The purpose of the organization is to advance and improve the purposes of the Educational Theatre Association and The International Thespian Society by promoting educational theatre in this state and by teaching, educating and instructing students in the performing arts and related subjects.

The Educational Theatre Association creates an artistic, educational and professional network for theatre arts educators, students, professionals, and enthusiasts to share ideas and support the effort to have theatre arts education (including film, television, and other related media) recognized in all phases of education and lifelong learning.

A. In the area of student development, the Association seeks to increase the students' personal skills and knowledge of theatre arts by:

Recognizing their achievement in the theatre arts.

Providing them with first-rate leadership and learning opportunities.

Offering educational resources that will increase their understanding of theatre.

B. EdTA's teacher development efforts are designed to provide educators with the chance to develop the skills necessary to teach and to perform theatre by:

Offering in-service training opportunities.

Publishing classroom and teaching resource materials.

Developing information and support networks.

C. EdTA's advocacy programs are intended to increase support for the theatre arts in school systems by:

Communicating the importance of theatre arts in the learning process.

Providing information to the public about the art form. 

I promise to uphold the aims and ideals of the International Thespian Society. I am a student of the theatre and excellence is my ideal. I promise to perform my part as well as I can; to accept praise and criticism with grace; to cooperate with my fellow Thespians and work for the good of the Troupe; and to share my love of theatre.