How to Attract Boys to Drama Programs
I keep up with theater teachers through Facebook groups and very often a teacher is lamenting about their lack of boys for their play or musical. This is a very common problem. I’m lucky, I guess. Having never had this challenge myself, it’s tough for me to know how to counsel these teachers. I had plenty of boys involved in my plays and musicals during my thirty-eight years of productions. Admittedly, getting boys participating in a drama program can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, it doesn’t have to be. This blog post, How to Attract Boys to Drama Programs offers you strategies and an inclusive approach to create an environment that appeals to boys and showcases the many ways theater can enrich their lives.
Warning: Boys are different than girls for more than the obvious reasons. Sometimes they take things into their hands when they really shouldn’t. More on that later.
Why Boys May Hesitate to Join Drama
Boys are under different social pressures than girls when it comes to being involved in the arts. Let’s consider the reasons boys might shy away from drama programs. Common barriers include:
- Stereotypes: Boys may view drama as an activity that’s “not for them.” What do they mean by that? Middle school is a time when friendships are vitally important. If a boy is interested in auditioning for you, but his best friend is not, this boy will have a tough time committing to production.
- Peer Pressure: Fear of judgment from friends can deter them. Unfortunately, we know that there are people who bully others just to make themselves feel powerful. Middle school is a haven for this attitude. Not surprisingly, a boy may avoid your invitation to audition just because he’s afraid of what the other boys might say or do. Once I saw one of my former male students who was known for bullying others stand dead center in an auditorium just to be noticed by the audience before the production began. Heaven forbid he’d audition!
- Limited Exposure: Many boys haven’t been introduced to the exciting aspects of theater. There are so many cool parts to theater arts which boys can truly excel in if they try. Because generally there are fewer of them, the boys who are all ready a part of your theater program will get all the good stuff such as lighting, set and stage properties design.
Strategies to Attract Boys to Drama Programs
How does a teacher attract or encourage boys to be involved in your drama program? Here are some ways I’ve found that have worked with a few boys I know.
1. Highlight the Benefits of Drama
Emphasize how drama builds confidence, improves communication skills, and fosters teamwork. Frame these benefits in ways that resonate with boys, such as:
- Leadership skills: Drama encourages taking initiative and leading others on stage and behind the scenes. Check out this blog post if you’d like to learn more–How Theatre Shaped My Life Volume Two
- Collaboration: Showcase how teamwork in theater parallels skills used in sports or group projects. I always told my males, “You will never sit on the bench. Rest easy, because you all ready know you are going to be involved because you play an actual character who is important to the production. “
- Problem-solving: Technical theater, like set design and lighting, involves critical thinking and creativity.
2. Showcase Role Models
Promote male actors, directors, and technicians as examples of success. Highlight figures like Denzel Washington, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Hugh Jackman, Anthony Ramos or Daniel Radcliffe who prove that theater is for everyone. Guest speakers or alumni who were involved in drama can also inspire boys to participate.
3. Offer a Range of Roles
Drama isn’t just about acting. Boys who might feel uncomfortable performing can get involved in:
- Technical theater: Lighting, sound, and set construction are hands-on and appealing to many boys. Learn about my own students, Brandon Thomas, who became a professional set designer: The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design
- Stage combat: This element can add excitement and attract boys interested in action. Learn about my friend, Russ Brown’s stage combat business:
- Playwriting and directing: For those who prefer being behind the scenes.
4. Incorporate Popular Themes
Choose plays or musicals with themes and stories that resonate with boys. Reading a play in a drama class which is male heavy can encourage your boys’ interest. Productions featuring action, humor, or male leads can spark their interest. Examples include:
- Adventurous tales like Peter and the Starcatcher or Treasure Island.
- Modern musicals like Newsies or Hamilton that blend high energy with compelling male characters.
- Classic male-heavy plays for middle schoolers such as The Jungle Book or The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
- Comedic options like The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon or Holes offer humor and ensemble opportunities.
- Action-packed choices like Robin Hood or The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, bring thrilling stories to life.
- Historical dramas like Johnny Tremain or The Browns Go to Birmingham, explore rich narratives suitable for younger students.
5. Build a Welcoming Culture
Create an inclusive environment where boys feel comfortable expressing themselves. For instance:
- Peer mentorship: Pair new boys with experienced male students in the drama program. If you have the opportunity to double cast a new male student with a veteran of your program, this is a great experience for both!
- Social events: Host team-building activities that appeal to boys, such as improv nights or prop-building workshops.
- Positive reinforcement: Celebrate boys’ achievements in drama to boost their confidence and visibility. (But be certain is it in equal measure to your girls.)
6. Engage Parents and Teachers
Parents and educators play a crucial role in encouraging boys to try drama. Additionally, communicate the academic and personal benefits of theater. Speak to any concerns they might have about stereotypes or peer influence. Perhaps the parents are wrestling with whether their son’s time is being well spent. Check out this blog post concerning professions that use theater arts skills: Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills
Unpredictable Adventures: Directing Boys on Stage
With all of this, I admit boys are more likely to take a chance on the stage than a female would. One boy, who is now studying to become a drama teacher, decided that he would “triple dress” for a production of Lil Mermaid. No one asked him to do so. Usually Matt is full of energy, but I remember looking up observing that something was terribly wrong with Matt. He was sweating profusely and could hardly move. That’s when he admitted his triple dressing idea. Friend, he even tripled dressed right down to his hat!
Another time, when I directing The Ransom of Red Chief, a boy thought his character would be funnier if he did a flip off the park bench. As you might expect, when he did so we heard a loud crack. Rodney had broken his arm! This was opening night, so he had to play the role for the rest of the nights with a cast on his arm.
How to Attract Boys to Drama Programs
While directing Alice in Wonderland, one of the boys double cast as as the Mad Hatter decided that he wanted to eat bread and butter in the tea party scene. Without asking, he took them on to stage and proceeded to do so. Did the set crew know this? Did I know this ahead of time? Nope and nope. When the scene ended, the crew was instructed to turn the table on its side and carry it out. Everything had been stuck to the table…but of course not the bread and butter! No one saw it fall off the butter dish break but me. The stage manager brought out a stool and promptly slipped on the butter and fell to the floor. Fun times…
Success Stories from Boys in Drama
Hearing about real-life examples of boys thriving in drama programs can motivate others. Share testimonials from male students who have benefited from theater. Most importantly, these stories highlight the friendships, skills, and opportunities boys gain through drama.
Final Thoughts: Drama Is for Everyone
Lastly, drama programs can break down stereotypes, create engaging opportunities, and foster an inclusive atmosphere. I promise you if you’ll follow some of my suggestions, you too can attract boys and show them the transformative power of theater. Drama programs are a place where everyone—regardless of gender—can explore their creativity, grow as individuals, and have fun. Check out this blog post for more information about my opinion: There’s a Place for Everyone in Theater
Ready to start attracting more boys to your drama program? Let’s make drama a space for all students to thrive! Contact me if you have any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
