Students at South Middle School in Grants Pass are joining the national grassroots effort called "Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS)" to advocate for the benefits of theater education in schools.
Members of the International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe 11811 are drawing attention to the need for increased access to quality theater programs for all students.
To get the word out, South students are planning youth theater performances at the elementary schools next year to recruit theater club members and raise money for theater scholarships in partnership with the Redwood Foundation, joining local parades, speaking to school board members, writing grants for technical theater equipment and producing a play this spring that is dedicated to their teachers.
ITS is the theater honor society for middle and high school students. These junior thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, communities and with elected officials. The presentations explain how theater education positively shapes students' lives by instilling necessary life skills.
TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards and elected officials to come together and make theater education more available to all students.
To see ITS Troupe 11811 in action, come to "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Your Teachers (But Were Afraid to Ask)" by Jason Pizzarello on May 6th and 7th at 7 p.m. at South Middle School. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online or in advance at the school office.
