Acting Technique

We all know the magic that happens when students come together, share ideas, and create something bigger than themselves. But what about those moments when students are shy, or groups struggle to...

As theatre educators we understand the importance of making every student feel valued and inspired throughout their theatrical journey. However, we know that students can become discouraged when...

There are various methods of having students audition for your upcoming theatrical production. The most common methods are having students present a prepared monologue and/or song or doing cold...

You’ve chosen your show, purchased the rights, and let your students know about auditions. There’s a lot to prepare, but we are here to help you out! In this article, we’re focusing on a small...

Make no mistake: Drama class is not for the faint of heart. Creating theatre is physically and mentally strenuous and drama students need to be strong. Performing onstage and working backstage are...

If you have a smartphone, it’s a guarantee that you’ve used emojis. Emojis are more than cute graphics on your phone — they’ve evolved into a unique visual language. While emojis themselves are a...

This group exercise has layers. It combines planning, teamwork, performance skills, and introductory sound design. Students will create three tableau scenes to tell stories that evoke various...

This exercise was inspired by one of my favourite theatre games, Tableau Scenes from a Book. If you haven’t tried that game with your students yet, do that first! In the original version of the...

Many students take drama class not because they want to, but because they have to. They might need an arts credit to graduate, or there aren’t any other options for them to have a full class...

You’ve chosen a play, cast your actors, run lines and are preparing for the rise of the curtain. But as opening night approaches the nerves and the butterflies are taking up more stage time for...

The following exercise gives students the opportunity to practice active listening, teamwork, taking direction, and problem solving as a group. Acting as an ensemble with a student director, group...

Do you want your students to show you MORE onstage during a heightened emotional scene? “Joshua, can you be more sad here?” “Sannah, I think your character needs to be more angry right now.” “Lise,...

The following exercise gives students the opportunity to explore different ways of approaching and performing a two-person scene, using two different levels of volume: only whispering and shouting....

Auditions require more than talent. Even the most talented students need confidence, communication, active listening, flexibility, a strong work ethic, and proper preparation. The Audition Toolkit...

Want to give your students some fantastic acting material that they can really sink their dramatic chops into? Consider doing an issue play for your next production. Issue plays explore problems...

Impowerment Improv is not your typical improv resource. Improv Instructor Jennine Profeta will teach you how to validate improv to your administrators as you help students to take risks, embrace...

Have you wondered how to take improv to the next level with your students? Your High School Improv Show Playbook is the “how-to” guide for you! Empower students to present their first improv show...

For the following exercise, students will start by individually creating and analyzing a new character (or analyzing an existing character). Then with a partner, they’ll come up with a scenario in...