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  • 1.  Title I Schools: Updated Induction Pricing Now Available

    Posted 04-08-2026 16:27
    Edited by Bridget Holmes 04-08-2026 16:26

    Title I schools are now eligible for a reduced Thespian induction rate of $35 per student.

     

    Troupe Directors can qualify by completing the Title I Verification Form and uploading documentation verifying their school's Title I status. Once reviewed and confirmed by the EdTA Membership team, you will receive a discount code by email for $15 off each induction.

     

    Submit the form here:  https://schooltheatre.tfaforms.net/f/title-one-verification

     

    This option is available to both current and prospective EdTA troupes in Title 1 schools seeking to support student participation in Thespian induction.

     

    We recognize that pricing changes this year have been an important topic for many in our community. While we're sharing this specific opportunity here, we encourage feedback to be directed to us at board@schooltheatre.org, where member input is actively reviewed. For questions related to inducting students or for other member support, please email members@schooltheatre.org, and we'd be happy to help.

     

    Thank you for all you do to support theatre education!



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    Bridget Holmes
    Marketing Manager, Educational Theatre Association
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  • 2.  RE: Title I Schools: Updated Induction Pricing Now Available

    Posted 04-09-2026 08:23

    This is a wonderful step in the right direction!  Thank you so much for listening and doing what you can to help our students!!

    Unfortunately, it does not help economically disadvantaged students who happen to be districted for a school that is not Title 1.

     For anyone with students in that situation, please know that it is possible to apply for a Grant from ETF to help. (Specifically, under "Thespian Troupe Expenses"
    up to $1,000. Check it out if you haven't already: https://foundation.schooltheatre.org/grants/thespian-growth-excellence-fund/ )

     However, the application cycle for those grants is currently only Feb 1 to April 1, so it is too late for anyone who didn't know about the increased induction fees this year. (EdTA did send out a thoughtful and thorough explanation/update when the pricing was changed, however, I know that a significant number of troupe directors never received it - possibly due to some school's email network restrictions etc.)



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    Guy Barbato
    Theatre Teacher/Director
    Leonardtown High School
    MD
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  • 3.  RE: Title I Schools: Updated Induction Pricing Now Available

    Posted 04-09-2026 11:18

    I don't suppose anyone knows when those grants will be awarded? We kind of need that information before we have the kids scrape up money



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    Jennifer Wood-Bowien
    Central High School
    TN
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Title I Schools: Updated Induction Pricing Now Available

    Posted 04-09-2026 08:34

    Well that is a nice idea, but not helpful to my school population. In Howard County Maryland there are not any Title 1 schools at the high school level only at the elementary level.  Here is the link to my high school's profile: https://www.hcpss.org/f/schools/profiles/prof_hs_longreach.pdf

    Hcpss remove preview

    As you can see my school has just under half of the students who receive free and reduced lunch based on household income. By increasing induction prices you are not giving an equal opportunity.  Theatre programs can not supplement every child who wants to join ITS and participate in the programs that it provides. 

    Thank you for listening, but there is still more to hear and consider,

    Marla Blasko

     

    Hcpss remove preview

     



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    Marla Blasko
    Director/Teacher Theatre Arts
    Long Reach High School
    Columbia, Maryland
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  • 5.  RE: Title I Schools: Updated Induction Pricing Now Available

    Posted 04-10-2026 13:46

    Based on the fact that nearly half of your students qualify for free or reduced price lunch, your school DOES qualify for title 1 assistance.  I would reach out to the EDTA and ask them to take your case into consideration.

    kdl



    ------------------------------
    Kirk Longhofer
    Theatrical Sound Design, Audio Production, Editing and Engineering
    Systems Design and Consultation
    www.technopraxis.org
    kirk@technoprasix.org
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    Original Message


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