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Curriculum & Lesson Planning

Teaching drama made practical.

Explore strategies, ideas, and insights to help you plan, teach, and inspire with confidence.

Playwriting

20 Character Profile Questions

One of the most important elements when writing a play or a story is creating characters that feel three-dimensional and real. You can help your students flesh out their characters with some...
Games & Exercises

Distance Learning: Larger Projects and ISPs

The exercises listed below can be adapted to distance and online learning opportunities. Students work individually (rather than with partners or in groups). Group work and discussions can be...
Games & Exercises

Vocal and Physical Performance Exercises

The exercises listed below can be adapted to distance and online learning opportunities. Students work individually (rather than with partners or in groups). Group work and discussions can be...
Curriculum & Lesson Planning

20 Ways To Advocate For Your Program

Advocacy is at the heart of any successful drama program. Your administration needs to know that you are doing valuable and important work in your classroom, and that you, your students, and your...
Curriculum & Lesson Planning

Tips for Success When Tech Isn’t Your Specialty

Technical theatre is not my specialty. I admire the creative types who create artful mood lighting, whip together fabulous costumes, make props with little more than glue and glitter, and build...
Directing & Production

How to Deal With Rehearsal Burnout

Rehearsing for your school production is hard work. There is an abundance of decisions to be made, students to manage, and schedules to maintain. It can be overwhelming to even the most organized...
Directing & Production

Fun Rehearsal Warm-Ups to Get Everyone Ready

Warm-ups are vital for the rehearsal process, to get students’ bodies and minds ready to work. They should include three parts – physical, vocal, and mental. Some students will resist warming up,...
Curriculum & Lesson Planning

20 Ways to Praise Your Students

Let’s face it, we all love praise. Being recognized for our efforts and achievements can reward, motivate and inspire us. As educators, delivering effective praise to our students is an important...
Curriculum & Lesson Planning

20 Self-Care Actions For Drama Teachers

Self-care is not selfish. It is necessary and important to your effectiveness as a teacher, and really is the best gift you can give both yourself and your students. Too busy putting everyone...
Directing & Production

The Importance of the Off-Book Rehearsal

Creating an effective rehearsal schedule is a crucial part of a school production’s success. There are many important rehearsals to allot time for, including this one: the off-book rehearsal. What...
Curriculum & Lesson Planning

Helping Drama Students Succeed Part 4: The Class Clown

This month we’re focusing on helping different types of students in your drama class succeed. In the fourth and final part of this series, we’re focusing on the class clowns. Going back to the High...
Curriculum & Lesson Planning

Helping Drama Students Succeed Part 3: The Introvert

This month we’re focusing on helping different types of students in your drama class succeed. In Part 3 of this series, we’re focusing on the introverts. Going back to the High School Musical...
Curriculum & Lesson Planning

Helping Drama Students Succeed Part 2: The Writer/Composer

This month we’re focusing on helping different types of students in your drama class succeed. In Part 2 of this series, we’re focusing on the writer/composers. Going back to the High School Musical...
Games & Exercises

Exercise: Year-End Reflection

We always ask our drama students to reflect on their experiences, and for good reason. Reflecting helps students gain a deeper understanding of the lessons taught, skills learned, and experiences...