Glen Cove High School Receives National Recognition for Theatre Education Program

Educational Theatre Association honors outstanding commitment to access, excellence, and opportunity in theatre education

Glen Cove High School has been named a Premier Community for Theatre Education, a national distinction presented by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) to schools that demonstrate exceptional achievement in providing meaningful, high quality theatre education and access for all students. 

The EdTA Premier School recognition honors communities that prioritize theatre education by investing in the people, resources, and support systems that help students thrive through the arts.

“This recognition affirms what we have known in Glen Cove for a long time. The arts are not extra, they are essential. Our theatre program is a place where students take creative risks, find their voice, and grow alongside one another, and this honor really belongs to the students, educators, and families who have built it into what it is today," said Dr. Alexa Doeschner, Superintendent of Schools.

To qualify for the distinction, Glen Cove High School completed a comprehensive application documenting its support for theatre education in areas including funding, curriculum, instructional time, facilities, student participation, teacher development and evaluation, and overall institutional commitment to the program. All responses were verified with official documentation and reviewed by the Educational Theatre Association. 

“Our theatre students are the most dedicated young artists you can find. Our work in the theatre department is successful largely due to their leadership and commitment. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and the value that our District and community place in arts education. We have the best team of educators and students here in Glen Cove!”

Research continues to highlight the educational and social-emotional benefits of participating in school theatre. Studies have shown that students involved in theatre programs can develop stronger confidence, creativity, collaboration, resilience, responsibility, and a deeper sense of belonging. Drama-based instruction has also been shown to help students make stronger connections to academic content, while 95% of school administrators believe that theatre experiences improve students’ overall academic skills.  

“Theatre education gives students the opportunity to discover their voice, build confidence, and develop skills that serve them for life,” said Jay Gerlach, Interim Executive Director of the Educational Theatre Association. “This recognition celebrates communities that understand theatre is not extracurricular in the traditional sense, but an essential part of a well-rounded education.”

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