Credit: Submitted
The Harry S. Truman High School theater program was recognized recently with the Outstanding School Award by the The Educational Theatre Association.
Truman won the award along with Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska; New Albany High School in New Albany, Indiana; and Olathe South High School in Olathe, Kansas.
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The Educational Theatre Association’s information on Truman:
The Harry S. Truman High School theater program, home to Thespian Troupe 5008 under the direction of Tracey Gatte, was recognized for creating a professional theater environment. Truman’s theater program is the high school’s most popular and largest curriculum elective. In the 2018-19 school year Truman produced five musical productions including the premiere high school pilot production of Broadway’s Kinky Boots. Nationally known for its productions, Truman previously piloted Les Misérables, Rent and Spring Awakening. Next year Truman will have two full time theater teachers offering Pre-AP theatre courses for 9th – 12th grade. Gatte hopes the Pre-AP courses developed by the College Board, will inspire students to think of theater as the bridge to developing skills for life. Thespian Troupe 5008 was also the school inspiration behind “Rise,” the NBC TV series about former Truman drama teacher, and EdTA Hall of Fame member, Lou Volpe.
“In honoring the program and curriculum that Lou Volpe created, Truman’s courses and co-curricular program still remain the consistent success at Truman HS and an example of a program that welcomes all and teaches applicable skills in all areas of education,” Gatte told LevittownNow.com.
The Educational Theatre Association is a nonprofit that promote theater in schools and is home to the International Thespian Society.
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