Programs

TTEA responds to this systemic gap by providing high-quality, accessible professional development, mentorship, and student recognition through programs such as the All-State Theatre Auditions and Conference. These efforts connect students and teachers to statewide networks and begin to build community across school affiliations and district lines.

Professional Development

To further address geographic disparities, TTEA partners with the Unified Vision consortium, a rural professional development initiative bringing multi-disciplinary arts specific training to underserved educators at rural sites across the state. Professional Development Workshops, offered virtually and at statewide events like the All State Theatre Conference, Tennessee Thespian Conference and Tennessee Theatre Association Conference, have focused on curriculum design, special needs inclusion, lighting, directing, student leadership, and technical theatre. All training is free and designed to be immediately usable in Tennessee classrooms.

Project Connect

Working with a consortium of 10 arts education organizations across the state, including Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts and Tennessee Arts Academy, we  created and maintain Project Connect, a growing directory of over 650 Tennessee theatre educators, built to improve connection, advocacy, and information sharing across districts. These tools are vital for isolated teachers, particularly in communities where they may be the sole theatre educator or must advocate alone for program resources.

All State Theatre

The All-State Theatre Auditions, held at Middle Tennessee State University in partnership with the Tennessee State Thespian Conference, brings together nearly 800 students from 80 schools. Students audition in Acting, Musical Theatre, Playwriting, and Design/Tech and were evaluated by 26 college and professional adjudicators from nine states. Juniors and seniors engaged in a college fair while ninth and tenth graders received detailed written feedback. The top 10% in each category earned All-State Distinction; top 20% by region earned Regional Distinction.  The All-State Theatre Conference features in-depth workshops with acclaimed artists including Tony award nominated designer Kevin Rigdon, Jon Royal, Jack Sippel, and Shawn Whitsell. Students built community and showcase their work for the public. Teachers have the opportunity earn 8 hours of  free high-quality professional development from regional and national presenters.

An example of our impact: 

A rural high school teacher from West Tennessee, new to the profession and without a formal theatre budget, brought two students to the 2025 All-State Auditions. One student, previously unsure of their future, earned All-State Distinction and spoke with multiple college representatives at the on-site college fair. The teacher participated in free professional development and connected with mentors from other districts. They later shared that they felt “reinvigorated, supported, and no longer isolated.” Both student and teacher left with new tools, a renewed sense of belonging, and a clear path forward.

Research supports that peer collaboration is a key driver of teacher retention and well-being (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017), but also notes that fostering such collaboration is particularly difficult for arts educators (Draves, 2017; Sindberg, 2014, 2016; Stanley et al., 2014). TTEA’s programs are designed to counter this challenge through inclusive, statewide community-building across Tennessee’s three grand divisions.

Ultimately, TTEA builds a more equitable educational landscape, ensuring that every student in Tennessee, regardless of zip code or school budget, has access to inspiring theatre instruction from a teacher who is equipped, confident, and connected to a professional network.

What makes our work unique is that it is educator-led, student-centered, and equity-driven. We are not just producing events, we’re building a statewide movement that says theatre matters, arts education is essential, and every student deserves access to creative opportunity regardless of geography or resources.