Why Masks Help Reluctant Students Shine in Drama Class

Students wearing handmade masks in a drama class demonstrating how masks help reluctant students gain confidence

Why Masks Help Reluctant Students Shine in Drama Class There was always room for creativity in my drama classroom. That is part of my mission—to approach theater from every angle, not just through acting. And like every drama teacher, I knew that student—the one who quietly hoped I wouldn’t call on them. They avoided eye […]

Why Drama Is the Ultimate Life Skills Curriculum

Drama Is Life Skills: How the Classroom Becomes Real-World Practice I believe drama class is life skills. One of my favorite classroom memories explains exactly why Drama Is Life Skills: How the Classroom Becomes Real-World Practice — and it doesn’t involve a standing ovation. It involves a triangle. The Power of Being Needed Years ago, […]

Black Theater Artists to Explore: Beyond the Famous

Black Theater Artists to Explore blog cover featuring a collage of theater artists highlighting lesser-known Black performers and creatives for drama teachers.

Black Theater Artists to Explore: Beyond the Famous It’s February — and if you’re like many drama teachers, you’re balancing packed schedules while trying to make Black History Month meaningful and authentic for your students. Over the years, I’ve noticed the same pattern: we want to go beyond the familiar names but aren’t always sure […]

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 […]