Implementing the Theatre TEKS presents an opportunity for educators, schools, and districts to rethink how we teach theatre. Theatre must be taught in Texas public elementary and middle schools while high schools must offer two of the four fine arts areas defined by the TEKS: art, music, theatre, or dance.

The following ideas on building strong theatre programs are suggested to guide those involved in the process of aligning theatre curricula with the Theatre TEKS and redefining the role of theatre in public education:

• Theatre classes are designed to teach all students the Theatre TEKS and the strong thinking and problem-solving skills developed in comprehensive theatre programs. Theatre classes are not intended to be performance-oriented classes only for highly motivated students.
• Theatre curricula teach the concepts and skills of theatre. Districts and teachers practicing interdisciplinary instruction should make sure that each curricular area retains its integrity as defined by the TEKS.
• Theatre curricula based on the TEKS promote students’ creative and critical thinking skills. Curricula should lead to instruction that helps students develop initiative, self-confidence, imagination, and originality; curricula that leads to excessive competition may deter students from acquiring the knowledge and skills set forth in the Theatre TEKS.
• The TEKS organize theatre education into four strands: perception, creative expression/performance, historical/cultural heritage, and response/evaluation. Though some courses or instructional units may differ in the amount of time they devote to each strand, curriculum developers should strive to integrate all four strands equally into the overall theatre program.
• Theatre programs that present knowledge and skills in the sequential, scaffolded order of the TEKS ensure that students have the best opportunity to build the strong thinking, performing, and evaluating skills necessary for successful achievement in theatre.