The Educational Theatre Association has announced the next slate of New Troupe Charter Grants, which will assist theatre students in financially challenged communities across the U.S.

Funded by Tams-Witmark Music Library, the grants enable schools to fund the charter of an International Thespian Society troupe and induct up to ten students for free.

Participating students are eligible for leadership opportunities, college scholarships, and invitations to perform at state and national venues. The grant program was launched in 2016, and has already impacted more than 200 students in 10 states.

The 2017-18 grant recipients include W. P. Davidson High School (Mobile, Alabama); Arroyo Valley High School (San Bernardino, California); Jurupa Hills High School (Fontana, California); Mira Monte High School (Bakersfield, California); Frankfort Community High School (West Frankfort, Illinois); Cora B. Darling Elementary/Middle School (Postville, Iowa); Russell County High School (Russell Springs, Kentucky); Western Middle School for the Arts (Louisville, Kentucky); Leslie County High School (Hyden, Kentucky); Delhi Charter School (Delhi, Louisiana); Valencia High School (Los Lunas, New Mexico); Harding Fine Arts Academy (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma); Girard High School (Girard, Ohio); Blue Ridge High School (Blue Ridge, Texas); Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Senior High School (Houston, Texas); and Alvin J. Briesemeister Middle School (Seguin, Texas).

Sargent Aborn, president of Tams-Witmark, said in a statement, “It is gratifying to know that in a year we have already helped shape the lives of more than 200 students through this program by enriching their school theatre experience with induction into the International Thespian Society. We wish each and every one of them well throughout their school careers and the rest of their lives.”

For more information visit schooltheatre.org/newtroupegrants.