Jan. 31, 2024—CFISD has earned the Texas Thespians Premiere Communities for Theatre Education Award. The award recognizes and honors school districts that provide theatre programs with resources to achieve above standard ratings, as rooted in the Educational Theatre Association’s Opportunity to Learn Standards, Texas Theatre Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Fine Arts and support of International Thespian Society Troupe involvement.
To qualify for the prestigious award, CFISD answered detailed questions about curriculum, scheduling standards, class sizes, facilities, theatre safety, technical equipment, production elements, overall support for the theatre program and Thespian troupe involvement. Responses were verified and reviewed by Texas Theatre Education specialists.
“Being named a Premiere Community for Theatre Education is a testament to the outstanding work and dedication of our theatre educators and students,” said Kelley Hughes, coordinator of secondary fine arts. “Theatre is a transformative experience for many students, incorporating creative and technical skills across many learning disciplines. I am truly grateful for all the work and time our teachers and students put into theatrical productions, contests, competitions and service to the community.”
Texas Thespians, an affiliate chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), is the largest chapter in the nation. With more than 600 troupes, Texas Thespians represents more than 16,000 middle school and high school students. Texas Thespians offers educational festivals, workshops and competitions for students, as well as conferences and professional development for teachers and administrators.
“It warms my heart to see CFISD recognized as a Texas Thespians Premiere Community for Theatre Education,” said Sky Chapa, Cy-Fair High School head theatre director. “As a former CFISD student and now teacher, I have had the privilege of experiencing the power and quality of theatre education in our district for many years. Theatre provides students the opportunity to not only express themselves and create, but also with transferable life skills they can take beyond high school into various careers. Our district and our theatre teachers go above and beyond to make this happen. I am grateful to be a teacher in CFISD and for all the theatre teachers in our district creating this community.”