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Reinvigorating the Performing Arts: Building Sustainable Programs for Today’s Students and Families
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
Presented by Cassie Epps, Former Educator, Current Account Executive, On The Stage; and Melanie Glazer, Vocal Music Educator, Indian Valley Local Schools (OH)
Sponsored by On The Stage
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Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Today’s performing arts educators are navigating a rapidly changing school environment. Student needs and expectations have evolved, communication with families looks different than it did just a few years ago, and many programs continue to face limited time, staffing, and financial resources. Yet despite these challenges, performing arts programs remain a powerful way to foster creativity, belonging, and student growth.
Join this edWebinar to explore practical strategies for building resilient, sustainable performing arts programs that meet the needs of today’s students and families. You gain insight into current trends affecting arts education and learn actionable approaches to increasing student participation, strengthening community support, and adapting outreach and communication for greater engagement.
You also hear directly from experienced theatre educators who are successfully navigating these challenges in their own schools. Through real-world examples, they share lessons learned, creative solutions, and ideas you can implement in your own program.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine current trends shaping performing arts education and their impact on student engagement
- Identify practical strategies for increasing participation and building long-term program sustainability
- Explore effective approaches for communicating with students, families, and school communities
- Learn how peer educators are adapting their programs to overcome common challenges and strengthen support
Whether you’re looking to grow enrollment, increase community involvement, or future-proof your program, you leave with practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and resources you can put into action right away. This edWebinar is of interest to K-12 theatre educators, performing arts teachers, fine arts coordinators, curriculum leaders, and school administrators.
About the Presenters
Cassie Epps is a theatre educator, director, and passionate advocate for performing arts education. Before joining On The Stage, she spent six years teaching theatre in public schools, where she gained firsthand experience building programs, engaging students, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with arts education. Today, Cassie works with On The Stage, helping educators and theatremakers use technology to strengthen their programs and create meaningful experiences for their students and communities. She continues to teach and direct theatre, bringing both an educator’s perspective and hands-on industry experience to her work.
Melanie Glazer is an Ohio-designated Master Teacher with 26 years at Indian Valley Local Schools, where she serves as Choral Music Educator, Colorguard Advisor, and Drama Advisor. Deeply involved in the performing arts, she has directed over 15 musical productions, coordinates the student-led “May Play,” and frequently collaborates with the Kent-Tusc Performing Arts Center. Her leadership extends across prominent regional and state arts organizations. She serves as Vice President and Education Committee Chair for the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra Board, actively participates in the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA), and collaborates with Music for All. Recognized as the 2023 Arts Educator of the Year by the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership, Melanie also serves as the high school Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator. She holds a BA in music education and a Master of Arts in Education from Muskingum University.
Join the Creative Arts in Education community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
On The Stage is the complete ticketing, marketing, and fundraising platform built specifically for performing arts programs. Whether you’re managing theatre productions, concerts, dance performances, camps, classes, or other fine arts events, On The Stage gives educators everything they need to organize events, engage families, and grow their programs from one easy-to-use platform. Trusted by thousands of schools and arts organizations, On The Stage helps educators simplify event operations, increase community engagement, and support thriving fine arts programs throughout the school year.
