TANYS (Theatre Association of New York State)combines the strengths of two organizations that have served nonprofessional theatre in New York State for a combined total of more than 70 years. TANYS was formed in 1987 when the New York State Theatre Festival Association (NYSTFA) and the New York State Community Theatre Association (NYSCTA).The mission of TANYS is to foster the contribution of theatre to the lives of the citizens of New York State; to promote high standards of theatre practice through education and example; and to encourage exchanges of information and knowledge through people-to-people and theatre-to-theatre exchanges.TANYS is a member of the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) and the Eastern States Theatre Association.