The Canyon View Theater program has been named a Leading Theater Community for Theater Education by the Educational Theater Association.

The Educational Theater Association recognizes individual schools that demonstrate excellence in efforts to provide theater access and education for all students. This is the first year that EdTA has received this award, and Canyon View was the only one in the state to receive it.

Kendra Schroeder, Canyon View Theater Director, said, “Being recognized with this honor is a powerful testament to our community that we have the best in drama education and how the school and district support drama education.”

To qualify for the award, Schroeder answered detailed questions about funding, teacher development and evaluation, theater curriculum and attendance, class time, facilities, and theater program support.

The program hopes to use this award to recruit students from the Agua Fria School District who are interested in making theater a part of their future careers.

The theater program is a relatively new program. The extracurricular program started two and a half years ago and already has 60 students. This new award “allows the program to continue to grow and include more and more students over the years,” Schroeder said.

Research confirms the educational and socio-emotional benefits of participating in school theater. Students who participated in after-school musical theater demonstrated improved confidence, creativity, resilience, responsibility, collaboration, and a sense of community. Another study found that students who received drama classes made better connections to curriculum content. Ninety-five percent of school leaders believe that theater experiences improve students’ overall academic ability.

“EdTA’s vision is for every student to have access to theater education taught by qualified educators as part of a well-rounded education,” said Allison Dolan, EdTA’s chief content officer.

“We are proud to honor Canyon View for helping us achieve this vision.”