Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, Inc.

The Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, Inc. (METG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing excellence, access, and education in the theatrical arts for middle and secondary school students and teachers across Massachusetts. Established in 1931 as "Massachusetts Drama Day," METG has evolved significantly over the years.

Mission

The METG's mission is to foster a supportive environment where young people can explore their artistic talents, develop skills in various aspects of theater, and build confidence through performance and production experiences. It emphasizes the transformative power of theater in enriching and shaping the lives of young participants.

History

METG began with a small group of schools participating in its inaugural event in 1931. Over the years, it has grown to include more than 180 schools across Massachusetts, offering a range of activities and events that cater to both competitive and non-competitive needs. In 1989, METG was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization, and by 1999, it had merged with the Massachusetts Middle School Drama Festival, expanding its scope to include middle school programs. In 2010, the organization changed its name to the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, Inc.

Key Initiatives and Events

• State Drama Festivals: METG's largest annual events, where schools perform one-act plays that are adjudicated by theater professionals, providing valuable educational feedback to participants.
• Workshops and Masterclasses: The organization offers skill-building opportunities in acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theater, enhancing the educational experience for its members.
• Boston Theater Initiative: Launched in 2013, this initiative partners with urban schools to introduce and support theater activities, ensuring broader access to theatrical arts education.

Impact

METG's contributions to arts education have been profound, fostering a sense of community among students and educators alike. Alumni and participants often cite their experiences with METG as pivotal in fostering their passion for theater and providing a sense of belonging. Through its extensive network of member schools, METG continues to reinforce the importance of theater in education and youth development.

Partnerships and Support

METG enjoys partnerships with major organizations such as Broadway In Boston, which have enabled the introduction of new educational projects offering professional feedback to middle and high school productions. Its long-standing corporate partnerships have helped sustain its programs over the years.

Governance and Structure

As a nonprofit organization with an EIN of 22-3014821, METG is governed by its mission to promote theatrical arts education, supported by a structure that includes various committees and advisory bodies to ensure its programs meet the evolving needs of its members.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Educational_Theater_Guild [2] https://metg.org/documents/METG-brochure-low-res-20182.pdf [3] https://www.stjohnsprep.org/school-life/news-and-publications/details/~board/school-news/post/drama-guild [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/22-3014821 [5] https://www.cience.com/company/massachusetts-educational-theater-guild/-773757139657094450