The Educational Theatre Association has named Farmingdale High School a recipient of the 2025-2028 Premier Communities for Theatre Education distinction. This prestigious honor marks the first time the theater program at Farmingdale High School has received the award, which recognizes schools that meet or exceed the National Core Arts Standards in Theatre.
As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway to college, the program provides students with academic, creative, and technical skills. Throughout the year, students participate in community projects such as Safe Halloween and the Dalers Deck the Halls Holiday Breakfast, and in student-run performances for elementary schools, as well as in performance competitions/workshops such as Stage The Change, Hofstra Shakespeare Festival, NYSTEA, and the ESAG awards. This spring, the program, in collaboration with the high school after-school theatre club Playcrafters, celebrated a unique collaboration between Director Glen Beck, Music Teacher/Vocal Director Jessica Mischke, and Art Teacher/Set Designer Jamie Capasso for the production of Tuck Everlasting.
"We are incredibly proud of our students and faculty for earning this national recognition," said Director of English Language Arts, Dr. Josh Anisansel. "This award reflects our ongoing mission to provide a rigorous pathway where students gain the technical proficiency and empathy needed to succeed in their future careers."
Farmingdale High School will hold this national distinction for three years. This achievement reinforces the district’s leadership in arts education and strengthens the cultural fabric of the entire Farmingdale community.