MSA Receives National Recognition for Theatre Education Program
The Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA) is one of only 15 schools nationwide named a Premier Community for Theatre Education, a national distinction presented by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) to schools that demonstrate exceptional achievement in providing meaningful, high quality theatre education and access for all students.
The EdTA Premier School recognition honors communities that prioritize theatre education by investing in the people, resources, and support systems that help students thrive through the arts.
“Dr. Brooks has been preparing our students for the world of theatre for many years. Our alumni are working in all areas of theatre all over the world, said Suzanne Hirsch, Ed.D., Executive Director of MSA. “It is an honor for him and our program to be recognized nationally for the work.”
To qualify for the distinction, MSA completed a comprehensive application documenting its support for theatre education in areas including funding, curriculum, instructional time, facilities, student participation, teacher development and evaluation, and overall institutional commitment to the program. All responses were verified with official documentation and reviewed by the Educational Theatre Association.
“Students who are serious about theatre in Mississippi are fortunate to have the opportunity to study in this intensive, creatively enabling environment that makes such recognition possible,” said Robert Brooks, Ph.D., head of the theatre department at MSA.
Research continues to highlight the educational and social-emotional benefits of participating in school theatre. Studies have shown that students involved in theatre programs can develop stronger confidence, creativity, collaboration, resilience, responsibility, and a deeper sense of belonging. Drama-based instruction has also been shown to help students make stronger connections to academic content, while 95% of school administrators believe that theatre experiences improve students’ overall academic skills.
“Theatre education gives students the opportunity to discover their voice, build confidence, and develop skills that serve them for life,” said Jay Gerlach, Interim Executive Director of the Educational Theatre Association. “This recognition celebrates communities that understand theatre is not extracurricular in the traditional sense, but an essential part of a well-rounded education.”