SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 76

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

219th LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED MARCH 19, 2020

Sponsored by:

Senator  TROY SINGLETON

District 7 (Burlington)

SYNOPSIS

     Designates March of each year as "Theatre in Our Schools Month."

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

A Joint Resolution designating March of each year as "Theatre in Our Schools Month."

Whereas, New Jersey has a rich history of supporting and encouraging theatre education in schools; and

Whereas, This history can be seen in the work of the outstanding performers from New Jersey with stellar careers in the theatre, including Paul Robeson, Phyllis Newman, Bebe Neuwirth, Nathan Lane, Meryl Streep, and Frank Langella; and

Whereas, The Educational Theatre Association has proclaimed March as Theatre in Our Schools Month, and its State chapter, the New Jersey Thespians, supports this designation; and

Whereas, Through theatre education, students learn to become effective communicators and strong leaders, while also strengthening their self-confidence, creativity, sense of community, and sense of empathy; and

Whereas, Theatre education teaches skills that are not only valuable for success in the work place, but also skills that may be linked to life-long well-being and health; and

Whereas, A month dedicated to theatre education recognizes the positive impact that theatre education has on our communities and on our students and helps to raise awareness regarding the need for access to quality programs for all students; and

Whereas, "Theatre in Our Schools Month" aims to encourage continued investment in and support of theatre programs across New Jersey, as well as recognize theatre education as an integral part of student development and future success; now, therefore,

     Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

     1.    The month of March of each year is designated as "Theatre in Our Schools Month" in order to promote continued support of theatre education and recognize theatre education as an integral part of student development and future success.

     2.    The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the month of March as "Theatre in Our Schools Month" and call upon public officials and the residents of New Jersey to observe the month of March with appropriate activities and programs.

     3.    This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

     This joint resolution designates the month of March of each year as "Theatre in Our Schools Month."

     New Jersey has a rich history of supporting and encouraging theatre education in schools, which provides students with life skills that contribute to a student's future success. Through theatre education, students learn to become effective communicators and strong leaders, while also strengthening their self-confidence, creativity, sense of community, and sense of empathy. By recognizing March as "Theatre in Our Schools Month," New Jersey will continue its tradition of supporting and encouraging participation in theatre education.