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Organized Chaos: Discipline in the Theatre Classroom

Created by Matt Webster

To the outside observer, theatre classes often appear to be chaotic and lawless. However, successful theatre teachers know how to maintain control of their classrooms.

Organized Chaos: Discipline in the Theatre Classroom will give you tools and strategies to prepare you for challenges you may face as you step up in front of a class of students and introduce them to the art of theatre.

Whether you are a student teacher finishing college, a first-year teacher just starting out in the classroom, or an established teacher with a few years of experience under your belt, these lessons will provide insight and support as you establish discipline in your classroom.

10 Modules
2 hours, 49 minutes
6 Credit Hours

Course Outline

Lesson 0: Introduction 4:31 FREE PREVIEW
Lesson 1: Defining The Place Where You Teach 27:09 FREE PREVIEW
How you set up your teaching space will have a direct impact on your ability to control your classes. In this lesson, you will learn how to set up your classroom to avoid conflict and chaos while teaching.
Lesson 2: Curriculum - A Double Edged Sword 10:56
There is no standard curriculum for theatre. Therefore, every theatre teacher is responsible for generating the curriculum they teach. In this lesson, you will be given some of the standard options for generating a theatre curriculum as well as the pros and cons of each option so you can generate the curriculum that’s right for you.
Lesson 3: Pacing In The Theatre Classroom 23:07
One of the underlying reasons for discipline issues in the theatre classroom is pacing. In this lesson, we will explore various strategies for setting an appropriate pace that will help maintain order and interest in the theatre classroom.
Lesson 4: Rules And Boundaries In The Theatre Classroom 16:11
To the outside observer, theatre classes often appear to be chaotic and lawless. However, successful theatre teachers know how to maintain control of their classrooms. In this lesson, you’ll be shown how to lay down the law while not turning your classroom into a police state.
Lesson 5: Peer Driven Discipline 25:55
It can be frustrating and exhausting being the only sheriff in a one-horse town. The solution? Deputies. This lesson will lay the groundwork for including your students in the creation of rules and consequences in your classroom.
Lesson 6: Consistency In Discipline 12:33
Classroom discipline is built on a foundation of consistency. In this lesson, you will see the importance of applying discipline equally and consistently across the classroom and throughout the year.
Lesson 7: The Importance Of Consequences 16:40
This concept is the heart of discipline in the classroom. Once you have set the rules in your classroom, you must enforce them. This lesson will illustrate the value and importance of defining and applying consequences in your classroom.
Lesson 8: Having A Bad Day 19:56
There will be days when everything goes wrong. This lesson can serve as a lifeline and support group to get you through those days when you seriously reconsider your career choices.
Lesson 9: Expect The Unexpected 12:19
As a theatre teacher, you must always be ready for surprises. This lesson will give you a heads up on some of the challenges that may arise in your classroom and some suggestions on how you can deal with them without losing control of yourself or your students.

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Standards Addressed

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