Tam High’s unique theater program, Conservatory Theatre Ensemble (CTE), is a student-operated theatre company. The students run everything from directing and fund-raising to publicity for our productions. Two full-time teachers, Ben Cleaveland and Susan Brashear, direct the program. Students have the opportunity to act, write plays, design lights, create sets, and learn the important skills of leadership in a supportive community-oriented environment.

The cornerstone of our program is the professional guest artist workshops. CTE hires actors, directors, and technicians who are prominent in the theater community to lead small group workshops. Our students learn advanced
techniques and acting skills that high-school drama students around the country could only dream about. CTE is only able to offer this nationally recognized program thanks to membership donations from the Tam community.

Members are a fundamental part of our company. In addition to funding guest artists, member support pays for tech expenses, sets, and costumes. Only five percent of our program budget is funded by the Tam High school district. Members
receive free ticket passes and their names in the programs. Also, donations are tax-deductible.

This year, 400 students are enrolled in ten different drama classes. CTE will produce over sixty-five nights of live theatre. For the students involved, it is not just a class, but a smaller learning community that combines artistic, academic,
and leadership skills. CTE students have gone on to some of the most prominent universities in the nation, and come back to say that their Tam Drama work was their most formative high school experience.

Our goal is for every parent to become a member.