Calling All Theatre Teachers: What’s the best first unit for a beginner drama class?

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: What should be my first unit with a beginner drama class? Where should I start?

Watch the video to see Laramie’s answer to this question. His first unit connects to the elements of theatre he wants students to learn: body, voice, and imagination.

Click the link below for a page of voice warm-ups!

Where do YOU start with your beginner drama curriculum?

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.