Free Resources for Drama Teachers
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Monologues
Monologue Performance Tips
Monologue Performance Tips
Choosing A Monologue
Discover the art of selecting the perfect monologue with our insightful blog post. Whether you're aiming for a role or a competition, choosing a monologue requires nuance. Explore the differences between story-driven and character-driven pieces, and learn how emotional depth and character revelation can impact your performance. Dive into our detailed analysis of two compelling monologues and find out which one has the potential to shine in a competition. Click to read more!
Monologue Evaluation Exercise
Unlock the secrets to crafting compelling monologues with our Monologue Evaluation Exercise! Dive into what makes a great monologue, from character-specific language to emotional journeys. Perfect for drama students, this guide encourages critical thinking and creativity. Download a sample monologue and start evaluating today. Click through to discover essential tips and inspire your class discussions!
A Bare Bones Guide to “Is This a Monologue or a Story?”
Discover the key differences between monologues and stories with this insightful guide. Perfect for students learning to craft compelling monologues, this post helps distinguish between narrative storytelling and character-driven communication. Learn how to transform your writing into an engaging, urgent monologue with practical tips and a handy comparison chart. Click to read more and enhance your writing skills!
Be Amazing in Two Minutes or Less
Discover the secrets to captivating audiences with a stunning monologue in "Be Amazing in Two Minutes or Less." This guide offers essential tips for selecting the perfect piece, showcasing your skills, and mastering performance techniques. Whether you're competing for a role, a scholarship, or in a Thespian event, find out how to shine and leave a lasting impression. Click to unlock your potential and elevate your act!
Preparing Middle School Students to Perform Monologues
Prepare middle school students for standout monologue performances by focusing on confidence, character depth, and character-driven movement. Discover expert tips on breath control, creating three-dimensional characters, and mastering purposeful gestures. Elevate student monologues from mere recitations to captivating experiences. Click to explore valuable rehearsal exercises and insights!
5 Tips for Preparing a Monologue with Confidence
Master the art of monologue delivery with confidence using these five essential tips! Choose a piece you love, break it into manageable chunks, memorize early, and record your performance for self-review. Focus on character development and manage performance nerves with proven techniques. Dive into the full blog post to transform your monologue preparation and captivate any audience.
Two Person Scenes
Free scenes for use in your classroom. You're welcome to perform these scenes without royalty for auditions, classwork, and competitions such as Thespian IEs. Please see our royalty exemption policy for more information.
Group Scenes
Free scenes for use in your classroom. You're welcome to perform these scenes without royalty for auditions, classwork, and competitions such as Thespian IEs. Please see our royalty exemption policy for more information.
Drama Teacher Toolkits
Free downloadable guides for theatre educators on stage makeup, classroom setup, theatre terms, advocacy, and more!
Directing Your Peers: A Student Director's Toolkit
This student-friendly directing toolkit breaks down what it means to direct your peers.
Say Yes - Encouraging Participation in Middle School Toolkit
Getting middle schoolers to participate can feel like an uphill battle - self-consciousness and uncertainty often take centre stage. The Say Yes Toolkit gives you practical strategies, structures, and activities to help students feel supported, build trust, and overcome hesitation. Create a classroom environment where everyone feels confident enough to take risks, join in, and shine.
Tech Toolbox Toolkit
Starting or revamping a tech program comes with a long must-have list—but are you missing key tools that boost safety and efficiency? Beyond the basics, the right equipment streamlines set construction and improves your shop. The Tech Toolbox Toolkit is your go-to guide for essential tools every tech theatre program needs. Don’t overlook game-changing additions! Ready to upgrade? Download the toolkit today!
New Drama Teacher Survival Toolkit
From lesson planning to after-school rehearsals, your days are packed. This toolkit helps you cut through the chaos, focus on what matters, and build a strong foundation for your drama classroom.
The Devising Theatre Toolkit
The Devising Theatre Toolkit gives you everything you need: a clear step-by-step framework, practical tips, and ready-to-use exercises to guide your students from brainstorming to performance with confidence.
The Stage Manager's Essentials Toolkit
Give your student stage managers the confidence and skills to keep your production running smoothly. With practical advice, clear task breakdowns, and ready-to-use templates, this toolkit makes stage management accessible, organized, and student-friendly.
The Script Analysis Toolkit
Help your students move beyond memorizing lines and start really understanding the play. With quick tips, actor-focused strategies, and ready-to-use templates, this toolkit makes script analysis simple, engaging, and hands-on.
Pacing Toolkit
Struggling to keep your class on track? Pacing is key to smooth lessons and engaged students. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this toolkit has everything you need to nail your pacing and make your classroom run like clockwork.
Advocacy Toolkit
Discover proven strategies to advocate for your students, productions, and program. Learn how to communicate your value to administrators, build long-term support, and turn skeptics into champions of your work. Your program deserves the spotlight—start advocating today!
Competition Toolkit
Theatre festivals and competitions do more than showcase talent—they strengthen your program, expand your students’ theatre knowledge, and build lasting connections. From preparation to performance and beyond, discover key strategies to make the most of your competition experience. Set your students up for success and celebrate the power of theatre on a bigger stage! Ready to take the leap? Start planning today!
Theatrical Timelines Toolkit
Use this valuable resource to walk you through the timeline of How, What, and When for all your school-based productions.
Stage Make-up in the Classroom Toolkit
• Fundamental stage makeup techniques. • Tips for creating convincing old-age makeup. • Must-have stage makeup resources. • Clean-up tips & procedures.
Classroom Set-up Toolkit
This Classroom Set-up Toolkit looks at three fundamental elements of a properly set up classroom: • The physical classroom • Teaching/classroom materials • The production classroom
New Drama Teacher Toolkit
Download this amazing drama teacher resource now!
Back-to-School Toolkit
Finalizing materials, organizing your classroom, and prepping your performance space can be overwhelming. Don't worry! This toolkit has all the tips and tools you need to start the school year right. Dive in and get ready!
New Drama Teacher Dictionary Toolkit
The New Drama Teacher Dictionary Toolkit is here to help you get comfortable with they key phrases and terminology you need, so you can confidently engage with your administration and peers.
Production Design on a Budget Toolkit
The Production Design on a Budget Toolkit is here to help. From script selection to creative design strategies and tips for sourcing affordable materials, this toolkit offers practical solutions to bring your production to life—without blowing your budget.
Theatre Classroom Posters
Free printable posters for drama classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and backstage spaces.
Confidence Builders: 15 Posters
Boost student confidence with this set of ready-to-print posters designed to inspire courage, growth, and creative risk-taking. Perfect for creating a positive, supportive drama space where every student feels ready to try.
Theatre Jobs & Roles: 10 Posters
Help students discover what happens onstage and behind the scenes. These posters break down theatre roles in a clear, engaging way so every student can find their place in the process.
Theatre Vocabulary & Concepts: 5 Posters
From stage directions to storytelling basics, these posters help students understand and use key theatre terms with confidence. Clear, classroom-friendly, and easy to reference all year long.
Improv, Acting & Performance: 10 Posters
Free, printable, and classroom-ready - these posters help students build confidence, stay engaged, and perform at their best.
Rehearsal Room Expectations: 5 Posters
Help students know exactly what great rehearsal behaviour looks like. This free downloadable poster set gives you clear, easy-to-display reminders that support focus, respect, and collaboration in every rehearsal.
Tech Theatre: 5 Posters
Celebrate the essential behind-the-scenes work that makes theatre possible. This free poster set highlights key technical theatre roles and is perfect for decorating your drama classroom, shop, or rehearsal space.
Backstage Motto Poster: Theatre is a work of art
Download your free classroom poster now!
The Skills Behind the Spotlight: 10 Posters
Download this free set of classroom theatre posters celebrating the courage, collaboration, and commitment that make the magic happen.
Backstage: 5 Posters
Grab this free collection of backstage posters designed to inspire focus, teamwork, and ensemble spirit in your theatre space. Print, post, and let the magic start before the curtain rises.
Arts Education Advocacy: 9 Posters
Download this set of 9 posters; quotes to inspire in the drama classroom.
Acting Tips: Poster
Download this free printable PDF poster
Accountability: Poster
Download this poster now!
Theatre Students Are...: Poster
Download this poster - share all of the great things that represent theatre students!
Literacy: 5 Posters
Download these classroom posters now!
Global Citizenship: 3 Posters
Download these classroom posters now!
Non-Gendered Honorifics: Poster
Download this poster now!
The Neglect Quartet: Poster
Click here for a printable PDF of the Neglect Quartet Classroom Poster!
Self-care in the Classroom: 9 Posters (Spanish)
Download this free set of self-care classroom posters (Spanish) now!
What to do when you forget a line: Poster
Download this poster now!
All Drama Must Remain on the Stage: Poster
Download this poster now!
Back-to-School Affirmations: 4 Posters & 4 Cards
Download these printable Affirmations now!
Back-to-School: 10 Posters
Download these free Posters now!
Practice Makes Progress: Poster
Download this classroom poster now!
Digital Citizenship in the Drama Classroom: Poster
Download this poster for your classroom now!
Rehearsal Time: Poster
Download this poster for your classroom now!
The Importance of Theatre: 5 Posters
Download these free posters now!
Drama Class Recruitment: 5 Posters
Download these free posters now!
Theatre Matters: Poster
Download this free "Theatre Matters" classroom poster now!
Taking Risks in Theatre: Poster
Download this free classroom poster now!
Theatre Audience Etiquette: Poster
Download this poster for your classroom or theatre!
Self-Care in the Classroom: 9 Posters
Download this set of self-care posters now!
Kindness in the Drama Class: Poster
Download this free poster now!
Worksheet: Mad Libs - Fairy Tales
Download this free Mad Libs worksheet now!
20 Classroom Rules: Poster
Download this poster now
Theatrical Affirmations: 4 Posters
Download these posters now!
Say Yes / Say No: 2 Posters
Download these classroom posters now!
Tell them this amazing story: Poster
Download this free poster now!
Backstage Crew: Poster
Download this free poster now!
In This Class...: Poster
Download this free poster now!
In This Class...: Poster
Download this free poster now!
Respect: Poster
Download this free poster now!
Respect: Poster
Download this free poster now!
Teaching Theatre
Do You Still Have Passion for Teaching Theatre?
Explore strategies to reignite your passion for teaching theatre in this insightful blog post. Discover reflective prompts and actionable tips designed for drama teachers experiencing burnout or lack of enthusiasm. Learn how to reconnect with your love for the performing arts and transform your classroom into a vibrant, inspiring space. Click through to find ways to reignite your teaching spirit and energy.
What's the One Thing You Wish Other Teachers Understood About Teaching Theatre?
Discover the real challenges and rewards of teaching theatre through the eyes of drama teachers. From rigorous academic content to essential life skills, theatre education is far more than just performing. It’s about building connections, managing intense workloads, and fostering creativity. This insightful blog post reveals what theatre teachers wish others understood about their indispensable role in education.
How Do I Put On Shows Without A Budget?
Discover creative tips for putting on shows without a budget in our video series, "Calling All Theatre Teachers." Join Lindsay Price and Laramie Dean as they share insights and resources to help drama teachers bring productions to life. Don’t miss Laramie's favorite budget-friendly strategies and access brainstorming sheets to streamline your theatre program. Click to watch and learn more!
How Do I Promote A Positive Environment?
Discover expert tips to promote a positive theatre environment from seasoned educators Lindsay Price and Laramie Dean in the "Calling All Theatre Teachers" video series. Learn Laramie's top strategies for production and classroom settings, explore reflection tools, and engage with community-building games. Click to enhance your theatre teaching skills and foster a supportive, creative atmosphere for your students!
How Do I Maintain Work/Life Balance As A Theatre Teacher?
Discover essential tips for maintaining work/life balance as a theatre teacher in our engaging video series, "Calling All Theatre Teachers." Join Lindsay Price and Laramie Dean as they delve into strategies that help manage the demands of theatre programs. Watch the video, download the worksheet, and transform your approach to balancing professional and personal commitments. Click to explore more!
What Are The Necessities Of A Theatre Class?
Discover the essentials of a thriving theatre class with insights from seasoned theatre educators Lindsay Price and Laramie Dean. In this engaging video series, they explore both concrete and conceptual needs for drama teachers stepping into a theatre program. Dive into their discussion and grab a handy worksheet to help structure your own program. Ready to enrich your theatre teaching? Click to learn more!
How Do I Get Admin To See We Need Money?
Discover effective strategies to secure funding for your theatre program in our "Calling All Theatre Teachers" video series. Hosts Lindsay Price and Laramie Dean share three insightful tips and offer a helpful worksheet to strengthen your proposal to admin. Elevate your program's importance and ensure its success. Click to explore these actionable solutions and enhance your theatre department's future!
Classroom Study Guides
Discover how to elevate your drama class with Theatrefolk's free Classroom Study Guides. Perfect for when staging a play isn't possible, these guides offer pre-read activities, close reading questions, and creative post-read tasks to deepen students' understanding and engagement. Visit the blog to learn how these resources can transform your curriculum and make every script a dynamic learning experience.
20 Ways to Praise Your Students
Unlock the art of effective student praise with our insightful blog post, "20 Ways to Praise Your Students." Discover specific, sincere, and strategic methods to motivate and inspire your class. From being behavior-driven to incorporating non-verbal praise, these tips will transform your approach. Click through to explore all 20 strategies and elevate your teaching practice today!
Acting
Acting exercises and activities for middle and high school students.
Top 5 Acting Exercises for Drama Students
Discover Theatrefolk's top 5 acting exercises that will elevate your drama classroom! From exploring character fears to mastering ensemble monologues, these exercises are designed to inspire student actors. Dive into creative activities like the Mirror Game and world-building, perfect for both beginners and advanced students. Click through to explore these engaging exercises and transform your acting skills!
Acting in Everyday Life
Discover how drama class equips students with essential life skills like listening, memorization, and problem-solving. This blog post explores how acting skills transfer to everyday situations and various careers, making drama a valuable part of any education. Click to learn how drama can transform reluctant students into confident, capable individuals ready for the real world.
Stage vs Screen: A Comparison of Acting Techniques
Explore the distinct worlds of stage and screen acting with insights into how stars like Julie Andrews and James Earl Jones master both. Discover the key differences in facial expressions, voice control, and preparation necessary for each medium. Whether you're drawn to the intimacy of the screen or the vibrancy of the stage, this blog post offers valuable techniques to refine your craft. Dive in and enhance your acting skills!
Playwriting
Playwriting exercises and activities for middle and high school students.
The 5 W's and Playwriting
Unlock the secrets of playwriting with your students by mastering the 5 W's: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. This blog post breaks down these essential elements, guiding students from a daunting blank page to a vibrant script. Discover how to spark creativity, define characters, and set the perfect scene. Click through to inspire young playwrights and turn their imaginative ideas into captivating plays.
5 Great Playwriting Exercises for Middle & High School Students
Discover engaging playwriting exercises for middle and high school students to boost creativity and overcome writer's block. Each exercise, including "Hurdling the First Line" and "Inner Monologue," comes with a free PDF download for classroom use. Dive into the world of subtext, titles, and impossible scenes to inspire young playwrights. Click through to explore these fun and educational activities!
20 Character Profile Questions
Unlock the secrets to creating compelling, three-dimensional characters with our 20 essential character profile questions. Perfect for students, these questions will help develop realistic and well-rounded personalities, enriching your storytelling. From personal relationships to favorite foods, delve into details that bring characters to life. Click to explore the full list and elevate your writing!
Directing
Tips and tricks for choosing, directing and promoting a middle or high school play.
What Type of Director Are You?
Discover your directing style with "What Type of Director Are You?" Explore The Dictator, The Improviser, The Visionary, and The Pusher, each offering unique benefits and challenges for student actors. Learn which style best suits your students to enhance their theatrical experience. Dive into the full blog post to uncover how combining these approaches can lead to a successful production.
Best Casting Advice for Fellow Directors
Discover essential casting advice for directors from seasoned drama teachers. Learn how kindness, work ethic, and trusting your instincts can transform your casting process. Explore why talent isn't everything and the importance of creating a supportive audition environment. Click to delve deeper into strategies that ensure both your students and your show thrive.
Rehearsals You Need to Include in Your Schedule (That You May Not Have Thought Of)
Optimize your rehearsal schedule with these essential but often overlooked sessions: transitions rehearsals, sitzprobe, sensitive scene practices, and costume fittings. Enhance your production by addressing transitions, musical alignment, emotional scenes, and costume logistics early. Discover how these additional rehearsals can streamline your show and ensure a smoother theatrical experience. Click to learn more!
Top Tips for Directing your First Show
Discover essential tips for directing your first show from seasoned drama teachers! Learn about selecting the right material, building a reliable team, effective planning, and fostering a collaborative environment. Get insights on casting, tech considerations, and maintaining flexibility throughout the production process. Dive in to feel confident and prepared for your theatrical debut!
Shakespeare
Fun activities for the classroom, inspired by the bard.
Putting Shakespeare Into Context
Explore the vibrant world of Shakespeare by diving into the chaotic and lively Elizabethan Era. Discover how this period's gritty reality shaped his plays, from public punishments to the intense competition with bear baiting. Learn how to bring this context into the classroom with engaging activities. Click through to uncover how to make Shakespeare's work relevant and exciting for today's students.
Shakespeare Exercise: Reframe the play
Explore a creative classroom exercise that blends Shakespeare with modern genres! Discover how students can reframe Shakespearean characters, like Macbeth, into sci-fi settings such as "The Terminator," through inventive poster designs. Learn how to create engaging visuals and taglines that capture the essence of both the play and the new genre. Click to delve into this fun, educational activity!
Directing Shakespeare for the First Time
New to directing Shakespeare? Discover invaluable tips from drama teachers Heidi Frederic and Hilary Martin as they share their first-time experiences with classics like "Romeo & Juliet" and "Much Ado About Nothing." From seeking support to creative adaptations, learn how to make Shakespeare accessible and engaging. Dive into this blog post to embrace the Bard with confidence and creativity!
Iambic Pentameter
Discover the magic of iambic pentameter in Shakespeare's timeless works. This blog post explores how this rhythmic structure, characterized by its unique pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, enhances the flow of poetry. Dive into engaging examples from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, and try your hand at crafting your own verse. Perfect for both literature enthusiasts and aspiring poets!
Technical Theatre
Resources to help with staging, set design, costuming and props.
Best Practices for Training Your Technicians
Enhance your production with skilled technicians using these top training tips! Learn how to boost your students' confidence and expertise before showtime. Discover the importance of pre-show sessions, detailed training manuals, and peer mentorship to ensure a seamless performance. Click through to explore all five essential strategies for training your theatre tech team effectively!
Tips & Tricks for a Less Stressed Tech Week
Navigate tech week with ease using these essential tips for a stress-free experience. Learn patience, plan meticulously, delegate tasks, and prioritize breaks to maintain your sanity and foster a positive environment. Discover how to effectively manage rehearsals and technical challenges, ensuring a smoother path to opening night. Click to delve deeper into these expert strategies and transform your tech week!
Tech Exercises for the Non-Technical Teacher
Discover 15 creative and budget-friendly technical theatre exercises perfect for non-technical drama teachers. These engaging activities use everyday materials and spark creativity without needing advanced tech skills or equipment. Explore lighting, soundscapes, set design, costumes, and more to enhance your teaching toolkit. Click through to transform your classroom into a vibrant, imaginative theatre space!
Respect the Tech: Performance Challenge
Discover the power of theatrical tech in "Respect the Tech! A Technical Performance Challenge." This blog post highlights the vital roles of tech crew in theatre, from sound and lighting to costumes and stage management. Learn how a simple exercise can showcase the magic behind the scenes and inspire creativity without actors. Unleash your inner techie and captivate audiences with pure technical artistry!
Tips for Success when Tech Isn't Your Specialty
Unlock success in technical theatre with these insightful tips, even if tech isn't your forte. Dive into a collaborative learning journey with your students, focus on specific disciplines, and seek guidance from experts. Empower students to lead projects and keep your productions simple yet effective. Click through to discover how these strategies can enhance your technical theatre experience!
Exercise: The Tech Effect
Explore the transformative power of technical effects on performance in "Exercise: The Tech Effect." This engaging exercise challenges drama students to creatively alter the mood and atmosphere of their scenes using simple classroom resources. Discover how subtle changes in lighting, sound, and props can redefine a performance while maintaining consistent acting. Dive into the full blog post to learn more!
Costumes
Costume Organization & Storage Tips
Struggling with costume chaos? Discover expert tips to streamline costume organization and storage. Learn how to curate your inventory, master storage techniques, and make the most of your space with labeled bins and racks. Plus, find out how to handle donations wisely. Click through for a free giveaway and transform your costume room into an organized haven!
How Costumes Affect Your Character
Discover how costumes transform theatrical performances by influencing character portrayal and actor movement. From footwear to headpieces, costumes impact every aspect of an actor's performance, making practice essential. Learn how to manage costume challenges, enhance character immersion, and ensure seamless stage presence. Dive into the full post to explore expert tips and practical solutions.
Basic Costume Items Every Drama Student Should Own
Discover essential costume staples every drama student should own. From versatile rehearsal blacks to crisp white shirts, the blog post highlights key wardrobe pieces that help budding actors fully immerse themselves in their roles. Learn why basic items like neutral undergarments, belts, and black dress shoes are crucial for any performance. Click through to transform your drama closet with these must-haves!
Round-up: Best costuming advice for a new director
Discover invaluable costuming tips for new directors in our latest blog post! Learn how to maximize your budget by sourcing from thrift stores and local theater companies, embrace creativity with simple, recycled materials, and effectively plan and organize your costume needs. Click through for expert advice on keeping it simple and resourceful while enhancing your theatre production.
Telling the Story Through Clothing: Choosing a Colour Palette for Your Show
Discover how costumes bring stories to life by selecting the perfect color palette for your show. Explore historical accuracy, mood evocation, character contrasts, and overall concepts to create a vibrant stage presence. Uncover tips and exercises to help students make informed color choices that enhance storytelling. Click to dive into this colorful world of costume design!
Costume Challenge: Creative Creation
Unleash your creativity with this exciting Costume Challenge! Building on past lessons, students team up to design unique costumes using only found materials like newspaper, fabric scraps, and duct tape. They'll sketch, label, and craft their creations, with an optional twist to bring designs to life in full-size. Discover how to turn everyday items into stunning costumes and explore innovative problem-solving in fashion design.
Costume & Prop Challenges
Discover expert tips for tackling costume and prop challenges in theater productions in our latest blog post. From securing hard-to-find items to managing rapid costume changes and sourcing period pieces on a budget, we offer creative solutions and practical advice. Explore how you can streamline your production process and enhance your show’s visual appeal. Click through to read more and transform your theatrical experience!
Costume Care: Do's & Don'ts
Discover essential costume care etiquette in our "Costume Care: Dos and Don’ts" blog post. Perfect for teachers guiding students in acting, this post emphasizes mutual respect between performers and costume teams. Learn the importance of proper costume handling, repairs, and team interaction. Click to explore creative classroom activities and ensure your students shine onstage!
Common Costume Concerns
Explore our blog post "Round-Up: Common Costume Concerns" for practical solutions to frequent costume challenges in theater productions. Discover tips on preventing costume damage, managing backstage odors, and addressing student discomfort with costumes. Enhance your show with these expert costume management strategies. Read more for the full guide!
Creating a Costume Vision Board
Discover the art of creating a costume vision board to bring your theatrical characters to life. Directors, designers, and actors can visually convey show concepts, moods, and character details using this creative tool. Dive into step-by-step exercises for students to craft cohesive looks for their shows. Whether analog or digital, unleash your creativity and enhance your costume design process. Click to read more!