How to Teach Research in Drama Class the Easy Way

a group of drama students sitting around working on their drama researc projecgt.

I’ve taught drama long enough to see the pattern—students come alive during movement, voice, and collaboration, but hesitate when it’s time to open a book or dig into background research. How to Teach Research in Drama Class the Easy Way  grew out of that exact challenge, offering ways to turn research into a creative tool […]

Beyond the Stage: Theater Arts Projects for Students

A group of Cirque De Soleil contortionists forming a human zebra

Beyond the Stage: Theater Arts Projects for Students When teachers think about theater education, scripts and stage lights often come to mind first. I do, too!  But Beyond the Stage: Theater Arts Projects for Students is about something broader—projects that invite movement, rhythm, silence, collaboration, and risk-taking. These experiences often engage students who may not […]

Should Middle School Directors Cast Every Student?

Should Middle School Directors Cast Every Student?

Should Middle School Directors Cast Every Student? Part of my weekly activities is reading  various Facebook drama teachers group posts.  One subject is  mentioned at least once a month.  So let’s discuss Should Middle School Directors Cast Every Student? No matter the grade level, whenever you direct (and produce) a youth theater play, one of […]

How Sound Design Brings Characters to Life

How Sound Design Brings Characters to Life Have you ever stopped to think about how much a single sound—or even the tone of a voice—shapes how we feel about a character? I always notice the sounds of the film–the soft purr of a Disney heroine and the Lion in the film of Wizard of Oz. […]

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments Welcome! If you’ve arrived at my blog because you are building a theater program in your school, I’m glad you did so. Today,  let’s talk about 5 affordable set pieces for theater departments. Oh, gosh, I’ve been there.  Infact, I’ve created several programs for schools and community theaters […]

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

middle school students working together on a drama class project by Dramamommaspeaks

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1 Today, let’s talk about easy-to-use middle school drama lessons, volume 1, shall we? I bet you’d agree with me–teachers are conscientious people. We are like a dog with a bone–we just don’t give up.  When I began teaching, my first three years of teaching (English) were exhausting and […]