A large group of young people posed on outdoor stairs with tall buildings in the background. Several women in the front row wear yellow sashes, and some in the back are wearing name tags.

Student Resources

This slide deck was developed by WA STO for Camp Thespis 2025 to empower student leaders to use their voices and creativity to advocate on behalf of their troupes.

Advocacy for your Troupe: Student Leader Toolkit

State and National Advocacy Resources

  • A man stands on stage holding a microphone and a folder, speaking in front of a large presentation slide with notes and decorative sticky notes, in a theater or auditorium.

    WA STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL 2024

    Resources and Slidedeck from Miranda Hein and ArtsEd Washington from the 2024 State Thespian Festival.

    ArtsEd WA Slidedeck & Resources
  • A woman giving a presentation on stage with a slide showing a map of Washington State divided into regions, alongside a handwritten note titled 'Who's asking and who's answering?' listing five points.

    STATE ADVOCACY

    When advocating, it’s important to know your sphere of influence. Teachers, students, parents, and community members all have the power to influence decision makers — so enlist them all in your efforts. For example, you may find that parents’ voices help sway the school board in a more powerful way than yours alone.

    EdTA State Advocacy
  • Five women on stage during a presentation about arts advocacy, with a large screen behind them displaying a slide titled 'Using Your Voice for Arts Advocacy: Why does it matter and what can we do?' Two yellow sticky notes with smiley face and 'AEWA' are attached to the sheet. The women are wearing sashes and holding papers or devices.

    NATIONAL ADVOCACY

    In the rapidly changing landscape of education, it’s often important to frame your local and state-based advocacy with a big-picture perspective. Issues and policy decisions made at the federal level can have a direct impact on what happens in your state, district, and even in your theatre program. Knowing and stating that your national arts education organization is invested in important efforts in support of arts educators and students can help strengthen your advocacy position and credibility.

    EdTA National Advocacy
  • A woman with braided hair, wearing a blue shirt, writing a letter on white paper while sitting in a theater or auditorium.

    EdTA ADVOCACY COMMUNITY

    Have an advocacy need or a question? Wondering about policy, legislation, or issues in your region, state, or district? Contact us, and we’ll connect you to an advocate.

    EdTA Advocacy Callboard
  • A group of twelve people, including men and women, posing for a photo in an auditorium with red seats and a high ceiling.

    AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS

    Our mission is to build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in America.

    Connecting your best ideas and leaders from the arts, communities, and business, together we can work to ensure that every American has access to the transformative power of the arts.

    AFTA