The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) has added six new members to its board, part of a move to add artists to the roster that will both serve as trustees and high-level mentors and advocates within the industry.

Joining the board are producer Michael Barra; playwright Dipika Guha; actors Carly Hughes and Paolo Montalban; Broadway Media President and Founder Quentin Sanford; and director-choreographer Jeff Whiting.

One of the new board's first initiatives will be establishing the Thornton Wilder Playwriting Award. The honor will bestow young playwrights with a cash award and mentorship from Guha.

"I am thrilled that these six amazing artists and theatre professionals will be joining the Educational Theatre Foundation Board of Trustees as we embark on our next chapter to ensure equal access to quality theatre education for all students across the country," says ETF board chair Matt Conover in a statement. "Access to theatre will allow students the chance to develop life-long skills like collaboration, self-confidence, empathy, and social and self-awareness. I look very much forward to working with Michael, Dipika, Carly, Paolo, Quentin, and Jeff, as well as our current Board members, and know we have only just begun to make a difference."

The foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association, working to provide all students with equitable access to quality theatre education. Visit SchoolTheatre.org.