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Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

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Every so often, someone reaches out to me and asks if I can help spread the word about an organization that’s making a real difference in theater education. I’m always willing to consider it.  That’s part of my mission statement.  When I see a program that opens doors for students and inspires teachers, I’m always eager to share it. Today’s spotlight is on one of those opportunities: Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters.

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Who is Springboard to Design and Why It Matters

Springboard to Design encourages and mentors high school students from underrepresented populations to explore the process of theatrical collaboration and the many avenues of American Theatre design. Led by renowned members of the contemporary theatre in the heart of NYC, the Springboard to Design curriculum includes workshops, seminars, and access to important work on and off Broadway.

Springboard to Action

Instructors consist of award-winning artists who create a collaborative environment for students, as they explore costume, set, lighting, projection, hair, makeup, and sound design. How wonderful this is for the students! Knowing that someone who the students can relate to because of their background or culture or ethnicity is important.  Such an approach ensures that the program is not all about teaching and learning—it’s about connection.

Springboard to Design is an initiative by Design Action, an intergenerational coalition of BIPOC and white designers working to end racial inequities in North American theatre. The program was incubated in collaboration with the American Theatre Wing in 2021. In the summer of 2025, Springboard to Design was hosted at The Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab housed in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in the heart of Lincoln Center.

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Benefits of Springboard to Design

In case you want to share this information with your students, here’s a quick list of how this program benefits students:

  • Accessibility – Tuition, housing, and program costs are fully covered, making it possible for all students to attend.
  • Representation Matters – Students work with professional designers who reflect diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
  • Professional Mentorship – Award-winning artists guide students through real-world design challenges.
  • Hands-On Training – Workshops let students experiment with costume, set, lighting, projection, hair, makeup, and sound design.
  • Career Exploration – Students discover design pathways beyond acting, expanding their vision of what a future in theatre can be.
  • Community Building – The program fosters collaboration, teamwork, and friendships with peers who share the same passions.
  • Networking in NYC – Students gain exposure to Broadway professionals and experience theatre in the cultural hub of the U.S.
  • Recognition – Being part of a nationally recognized program (Anthem Award winner) adds prestige to a student’s portfolio or college application.

Isn’t this is exciting?  I wish I had students that I could introduce to this program.  If you need an answer to the question, “How is theater useful in the outside world”, read: Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Breaking Barriers for Future Theater Artists

The program includes workshops and mentorship from award-winning artists. Students explore costume, set, lighting, sound, hair, makeup, and projection design in the heart of New York City. Here’s the exciting part—the SB2D program is FREE to all students.

Springboard to Design (SB2D) gives students the chance to dive into the world of theatre design and discover new artistic possibilities, no experience required! With housing available and tuition fully covered, this program is built to remove barriers for the next generation of theatre designers. Thus, students expand their sense of community, collaboration, and imagination.

Springboard to Design is all ready a winner!  The program was recognized by the 2022 and 2023 Anthem Awards as a Bronze Winner for Education, Arts, & Culture – Community Engagement.

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Application Details and Deadlines

The applications for the 2026 program are open from September 15th to December 15th, 2025.

The application will include a few short essays, a brief introduction video, and an original piece of artwork.

There is a $25 application fee. If for any reason you are unable to afford the fee, or if it causes stress on family finances. If so, please contact us to receive a voucher. This application fee goes directly back into the program and helps keep the week-long experience free for students.

The Power of Finding Your Community

I can only speak from personal experience.  When I attended college I finally found people who were just like me with the same interests and goal.  I was much more willing to show up for myself.  Sounds to me like Springboard to Action is the opportunity and growth we’d all like to give our students an opportunity to attain.  For more information about the program, go to Springboard for Action.

I give drama teachers advise nearly weekly.  If you have any questions or need some help, just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

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Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class

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Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class

When I was a young girl, I studied piano and played it for ten years (you’d never know it to hear me now, however). I wanted to perform in theater, but it was discouraged by my parents until they realized I was serious about it. You can read more about that here: How Theatre Saved My Life. That early mix of music and theater reminds me of today’s topic—Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater.

In theater, it’s easy for students to think their only job is to act. But drama is one of the most collaborative art forms—it pulls from dance, music, literature, and visual design. When teachers encourage students to step outside acting and experiment with other artistic expressions, both the classroom and the students’ work on stage become stronger.

Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class

Why Interests Matter as Much as Skills in Theater Class

Even in elementary school, I was a good singer.  Because I played the piano for many years, I could and can easily hear harmony in a song. However, even with all that natural ability I was far more intrigued by acting.   Yet, I wasn’t a triple threat.  My acting and singing talent outweighed my dancing skills though I did my best to catch up once  I attended Stephen College.  What I lacked in skill, I made up for in interest.  I’m one of those people who loves all the art forms. Is that you, too? Nevertheless, not every student realizes this about themselves.  Understanding the value of one’s interest in the other arts is important to your blossoming theater arts students.

Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class

Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class

Let’s consider the various reasons I encourage students to study other art forms while they are studying theater.

1. Theater Is Already a Blend of Art Forms

Dance and movement: Actors borrow from choreography to express emotion. Here’s the good news–you don’t have to be the next winner of Dance Off to learn to dance.  Even just learning to move with confidence is a help.

Music and rhythm: Timing, pace, and mood often reflect musicality. Learning how to play an instrument or sing can’t do anything but help you with your acting.  Comic timing can be helped by learning about rhythm.

Visual art and design: Sets, costumes, and props rely on strong visual choices. I’ve never known an actor who didn’t like some other art form.  Many enjoy drawing. Why not show them a video or two of artists who became set designers.  For example, Ming Cho Lee  Often called the “Dean of American set designers,” studied art and architecture before becoming a celebrated Broadway and opera designer. He also taught design at Yale, shaping generations of designers. If you’d like a lesson about Lee, check out:  Ming Cho Lee

Creative writing: Scripts are born from writers who understand character and story. By learning to be a better writer, you can’t help but hone your skills.  If nothing else, you’ll be more aware of the talent it takes to write a script. Plus, you’ll understand the value of learning the script word for word. By dipping into these areas, students see how interconnected the arts really are.

Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class

Fresh Energy from Exploring New Arts

2. A Cure for Creative Ruts

Students sometimes get frustrated when a scene or role doesn’t click. Pivoting to painting a set piece, choreographing a short movement sequence, or designing a costume can rekindle their excitement. That renewed energy often carries back into acting. This is fascinating to me. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt for a whole cast to do this for one rehearsal.  If you want to know how to direct a youth theater production, check out this post: Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

3. Building Empathy and Respect

When students explore beyond acting, they begin to understand and appreciate the many roles that bring a production to life. Suddenly, the costume designer isn’t just “the one who sews,” and the lighting crew isn’t just “flipping switches.” Students see that every role—whether onstage or behind the scenes—requires creativity, problem-solving, and artistry. When I attended college, the theater department required us to put in 100 hours in the set and/or costume shop. (Me?  I put in 200 hours.)

This realization helps them value their classmates’ contributions. Not to mention, they respect the effort that goes into each part of a production. Over time, that empathy translates into a stronger ensemble spirit. Instead of competing for the spotlight, students begin to celebrate one another’s strengths, which makes the entire performance richer and more unified. I’ve observed it occurring many times.

Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class

4. Cross-Training Makes Stronger Artists

Just like athletes cross-train, drama students benefit from developing skills in other arts.  I believe it is our job to point that out to our students and encourage them to use their undiscovered talents:

For instance, a student who plays an instrument may develop stronger rhythm in their line delivery. Or a  student who sketches may have a keener eye for stage pictures. That comes in handy when they get a chance to try directing a one act or scene with their peers. Do you have a student who is always writing stories and poems?  They may build more authentic characters., because of their love of the written word.

5. Teachers See Hidden Strengths

For teachers, encouraging pivots helps uncover talents is exciting and very fulfilling. Personally, I’ve introduced many students who entered my classroom thinking they wanted to perform only to  discover they preferred technical theater once they studied it. Read this post if you’d like to hear about a student of mine who went on to be a set designer.

He attributes his interest in it from building a model of  a set design when he was in middle school.  The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design Learning to draw a set design of their own choosing, encourages them to explore their own ideas.  They approach researching a time period with a different attitude or outlook because they can see a reasons for doing so. Encouraging them gives them the license to see things differently.  You can’t beat that kind of  affirmation.

Do you have any shy students? They may thrive in sound or light design.  How about a restless one?  Encourage them to audition for the dance squad.   Exploring different art forms ensures that every student finds a way to shine. If you’d like to learn how to encourage students to study technical theater, check out: Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class

Exploring other art forms doesn’t pull students away from theater. It makes them better theater artists. When teachers provide opportunities to pivot, students gain resilience, creativity, and confidence. My advice?  Let students try on multiple “hats” in the drama classroom. You may discover your actors become better performers precisely because they also became designers, dancers, or writers.

Have you ever encouraged a student to explore another art form to strengthen their acting? I’d love to hear your story—feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

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5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

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5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments
Deb building flats for The Giver

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 in Colorado and Missouri. Check my resume here if you’d like more information about me:  Teaching Resume. Starting a drama program is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming when budgets are small and storage space is limited. The good news? You don’t need elaborate sets or expensive rentals to create engaging productions. With just a handful of versatile set pieces, you can stage nearly any play, rehearse effectively, and stretch your students’ creativity.

Here are five must-have set pieces every beginning drama department can afford, build themselves, and use in countless ways.  Plus, I’ve included a bonus piece borrowed from the ancient Greeks. I’ve built every one of these set pieces several times, so you know I think they are essential.

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

1. Rehearsal Boxes (Stage Cubes)

  • Why: The ultimate multitaskers. Rehearsal cubes can become chairs, tables, steps, beds, or thrones—and they’re indispensable for rehearsals.
  • DIY Factor: Build from plywood or MDF, paint them black for neutral use, and stack for multiple levels.
  • Uses: Furniture, platforms, or even makeshift scenery.

Here’s a Youtube video that demonstrates how to build these gems: Learn to Build Actor Boxes

Scene Shop

2. Folding Flats (Walls That Go Anywhere)

  • Why: A basic flat is the backbone of any set. Just a couple can suggest endless locations.
  • DIY Factor: Create wooden frames covered with muslin or luan. Add hinges so they fold flat for storage.
  • Uses: Interior or exterior walls, doorways, murals, or projection screens.

These flats are made of wood.  Usually, mine are covered with muslin just like we’ve used for many years.  If you want to learn how to build a flat, go to: Stage Flat

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Credit: https://buildersvilla.com

3. Platforms (Add Instant Levels)

  • Why: Theater becomes more dynamic when actors are on different heights. Platforms give depth and variety to any scene.
  • DIY Factor: Build 4×4 or 4×8 framed platforms topped with plywood. Keep them modular so you can reconfigure as needed.
  • Uses: Stairs, balconies, podiums, risers, or stages-within-a-stage.
5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments
Credit:  Buildersvilla.com

4. Freestanding Door Frame

  • Why: Nothing transforms a bare stage like an entrance. A door instantly suggests place and purpose.
  • DIY Factor: Build a sturdy wooden frame and mount a lightweight door. Keep it neutral so it fits multiple shows.
  • Uses:Entrances/exits for comedies, farces, haunted houses, or realistic dramas.

Doors and door frames are gold.  They do have go be built correctly, however.  If they are not, they will always be an issue for you.  If I was going to pay anyone to build something for me, I’d have someone built door frames and hang doors form. 

 

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Versatile Set Pieces: Tables and Chairs for Any Scene

5. Basic Table and Chairs

  • Why: The simplest set pieces are also the most used. A table and chairs can set dozens of scenes.

  • DIY Factor: Thrift store finds work beautifully. Refinish or paint them for versatility.

  • Uses: Dining rooms, courtrooms, offices, cafés, classrooms—the possibilities are endless.

During certain points in my career, I had access to a six feet long wooden table and bentwood chairs.  These are priceless!  You can use them in many ways whether for a dining room scene such as in The Miracle Worker, or the kitchen table in the annex of The Diary of Anne Frank.  Additionally you can use the chairs by themselves for two person scenes, etc.

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Credit: //hstech.org

Bonus: Periaktoi (The Ancient Secret Weapon)

  • Why: Straight from ancient Greek theater, a periaktos is a three-sided flat mounted on a pivot. Spin it, and the scenery changes instantly! Perfect for schools with limited time and budgets.
  • DIY Factor:Construct tall triangular prisms with lightweight lumber and luan. Paint each side with a different setting—brick, sky, wallpaper, forest, etc.
  • Uses:Rotate between three locations in seconds. Ideal for one-acts, student-designed shows, or productions with quick transitions.

Whenever I begin a drama program or summer camp for someone, we always build periaktois.  Most theater groups are unfamiliar with them and they various uses.   They take time to build but are worth their weight in gold.  You can’t go wrong with them!

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

What if I have no carpentry skills and neither do my students?

Sometimes a teacher has the skills to build their own set.  In my case, my wonderful husband builds them for me.  However, sometimes he was unavailable to build, so, I’ve put a word out to parents volunteers to help build our sets. Usually, a group of fathers (and even grandfathers) would show up on a Saturday morning, I’d feed them donuts (that made them smile) and they’d build what I needed.  You can do that, too!

Another way to design the set is by the use of fabric.  When I directed The Giver at the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, I hung various colors of gray fabric from the battens.  It was a super way to pull the focus to the center and give mood.   Check out this blog post if you’d like to know about producing The Giver: The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Teacher Benefits

Here’s some advice:  You simply must defend your program and its need for funds.  Consequently,  you should have a meeting with your administration and department chair.  If you’d like, use this blog post to defend your needs. 

  • Saves Money: Build once, reuse for years.
  • Encourages Creativity:Students learn to think outside the box when transforming simple pieces into new settings.
  • Teachable Moments:  Building these pieces doubles as a tech theater lesson.
  • Space Friendly: Most pieces stack or fold for easy storage.
  • Endlessly Versatile:From Shakespeare to contemporary plays, these pieces adapt to any production.

Last thoughts

To be honest, I think it’s a good thing for our students to see you being creative with what you have in your stock.  Too many times we are a throw away society–but by using these materials over and over in various configures, you are teaching them to be inventive and clever.

Lastly, you don’t need a giant scene shop or a massive budget to produce creative, polished shows. Start with these 5 affordable set pieces for theater departments—rehearsal boxes, flats, platforms, a door, and furniture—and add periaktoi for a touch of theatrical magic. With just these few items, your drama department can bring almost any story to life.

Want more budget-friendly tips for building your drama program? Join my newsletter for free resources, classroom-tested ideas, and exclusive discounts. This one is a free lesson about Audra McDonald!

If you are looking for set design units, check out:  Set Design High School and Set Design Middle School.

Click here:  We’re Live! Radio Theater #101

Deb directing The Miracle Worker
DEB DIRECTING THE MIRACLE WORKER

 

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

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The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

When I was a young child, I spent many an hour playing in the forsythia bush on the side of our home.  To me, it was the perfect place to hide away–just close enough so my mother could see me from the kitchen window and just far enough away that I could pretend anything my heart desired.  Today, let’s talk about The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics.

Picture this: a group of five-year-old’s flapping their arms like birds, pretending to soar through a jungle canopy. To an outsider, it might look like simple and unimportant play—but to a drama educator, it’s the beginning of something profound. Creative dramatics, or informal, process-centered dramatic play, is a powerful tool in the early childhood classroom. It supports developmental milestones in ways that worksheets and structured lessons simply can’t.

So why should we encourage young learners to step into someone else’s shoes—literally and figuratively? Here’s why creative dramatics deserves a starring role in every early childhood curriculum. Looking for superhero creative dramatics lessons? Go to: Super Hero Lesson Bundle 

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

1. Builds Language and Communication Skills

When children act out stories, they’re not just having fun—they’re expanding their vocabulary, practicing sentence structure, and learning how to listen and respond. Additionally, if they are like me they pick up accents they hear in movies and television and use them without being aware. Or they imitate a person’s vocal inflection (remember “E Gods!” in The Music Man?) Whether it’s a spontaneous pirate adventure or a dramatized retelling of The Three Little Pigs, drama provides a low-pressure environment to explore language.

Bonus: Shy children often feel more comfortable speaking through a character, which helps build confidence.

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

2. Encourages Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Perhaps the most important aspect of creative dramatics is that it invites children to be someone else—an important exercise in empathy. What does it feel like to be the Big Bad Wolf? Or the lost kitten? Children begin to understand and name emotions. Thereby recognizing how others might feel in different situations. This is a gigantic skill! Plus, they can learn the early foundations of kindness and perspective-taking. Read my blog post for my reasons to direct The Diary of Anne Frank: The Most Important Play I’ve Directed

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

Teamwork in Action: Building Social Skills Through Shared Stories

3. Supports Social Development and Collaboration

Drama is almost never a solo activity. In fact, when young children create scenes together, they learn to naturally take turns, listen actively, negotiate roles, and solve conflicts. Who wouldn’t agree that learning to solve conflicts is a vital skill we all need to work on? It’s teamwork in its most joyful form. And for students still developing their interpersonal skills, creative dramatics offers a safe, playful setting to practice.

Although I enjoy directing production because I get the chance to see my vision come to fruition. I’m also aware that I couldn’t have had a successful production without the cast, crew and creative staff.  To learn more about my directing experiences, check out: The Reasons I Love the Giver

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

4. Stimulates Imagination and Critical Thinking

Pretend play is the root of innovation.  Through dramatics, children learn to invent, problem-solve, and think outside the box. A single scarf becomes a crown, a blanket turns into a mountain, and suddenly—there’s a kingdom to save! This kind of flexible thinking fuels creativity across subjects, from storytelling to science. Personally, I find that pretending is very relaxing. Download this wonderful exercise if you are in need of something to boost your students creativity: Wax Museum

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

5. Promotes Physical Coordination and Motor Skills

Young children need to move—and drama gives them a purpose to do so. Acting out actions like climbing, sneaking, galloping, or twirling engages the imagination. Do you teach about verbs?  Use creative movement to teach it!  Consequently, it also strengthens gross motor skills and body awareness. Add in props and costume pieces, and you’ve also got fine motor practice at your fingertips. Need a lesson to teach creative movement? Check out: Drama Lesson Creative Movement 

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

6. Fosters a Love of Stories and Literacy

Many drama lessons stem from beloved books and folktales. Children who act out a story become more engaged readers and listeners.  When they act out a story, they begin to understand narrative structure, identify characters and settings, and retell events in sequence. It’s one of the most powerful ways to nurture pre-literacy skills. Here’s a FREE Japanese folk tale which is all told through movement and narration:  Ojisan and the Grateful Statues

Needing a book of ideas?  Pick up Viola Spolin’s book, Theater Games for the Classroom.  It’s chock full of exercises with side coaching advice and clear procedures.

My Final Thoughts

As I mentioned, I have fond memories of playing under the forsythia bushes in our backyard when I was a child.  Between them and the upstairs porch in our home, I had plenty of time to hone my imagination. It is one of my abilities of which I am most proud. Check out my directing resume and see what I mean–About Me

 Creative dramatics may look like play—and that’s exactly the point. It’s learning through joy, movement, voice, and imagination. As educators and parents, we owe it to our youngest learners to offer them opportunities to express themselves freely and learn through doing. Trust me, if you introduce them to pretend play they will join you with open arms.

Whether it’s a simple “pretend we’re animals” warm-up or a more structured story reenactment, every moment of creative drama helps a child grow. So grab a scarf, a hat, or just an idea, and let the story begin!

Needing a book of ideas?  Pick up Viola Spolin’s book, Theater Games for the Classroom.  It’s chock full of exercises with side coaching advice and clear procedures.

What book are you go-tos?  I’d love to hear about them.  Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks                                                                                                                              

Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance

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Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance

As you might expect, I’ve attended theater all around the world–from Marcel Marceau in 1961, Kabuki theater in 1973 to an Innuit play in 2001.  Additionally, I’m aware that most of our students are not as fortunate as I. However, I think there is one way we can remedy this for our students.  Simply put, introduce to them theater around the world. Modern theater is a mix of old traditions and new ideas. Around the world, theater is growing and changing, showing the creativity of different cultures. This post, “Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance,” takes a look at how theater is done in various places and what makes each unique.

File:Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton.jpg

Creativity and Diversity

United States: The U.S. is known for its amazing theater, especially Broadway in New York City. Big musicals like Hamilton and The Lion King are huge hits, but there’s also smaller, more creative theater happening Off-Broadway and in places like Chicago. These smaller theaters often tell new stories and try out bold ideas. Perhaps more importantly, we have theater opportunities for people of different abilities, welcoming everyone to participate!

When Sam’s son, who has developmental disabilities, asked, “When is it my turn to act on stage?” she took action. As the theater arts coordinator at Phoenix Day School for the Deaf, Sam created Detour Company Theatre to provide performance opportunities for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Detour, with about 50 actors, stages double features like Shrek The Musical and Legally Blonde The Musical.  Consequently, this allows our members to shine in lead and ensemble roles. “We take detours, but we all arrive at the same destination—entertainment and joy,” says Sam.

Canada: Canada’s theater reflects its mix of cultures. The Stratford Festival in Ontario.  This festival focuses on Shakespeare and classic plays.  Additionally, Indigenous playwrights like Tomson Highway tell important stories about First Nations. In Quebec, French-language plays bring another layer to Canada’s theater scene.

Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance

Latin America: Theater in Latin America often combines art and activism. In Brazil, Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed is a groundbreaking method that uses theater as a tool for social change. This technique encourages audience participation, turning spectators into “spect-actors”. This gives the audience a chance to engage with the performance and suggest solutions to real-life problems. Not only is that engaging, but of course topical.  It includes forms like Forum Theatre, where audience members step into roles to explore different outcomes, and Image Theatre, which uses body language to communicate complex ideas without words.

Boal’s work has inspired activists and educators worldwide to use theater to address inequality, oppression, and social justice issues. In Mexico, street theater is very popular, turning public spaces into stages and making theater fun and easy to access.

File:'The broken pot' Kleist Ukrainian National Theatre Dostoevsky "Brothers Karamazov" Yaroslavl Volkov theatre Directing Roman Markholia Stage design Vladimir Kovalchuk Costumes Natalia Rudiuk-6.jpg

Europe: Old and New Come Together

United Kingdom: The UK has a wide variety of theater, from the famous West End to interactive shows by companies like Punchdrunk. London’s National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe perform both old and new works, while smaller theaters introduce exciting new playwrights.

Punchdrunk Theatre Company, founded in 2000 by Felix Barrett, revolutionized immersive theater by placing audiences directly in the action. Known for their acclaimed production Sleep No More, a film noir-inspired take on Macbeth that’s captivated audiences in London, New York, and Shanghai, Punchdrunk creates non-linear narratives in sprawling, interactive spaces. Their latest, The Burnt City, explores the mythological Trojan War in a vast London venue.

Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance
Berlin’s Schaubühne

Germany: Germany is known for its creative and experimental theater. Directors like Thomas Ostermeier at Berlin’s Schaubühne. Furthermore, this company makes bold choices, using technology and powerful visuals to connect with audiences in new ways.

France: French theater is often cutting-edge. The Avignon Festival is famous for blending theater, dance, and technology. Groups like Théâtre du Soleil explore global and political themes, attracting audiences from around the world.

Eastern Europe: Theater in Eastern Europe is shaped by its history. Puppetry and physical theater are common, with groups like Poland’s Teatr Piesn Kozla using music and movement to tell moving stories.

Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance
Kathakali play

Asia: Mixing Old and New

India: Indian theater combines ancient traditions with modern issues. The Rangashankara theater in Bangalore encourages new writing.  Likewise, traditional forms like Kathakali inspire today’s plays. Writers like Mahesh Dattani focus on topics like gender and identity.

Japan: Japan’s theater keeps its classics alive, like Noh and Kabuki, while also pushing boundaries. Groups like Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre bring together artists from around the world, and playwright Toshiki Okada uses minimalist styles to talk about modern life.

Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

China: Chinese theater is a mix of traditional opera and modern techniques. For instance, cities like Beijing and Shanghai host performances that include drama, music, and digital effects.

Southeast Asia: Countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines show a blend of tradition and modern theater. Shadow puppetry, like Wayang Kulit, inspires new works, while writers explore global and cultural themes.

Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance
South African Theatre Festival

Africa: Stories of Strength and Change

African theater is deeply connected to storytelling and tradition. In Nigeria, Wole Soyinka’s plays explore the mix of old and new cultures. Moreover in South Africa, productions like Woza Albert! use humor to talk about serious topics like apartheid. Across the continent, theater reflects themes of identity and resilience, with festivals like South Africa’s National Arts Festival showcasing these works.

Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance
Bangarra Dance Theatre

Australia and Oceania: Cultural Bridges

In Australia, Indigenous theater is very important. Groups like Bangarra Dance Theatre tell stories through dance and music, celebrating Aboriginal culture. Playwrights like David Williamson write sharp, funny plays about modern society. In New Zealand, theater mixes Maori myths with current issues to create unique performances.

War Horse, the play

Global Trends in Modern Theater

Theater today shares some common trends across the world:

  • Diversity and Representation: More playwrights and directors from different backgrounds are sharing their stories, creating fresh perspectives.
  • Technology on Stage: Shows are using virtual reality, projections, and other technologies to create amazing effects. Productions like The Encounter use 3D sound to make the audience feel part of the story.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Many theaters are trying to be greener by reusing sets and cutting down on energy use.
  • Interactive Shows: Some theaters let the audience take part in the story. Additionally, plays like Sleep No More create immersive experiences where viewers explore the performance space.
Exploring Modern Theaters: A Global Journey in Performance
Theatre Du Soleil

The Future of Modern Theater

John Steinbeck said, “The theater is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed.” Every time I hear about a new production opening or a theater announcing its next season, I get a lump in my throat thinking about how “theater is dying”, not!

Modern theater keeps changing to stay exciting and relevant. As technology grows and new ideas emerge, theater will continue to reflect the world’s challenges and successes. That is exciting, yes? By mixing old traditions with new innovations, theater remains a powerful way to bring people together and share stories.

Whether it’s on big stages like Broadway or in small, experimental spaces, modern theater shows us what it means to be human. It connects us across cultures and reminds us of the power of storytelling.

Preview of Emergency Sub Plan! VERY Popular Theater Around the World Video Lessons Drama 1

Theaters Around the World Resource

Are you teaching middle and high school students about modern theater?  Check out my Theaters Around the World unit. It contains a series of video clips with questions pertaining to various theater companies around the world not mentioned here. Have any questions?  Please feel free to email me with them at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

 

Deb

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

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The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

I worry about our students.  Specifically, as a drama teacher and working with all things theater, I’m concerned about our students’ creativity.  So let’s consider that today–the power of creativity: nurturing innovation in students. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges, creativity has never been more essential.

Schools are not just places where students learn facts and figures. They are incubators for innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and dreamers. I believe that nurturing creativity in students is not only a vital aspect of their development but also an investment in the future.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

Why Creativity Matters

This is a generality–many people believe they are not creative. One of my friends, who has a beautifully decorated home told me, “I’m not creative like you.”  What? Of course,  I disagree with her. Creativity is not just about art, music, or theater. It is the foundation of critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation. When students learn to think creatively, they develop skills that help them approach problems from new perspectives. They explore unconventional solutions, and express their individuality. Since this is a drama education blog, I’m going to consider creativity from that standpoint.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

Creativity in Action: Building Skills Through the Arts

For example:

  • Problem-Solving: Creativity helps students develop resilience and resourcefulness when facing challenges, fostering a mindset of possibilities rather than obstacles. Set design is an excellent example of problem solving.  Students envision their design, draw and build a model of it.
  • Innovation: Many of today’s most groundbreaking advancements come from those who think outside the box, whether in science, business, or technology. The War Horse play is wildly innovative using life size puppets of horses to tell the story.
  • Emotional Growth: Creativity allows students to express their feelings, build confidence, and develop empathy by exploring diverse narratives and perspectives. Writing a monologue, a form of playwriting, about a Christmas gift a student is given is non-threatening and something they can relate to quite easily.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

Strategies to Cultivate Creativity in the Classroom

  1. Encourage Open-Ended Exploration Let students experiment with ideas and projects without fear of being “wrong.” Open-ended assignments promote originality and allow them to explore their interests. Several times in a semester, I give students an opportunity to improv. a particular theme using tableaux or movement like the Tricicle Theater Company.
  2. Incorporate Arts into the Curriculum Theater, music, visual arts, and creative writing engage students in ways that traditional lectures cannot. These disciplines help students develop a broader range of cognitive and emotional skills. Teaching students about building a mood through sound effects and music is always fun.
  3. Provide Opportunities for Collaboration Group projects encourage students to build on each other’s ideas, learning how to synthesize diverse perspectives into something greater than the sum of its parts. For example, if students create their own juke box musical they must work together to create a dynamic and finished product.
  4. Value the Process Over the Product Celebrating effort and experimentation reduces the pressure to “succeed” and helps students take risks, an essential part of creative growth. Designing a costume and using only newspaper and painter’s tape to secure it nurtures ingenuity.  
  5. Model Creativity Teachers who demonstrate their own creative processes—whether through storytelling, problem-solving, or innovation in teaching methods—instill a sense of curiosity and possibility in their students.  When teaching storytelling, I always model a story for my storytelling unit.
  6. If you’d like to learn about the importance of drama education to a student’s life, check out my Litpick.com article.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

The Long-Term Impact

Are you a day dreamer? Sometimes I daydream when I’m create new resources such as the Sonologue unit.  According to the American Psychological Association, “Studies indicate that creativity involves the interaction of multiple neural networks. For instance, the default mode network, associated with mind-wandering and spontaneous thinking, collaborates with the executive control network, responsible for focused attention, during creative tasks. This interplay allows individuals to generate original ideas and critically evaluate them.

As a teacher, one of the best things you can do is praise your students when they are creative, no matter the quality of their project.  When creativity is nurtured, students carry these skills far beyond the classroom. They learn at an early age that having creative ideas will pay off for them.  They become innovators in their fields. Additionally, they are compassionate leaders, and individuals who view the world through a lens of possibility. My advice?  Be as free with them as you possibly can and just watch them light up! 
The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students
Here’s a new warm-up exercise which I think will help you and your students greatly as they hone their creativity: Exploration Game
Moreover, creative education helps students develop a lifelong love of learning, which is critical in an ever-changing world. Learn about my former student, Brandon Davis and how he used set design as a student and turned it into a professional career. The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design
The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

The Link Between Personality, Creativity, and Joy

Personality traits such as openness to experience have been consistently linked to higher creativity. Individuals high in this trait tend to be more imaginative.  Additionally they are curious, and open to new experiences.  These quality all contribute to creative thinking. in a recent study sponsored by YouGov which surveyed 700 children, “Creative activities help children recognize their unique talents and develop a deeper belief in their abilities—giving children an incredible sense of joy and accomplishment,” says Cheri Sterman, senior director of education for Crayola. For more information, check out: www.parents.com 

Final Thoughts

I hope my friend re-considers her creativity.  It would be sad to think someone stunted their creativity and imagination just because they don’t think they are capable.  And here’s another thing–creativity has nothing to do with talent! Whoa, that’s a heady thought.  Someone can be talented and not creative.

For instance, your student is a math wizard–that takes analytical thought and problem solving.  That doesn’t necessarily take talent.  Or your teacher is an incredible singer–they are expressive and skilled. Her prowess was probably built through much hard work and practice. I would argue that both people are creative. Do you agree? 

Investing in creativity in education is about more than preparing students for careers—it’s about preparing them for life. When schools make room for creativity, they  enrich students’ academic experiences. Furthermore, they empower them to shape a better future. As educators and mentors, we hold the key to unlocking the potential of the next generation. Let’s use it to inspire a world filled with imagination, innovation, and boundless opportunities.

How do you nurture creativity in your classroom? Share your strategies and success stories in the comments below!

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks