Fort Worth, Texas – January, 17 2025 – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts’ (FWFA) has earned the Texas Thespians Premier Communities for Theatre Education Award. This program recognizes and honors school districts that provide theatre programs with the resources to achieve above standard, as rooted in the Educational Theatre Association’s Opportunity to Learn Standards, Texas Theatre Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts (TEKS), and support of International Thespian Society Troupe involvement.
To qualify for the Texas Thespians Premiere Communities for Theatre Education Award, FWAFA answered detailed questions about curriculum, scheduling standards, class sizes, facilities, theatre safety, technical equipment, production elements, overall support for the theatre program, and Thespian troupe involvement. Responses were verified and reviewed by Texas Theatre Education specialists.
Research on theatre education continues to demonstrate numerous educational benefits across student populations, student age levels, and learning environments. Theatre education provides several social benefits including teamwork skills, how to give and receive constructive criticism, problem-solving, trust, cooperation, and collaboration. Additionally, theatre education helps students develop a strong sense of self, build empathy and understanding amongst peers, and broaden their knowledge of the world around them while preparing them for future careers.
“We are so fortunate to be able to provide theatre education for FWAFA students. Theatre offers multiple facets: it builds confidence, creates poised and articulate students, allows for collaboration and teamwork, and teaches empathy by experiencing diverse perspectives and cultures. Theatre further builds life skills through practical and academic studies – literature, psychology, math, all sciences, history, real-world problem-solving, commitment, motivation, time management, self-discipline, flexibility, and leadership. Theatre builds skills that not only address academic pursuits, but trade skills as well. The theatre student is an empowered, well-rounded individual who has a strong sense of identity and understanding of their place in the world. How proud I am that Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts has earned this prestigious distinction. It is a testament to TCAA and our theatre faculty’s commitment to providing excellence in theatre studies, performances, and space.” – Darla Jones, MA. Theatre Faculty/Department Chair, International Thespian Society Troupe 6391 Director
About Texas Thespians
Texas Thespians, an affiliate chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), is the largest chapter in the nation. The Texas Thespians chapter provides local, state, and regional support for adult members, Thespians, and Junior Thespians. With over 600 troupes, Texas Thespians represent over 16,000 middle school and high school students. Texas Thespians, named an EdTA Gold Honor Chapter, offers educational festivals, workshops, and competitions for students, as well as conferences and professional development for teachers and administrators. As an affiliate of the International Thespian Society, Texas Thespians follows the national model for promoting excellence in theatre education and student achievement. For more information about Texas Thespians, please visit www.texasthespians.org.
ABOUT TEXAS CENTER FOR ARTS + ACADEMICS
Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A) is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to inspire and empower students with a lifelong passion for learning, academic achievement, and artistic excellence. TCA+A manages two charter schools, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of the Arts, three premier choirs, and after-school conservatory programs that provide a vast array of professional training in Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Art. TCA+A is located in the creative hub of Fort Worth, Texas with more than 1,000 youth enrolled in its schools, conservatories, and summer programs annually. To help make our student programs the best they can be for all students, please consider a donation at artsacademics.org.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Flor D. Cabrera | Director of Marketing and Communications | Texas Center for Arts + Academics flor.cabrera@artsacademics.org | 817.766.2390 (ext113)