing awareness and resources to theatre programs across the country.
At all Thespian events, Broadway Cares and ETF fundraise together through Broadway Flea Market pop-ups, silent auctions, and onstage appeals. Additionally, schools can create their own Broadway Cares + ETF fundraising events via the ETF website.
In 2024, these combined efforts raised $84,000!
New and Upcoming
In 2025, ETF remains committed to expanding access to quality theatre education nationwide. By supporting the entire theatre education ecosystem, we empower educators to provide transformative experiences for their students every day. Our commitment extends to:
• Students
• Educators & Teaching Artists
• Administrators
• School Communities
• Parents
• Broader Communities
Through our partnership with Disney Theatrical Group, we’ve made the Disney on Broadway School of Excellence program an annual grant opportunity—providing free Disney licenses to more than 20 schools. We’re also developing additional production grants with partners to ensure educators have the resources they need.
ETF is leading the charge in reconnecting with Thespian alumni—because once you’re a theatre kid, you’re always a theatre kid. It has been inspiring to hear from so many alumni and see how their theatre education has shaped their paths, both in and beyond the arts. This work will grow even further in 2025.
Direct support for educators and students remains our top priority, but we’re also expanding efforts to strengthen theatre education at the district and community levels. We are always working to reach more people and build lasting support for theatre education.
Thank you for helping us achieve
