Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School Receives National Recognition for Theatre Education Program

North Dighton, MA, April 4, 2023 – Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School has been honored with the distinction of being named a Premiere Community for Theatre Education for its outstanding commitment in the field. The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide theatre access and education to all students.

“Theater is an invaluable tool for developing creativity, communication skills, and emotional intelligence in students,” said Superintendent Bill Runey. “Our high school’s distinction of being named a Premiere Community for Theatre Education highlights the DR’s commitment to fostering the Performing Arts and sets a standard of excellence as we are seen as being in elite company.”

DRRHS Principal Gail DeCecco echoed Runey’s sentiments saying, “Ms. LaSalle's knowledge, commitment, professionalism, and passion for the power of the performing arts are qualities she imparts to every student in the theatre program. We are blessed to have her as our Theatre Director. This award recognizes Ms. LaSalle, her students, and the entire DR community that supports our work."

To qualify for the distinction, Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School answered detailed questions about funding, teacher development and evaluation, theatre class curriculum and participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the theatre program. Responses were verified with official documentation and reviewed by the Educational Theatre Association.

Theatre teacher Ellen O’Reilly- LaSalle said,“ theatre education is vital to students because it develops the skills of creativity, analytical thinking, evaluation, and leadership. Our theatre students transfer these skills to other aspects of their lives.”

Research affirms the educational and social-emotional benefits of participating in school theatre. In one study, at-risk middle school students who engaged in an after-school musical theatre program demonstrated improved confidence, creativity, resiliency, responsibility, collaboration, and sense of community. Another study found that students who received drama-based instruction made better connections to the curricular content. 95% of school administrators believe that theatre experiences improve students’ overall academic skills.

Theatre Company President, Kylie Mirra said, “the theatre company does so much more for students than a regular drama club. Every year, it consistently gives students opportunities to gain experience in professional jobs, become award-winning playwrights, and advance to national and international rankings within the International Thespian Society.”

“EdTA’s vision is that every student will have access to theatre education taught by qualified educators as part of a well-rounded education,” said Chief Content Officer Allison Dolan. “We’re proud to honor Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School for helping to achieve that vision.”

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School Theatre Company stages a play, a musical, two one- act plays, and a student written and directed playwriting festival. We offer both beginning and advanced honors level theatre classes. Guest artists working in theatre visit to conduct master workshops. Our students have competed in and won Trinity Rep's Write Here Write Now playwriting contest. We are home to The International Thespian Society Troupe 8193, which is an honor society that recognizes student achievement in theatre. Our students' work appears on the National Core Art Standards website as an exemplar for the country in the category of Advanced Acting. Many of our students study theatre in college and go on to work professionally in the field.

About the Educational Theatre Association
The Educational Theatre Association, home to the Educational Theatre Foundation and International Thespian Society, is an international nonprofit whose mission is shaping lives through theatre education. The foundation provides essential financial support to enhance theatre education, expand access, and foster racial equality. The International Thespian Society, an honor society active in nearly 5,000 schools, has inducted 2.4 million students since 1929.

Visit www.schooltheatre.org to learn how EdTA honors students, supports teachers, and influences public opinion that theatre education is essential for building life skills.