The Blinn College District has received the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s (TxETA) prestigious Award of Distinction, one of the highest honors given by the Association. Blinn is one of four TxETA Exemplary Higher Education Programs, recognizing outstanding contributions to raising standards for theatre education. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our students and theatre arts faculty to both excellence and creativity,” said Debbi Vavra, Dean of Arts, Kinesiology, and Agriculture. “We are proud to be recognized for the positive impact our Theatre Arts Program has on our college, our community, and theatre education across Texas.” Blinn will be among the schools honored Oct. 2 at TxETA’s annual TheatreFest conference in Galveston. “We applaud Blinn for its remarkable efforts in promoting theatre arts,” said Travis Springfield, TxETA past president. “Its program serves as a model of creativity, community, and educational excellence.” To earn an Award of Distinction, schools must annually submit a detailed application demonstrating their dedication to theatre. Points are awarded on a range of criteria, including: quality and quantity of theatrical performances, a robust play library and access to acting spaces, community and administrative support for theatre programs, student involvement in University Interscholastic League contests, participation in theatre design competitions, and theatre technology. The Award of Distinction is a tiered honor, with levels ranging from Recognized to Exemplary. More than 180 campuses, colleges, and school districts submitted applications to be recognized through the Awards of Distinction program. Blinn’s Theatre Arts Program cultivates a quality educational foundation of study, application, and experience through a wide range of performance, technical, and production studies. Its Associate of Arts degree plan integrates artistic, technical, and academic disciplines of theatre from the classroom to the stage. Students have an opportunity to audition for a variety of performances related to drama and theatre, and are prepared to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Courses and performance opportunities are offered at Blinn’s campuses in Brenham and Bryan. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/theatre.
