Plano ISD Academy High School was built on the idea of "student-led" innovation. In 2023, we proved that spirit by building a Theater club from the ground up with zero initial support from the school or district. We created this club to provide the theater curriculum that was missing from our campus, working tirelessly through pitching, fundraising, and logistics to prove that Theater is essential to our education.

Through these efforts, we earned our place in the International Thespian Society as Troupe #12505 in early 2025. This success and our continued advocacy directly led to the Theater I elective class for the 2025-2026 school year.

And the results speak for themselves.

During the 2025–2026 school year, support for theater at Academy grew exponentially, making it the program’s most successful year yet. We produced three full productions, including Frozen Jr. this month, and saw increased student involvement, audience turnout, and overall engagement across campus and the community.

Now, that progress is being erased.

Plano Independent School District plans to discontinue the Theater I class after only one year. The reported reasoning? Because Academy High School does not and cannot participate in UIL competitions. This decision ignores the fact that we have a fully qualified teacher ready and able to lead this course, and it disregards the years of work students have put in to make this program a reality.

Why This Matters

• Art is not defined by competition: The value of theater lies in the communication, collaboration, and confidence it builds, not just a UIL trophy.
  
  
• The "A" in STEAM matters: You cannot claim to be a STEAM school while actively dismantling the Arts.
  
  
• Student voice counts: This program exists because students fought for it. Ignoring that support is a dismissal of the "learner-centered" environment PISD promises.

Our Demand

We call on the Plano ISD Fine Arts Department and the Board of Trustees to recognize that Theater I is a vital, thriving part of the Academy High School experience. We demand that the district honor its commitment to STEAM education and keep Theater I as a permanent elective.

Fine arts are essential. Our safe space is essential. Sign to keep Theater I at Academy High School.