STAGE TUBE: Kelli O'Hara Talks About the Importance of Theatre to Children for THEATRE IN OUR SCHOOLS

Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) is a celebration of theatre in our schools and schools in our theatres. Sponsored by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) and the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the goals of TIOS are to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs in and out of school for all students. While TIOS presentations and advocacy may happen anytime in schools, theatres, and other public spaces, AATE and EdTA will recognize and promote March as the official Theatre In Our Schools month.

Winner of a 2015 Tony for The King and I, Kelli O'Hara, is the 2016 spokesperson for the TIOS Campaign, has recorded a series of PSAs. To promote TIOS she, along with the members of AATE, EdTA and the 100,000 members of International Thespian Society for drama students, will be sharing them on social media.

In her third one, released today, she talks about what theatre means for children. Watch what she has to say, below!

In a recent interview she elaborated saying, "Education is the most essential tool we can use in order to lead a full and passionate life. I learned what it meant to love art, to embrace differences, to break down walls of insecurity, and to grow as an actress and as a person." O'Hara credited her drama teacher, Dixie Lee Jordan, at Deer Creek High School in Edmond, an Oklahoma City suburb.

O'Hara is known by audiences on Broadway and beyond for South Pacific, The Pajama Game and Light in the Piazza, workin the TV series Sex in the City and for her starring role as Mrs. Darling in "Peter Pan Live" on NBC. She is a frequent guest artist on the PBS Memorial Day and July 4th telecasts.