Event Date: Friday May 15 & 16, 2026 (Registration Deadline: May 4)
We are delighted to invite you to the Drama for Schools Symposium: Celebrating 20 Years of DFS and Beyond, at the University of Texas at Austin on May 15–16, 2026. The Drama for Schools Symposium will bring together university faculty and students, teaching artists, and K-12 educators from Texas and around the globe to explore how drama-based pedagogy can support more welcoming, equitable, and engaged classrooms. Come for one day or both! Registration is only $50 a day and includes breakfast and lunch! The event is co-sponsored by Texas Global, OVPR, CoFA, CREEES Center, and the Clarke Center.
The Symposium will feature sessions focused on K-12 and university teaching, teaching English and other languages in higher education, human rights curriculum, arts and health, climate justice, drama in museums, drama as tool for healing-centered engagement amongst many other topics! There is a session in every block that is appropriate for university educators. We have numerous global partners attending (from Australia, Poland, Bosnia, UK, Ireland, Taiwan, Hong Kong) who are eager to set-up partnerships. We have a special discount for UT faculty and students.
We hope you will join us for this inspiring gathering.
REGISTER NOW! Discounts available for the UT Community
- Get a 10% discount for individuals! Use (5COVERED) for one day registration. Use (10COVERED) for two day registration.
- If attending is a financial barrier, please reach out to us. There are further scholarship options; our primary goal is for our community to gather!
Questions? Contact us at: dramaforschools@utexas.edu
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026
F. Loren Winship Drama Building at The University of Texas at Austin
On Friday, the DFS Symposium explores how arts-integrated professional learning can be used to drive educational improvement from within. Through key notes, panel discussions, research talks, and workshops, participants will explore the impact of arts-integrated learning design, facilitation and research in K-12, university and arts organization contexts.
On Saturday, the DFS Symposium focuses on the use of drama-based pedagogy and arts-integrated practice in K-12, university and arts organization classrooms. Beginning with a youth-centered keynote, participants will engage in hands-on discussions, workshops and model lessons as we explore the future of Drama for Schools and beyond.
Admission Details
One day registration: $50. Two day registration: $100.
Light breakfast and lunch provided. Parking available if needed.
Registration closes May 4, 2026.
Sponsored by:Dept. of Theatre and Dance, Texas Global, OVPR, CoFA, CREEES Center, and the Clarke Center