How to Engage the Non-Theatre Student

If you have taught theatre for any length of time you have encountered a “non-theatre student.” It could be a student looking for an easy A, someone who needed to fill an arts requirement for graduation, or simply the path of least resistance in an incomplete schedule. No matter what the circumstances may be, the question is the same: How do you get that student interested in your class? Here are three strategies to engage a non-theatre student.

1. Welcome everyone.

Oftentimes a student is not engaged in drama class because they feel like an outsider. There are plenty of students in your classroom who DO want to be there, and it’s easy (and natural) to focus on those students and exclude others. Unfortunately, that approach becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: Students are ignored, feel invisible, and are justified in feeling like outsiders.

To address this issue, work to make your classroom a supportive, welcoming space. Treat all students who come through your door equally. Conscientiously invite students who may seem hesitant or standoffish to participate, but don’t force them; they will be more willing to participate as they get more comfortable in your class. More than anything, encourage all students to support each other. This will create an environment that builds ensemble and helps all students feel a sense of belonging.

2. Explain the Why.

For many students, the biggest obstacle to engaging in theatre class is a lack of understanding what they’re learning. If a student thinks that the only reason to take a theatre class is to eventually end up on Broadway, then what’s the point? That’s why you need to explain the Why. What theatre REALLY teaches are real-life skills that are valuable no matter what career you pursue. Once students realize what they actually learn in theatre, they will see your class in a different light, and so will their parents.

Drill into your students that theatre teaches public speaking, leadership, creative problem solving, and dozens of other useful so-called “soft skills.” These skills are highly prized in professional work environments, in addition to being beneficial in everyday life. Once students realize that participating in theatre is a valuable tool for improving personal and professional social skills, they are more likely to be engaged in classroom activities.

3. Change it up.

All theatre teachers know: Acting is not for everyone. From simple self-consciousness to full-blown stage fright, there are students who have ZERO interest being on stage. So it makes sense that if these students believe theatre = acting, they are not going to engage. (And who can blame them?) However, the theatre curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, from carpentry to costume design, literature to playwriting. Therefore, if a student is not interested in one area of theatre, help them explore a different one!

Theatre examines the entirety of the human condition, so odds are there is SOMETHING they are interested in. Acting may not appeal to a shy student, but when the subject changes to design or tech, they may suddenly explode with interest and excitement. A change in subject may very well lead to a change of heart!

Additional Reading:
Three Ways to Engage a Large Drama Class
Using Pop Culture to Engage Drama Students