Calling All Theatre Teachers: How do I set the stage for a successful drama class from day one?

Welcome to our video series, Calling All Theatre Teachers! In this series we’re going to answer questions that drama teachers have about stepping into a theatre program.

QUESTION: This is my first year teaching. How do I get off on the right foot with students? I want drama class to be fun but I also don’t want to be seen as a pushover.

Watch the video to see Laramie’s answer to this question. He has a philosophy on how to present himself in the drama classroom that is both “friendly” and “firm.”

Click the link below for a Reflection about your teaching theatre philosophy.

In your opinion, what should be a teacher’s relationship to their students?

This series is hosted by Lindsay Price and Laramie Dean. Lindsay has been in theatre education for 30 years, writing plays and classroom resources specifically for middle and high school through Theatrefolk (Check out Lindsay and Laramie’s The Ultimate Classroom Playwriting Resource) and co-creating the Drama Teacher Academy.

Laramie has been teaching theatre since 2003 and writing since he could first wrap his fingers around a pencil. (Check out Laramie’s Theatrefolk plays!) Currently he’s the theatre director at Hellgate High School in Missoula, Montana, where he’s worked for the last 12 years.