EdTA Announces 2026 Award Winners Honoring Excellence in Theatre Education

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Lilli Cooper and Cayleigh Capaldi will host ceremonies honoring sixteen individuals and three schools.

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The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) has revealed the 2026 recipients of its annual awards, recognizing educators, administrators, researchers, advocates, alumni, and schools whose work has made an extraordinary impact on theatre education.

Recipients will be celebrated during EdTA's two signature events: the Educator Appreciation Dinner at the International Thespian Festival (June 21–26 in Bloomington, Indiana), hosted by Cayleigh Capaldi , and the EdTA Awards for Excellence in Theatre Education ceremony at the Theatre Education Conference (July 22–24 in New York City), hosted by Broadway's Lilli Cooper .

This year's awards program reflects EdTA's continued investment in recognizing excellence across the field, including several newer honors introduced to celebrate emerging educators, teaching artists, researchers, and alumni whose work is shaping the future of theatre education. The 2026 awards also mark a new partnership with the Children's Theatre Foundation of America to present the prestigious Reba R. Robertson Award.

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Presented in partnership with CTFA, this biennial award honors a public high school theatre or drama teacher who demonstrates artistic excellence, mentorship, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recognizes outstanding school or district administrators who have demonstrated exemplary support for educational theatre programs.

Presented annually to a graduate student, pre-service teacher, or early-career theatre educator who demonstrates innovation, service, and impact in advancing theatre education in schools and communities.

Presented to an individual or group whose work has significantly advanced theatre education, research, and practice.

Honors longtime EdTA members who have dedicated their careers to promoting and advancing the field of educational theatre.

Presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the association, its volunteer leadership, and its mission.

Presented annually to recognize outstanding scholarship in theatre education, honoring a leading researcher and an author whose work advances the field.

Presented annually to a teaching artist employed by a regional theatre, arts organization, or working independently whose work in schools or communities reflects creativity, commitment, and significant contribution to theatre education.

This award celebrates educators who inspire their students and are deeply committed to providing quality theatre education.

Honors Thespian alumni who exemplify how the lessons and skills gained through school theatre lead to meaningful contributions in adulthood.

Three schools have been named recipients of the Theatre in Our Schools Outstanding Impact Award for their advocacy efforts during Theatre In Our Schools Month this past March. Winners receive a prize package courtesy of Disney Theatrical Group and Music Theatre International.

The recipient of the Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, presented in partnership with The ASCAP Foundation, will be announced soon.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/cincinnati/article/EdTA-Reveals-2026-Annual-Award-Recipients-in-Theatre-Education-20260513)._