Recipients of the 2025 Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) Awards have been revealed, with theatre writer-advocate Howard Sherman receiving the International Thespian Society's Honorary Thespian of the Year honor. The distinction recognizes people who go above and beyond in the service of advancing theatre education.
Additional winners include Sara Huckbody of Durham, North Carolina's C.E. Jordan High School, winning the EdTA Administrator's Award; Noel Barry of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida's Pine Crest School, winning the EdTA Inspirational Theatre Educator Award; and Paper Mill Playhouse Director of Education Paul McGinley, winning the EdTA President's Award. The group will also add two new names to its EdTA Hall of Fame: Jo Beth Gonzalez of Bowling Green, Ohio's Bowling Green High School; and Todd Schnake of Peculiar, Missouri's Raymore-Peculiar High School.
Winning the Theatre in Our Schools Outstanding Impact Award, in recognition of advocacy efforts, are Allen Park High School in Allen Park, Michigan; Floyd Central High School in Floyd Knobs, Indiana; Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Florida; and Seaman High School in Topeka, Kansas.
All recipients will be recognized at the Educator Appreciation Dinner at EdTA's Theatre Education Conference, held June 22-24 in Bloomington, Indiana. The event will also include two-time Tony winner Shaina Taub (Suffs) receiving the 2025 Educational Theatre Association Founders' Award, as previously announced. The evening will be hosted by Broadway actor Kimberly Marable (Hadestown), and will feature an appearance from Wicked songwriter Stephen Schwartz.
鈥淭hese awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals and schools who remind us why theatre education matters,鈥� says EdTA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Katona in a statement. 鈥淭heatre programs give students space to be their authentic selves in environments that are creative, safe, and supportive. The educators, administrators, advocates, and schools we honor are ensuring these programs not only continue but thrive as a vital part of every student鈥檚 education. Their passion and commitment help build classrooms and communities where creativity and empathy flourish.鈥�
Still to be announced is the winner of this year's Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award.
Held onsite at EdTA's International Thespian Festival, the three-day Theatre Education Conference features workshops, research roundtables, mentorship opportunities, an early-career track, and networking opportunities for theatre educators. The project aims to give arts educators both professional development and community building opportunities, sparking conversations they hope will lead to artistic renewal.
Those interested in attending can register at .
