by Tina LaPadula, Arts Education Project Manager

Fresh off of mid-winter break, the Seattle Theatre Education Coalition (STEC) hit the ground running with a summit at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute to shine a light on theatre education in Seattle Public Schools (SPS).

As part of The Creative Advantage, STEC is comprised of SPS’ Visual & Performing Arts Program, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, theatre teachers, and local theatre companies including the 5th Avenue Theatre, Intiman Theatre with South End Stories, Seattle Children’s Theatre, and Seattle Rep. Together, STEC strives to build theatre programs and opportunities for SPS youth.

At the summit, STEC reviewed data, discussed programs and partnerships, and began to envision what theatre education could look like five years from now. Out of this will come professional development led by the four theatre companies that will be open to any theatre educator across Washington state, more summits to bring in more perspectives, and a plan for the future.

This work is supported by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and the Arts Department at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction with the goal of sharing with other school districts across the state.