The American Alliance for Theatre and Education’s (AATE) Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) campaign, which takes place each year in March, is designed to help promote theatre for youth at all levels across America. It provides an opportunity for us to celebrate and promote the art of theatre and to remind us that theatre is essential in people’s lives.
To encourage teacher and student participation, AATE hosts an annual TIOS Essay Contest for students in grades K—12. The contest encourages theatre educators and students to discuss, and students to write, about the positive influence theatre has had on their lives and education. The 2009 TIOS theme, “Connecting the Future,” will allow discourse about the impact theatre can have on their school or community in the future.
An outstanding essay from each of four age-group categories will be published in one of AATE’s national journals, and the teachers or directors of these students will be honored with a free one-year membership to AATE. Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Kindergarten through second grade: Write about why theatre is important to you and to your community. What do you think your school or local theatre should do to remind people that theatre and drama are important? Describe your idea in your essay. You may also include a drawing or illustration of your idea. 75 word minimum.
- Third through fifth grades: Why is theatre important to you and to your community? What do you think your school or local theatre should do to remind people of the importance of theatre arts? Write a clear and specific description of your ideas(s).You may include a drawing or illustration (up to 8.5 by 11 inches in size) with your essay. 200-500 words.
- Sixth through eighth grades: Why is it important that your community encourage the growth and positive impact of theatre in your school? What steps could your school or community take to do so? Please be specific in your description of a clear idea and/or collaboration. You may include a drawing or illustration with your essay (up to 8.5 by 11 inches in size) that represents your idea, including a logo, photo, design, or symbol. 350-800 words.
- Ninth through twelfth grades: Why is it important that your community encourage the growth and positive impact of theatre in your area? What steps could your school, community, or local theatre take to do so? Please be specific in your description of a clear idea and/or collaboration. You may include a drawing or illustration with your essay (up to 8.5 by 11 inches in size) that represents your idea, such as a logo or symbol. 700-1250 words.
Complete submission rules and eligibility details can be found on the AATE website at http://www.aate.com/TIOSPressRelease.html or by calling The AATE National Office at (301) 951-7977. All submissions can be emailed to TIOSEssayContest@aate.com, and must be postmarked or received between March 1, 2007 and March 31, 2009. Winners will be announced June, 2009.
Demonstrate your support for theatre and education by participating in Theatre In Our Schools Month. Visit the AATE Website (www.aate.com) to learn more about other TIOS events, for TIOS resources, and recommended ways to celebrate. Through the AATE website, you can also find contact information for your state representative and participate in a local event, or craft and implement your own celebration of the importance of Theatre In Our Schools!
