- THEATRE is a powerful tool for understanding the human condition.
- The future of THEATRE in our society is dependent upon theatre education.
- Students of THEATRE acquire personal resources and life skills through intellectual, aesthetic, physical and emotional development.
- DRAMA/THEATRE instruction is an essential part of a K-12 education for all students.
- Opportunities for DRAMA/THEATRE instruction and EDUCATIONAL THEATRE instruction are essential at the college and university level.
- A strong statewide organization is necessary to advocate DRAMA/THEATRE EDUCATION in New York State.
- THEATRE Educators benefit from networking and sharing resources.
- THEATRE flourishes in a society where it is supported in the schools.
- Advocates drama/theatre in our schools and communities on state and local levels
- Addresses state mandates and drama/theatre education by addressing curriculum development, assessment issues, standards, and certification/licensing.
- Sponsors an annual state-wide conference featuring such speakers as Arthur Kopit, Sigourney Weaver, Joseph Papp, Christopher Reeve, Paul Sills, B.D, Wong, Gene Saks, Tony Randall, Aurand Harris, and Elizabeth Swados.
- Creates networking opportunities by promoting regional chapters and mini-conferences
- Publishes a quarterly member newsletter of events and news statewide.
- Presents awards recognizing outstanding drama/theatre professionals, students, and programs throughout New York State.
Click here for a list of NYSTEA Officers and Trustees.
Each year an at the Annual Educators Conferenceseveral awards are presented to persons who have played a significant role in the world of theatre, be it educational or professional. These awards are:
The Rod Marriott Award:
The Rod Marriott Award is presented for lifetime achievement in educational theatre. Rod Marriot (1938-1990) was a founding member of NYSTEA, Associate Director of Circle Repertory Company, Artistic Director of New York Summer School of the Arts, Director, Instructor, and a man with a vision.
Past winners:
1991- Coral Crosman
- 1992- Nellie McCaslin
- 1993-Milton Polsky
- 1994- Charles Trupia
- 1995-Bob Smythe
- 1996-Sir Mortimer Clark
- 1997- Rosemary Evaul
- 1998- Hazel Goldstein
- 2000- Gail Nelli
- 2001-Arthur Storch
- 2002-Dale Zurbrick
- 2003- Sally-Anne Milgrim
- 2004- Janet Susin
- 2006- Judi Paseltiner
The Administrator of the Year Award:
The Administrator of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has actively demonstrated a commitment to theatre education in a New York State school.
Other Awards:
The Lifetime Achievement Award and other awards are determined on an individual basis.
Award Selection:
The selection of candidates to receive conference awards is made by the NYSTEA Board
of Trustees, following submission of nominations from the membership.
