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Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

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Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Today, let’s discuss Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes. Picture this: You are ready to teach on your very first day of classes. Excited, you double-check the student roster. Hmmm. At last check, there weren’t too many students signed up for your class. However, you knew that in the last days of summer, usually some stragglers sign up. In walk two students. Even though your roster listed these two students’ names, you are certain there are more arriving any minute.

You wait five minutes. The two students look uncomfortable and you are apprehensive. You think, “What can I do with a class of two? How can I still make this class engaging? “ Disappointed, you throw out your plans for the first week of class.

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

Does this sound like you? I’ve been in this position before. Teaching drama to a small group is a unique challenge. Unlike math or even art, drama thrives on human interaction, group dynamics, and ensemble work. So, what do you do when your “ensemble” consists of just two or three students?

Occasionally, a teacher will email me begging for help with teaching their class. They have a small class of students. The question to me is usually the same: Is it possible to teach drama to a small group of students?

My answer is always a resounding, yes! I’ve taught several classes with only one or two students. These were home school students in a huge enrichment program. Your success depends upon a few things, some of which are somewhat out of your control. However, there are many things you can control, and with a little creativity, you can turn a small class into an enriching experience.

 

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

1. Limited Ensemble Dynamics

With fewer students, it’s harder to create the rich, spontaneous interactions typical in larger ensembles. Each student’s contribution is magnified, and the diversity of ideas and energy might be more limited. At times, I’ve noticed that when a student receives too much attention, they can become overly dependent on me when struggling with a concept.

2. Individualized Needs

In a small group, differences in skill levels, personality, and confidence become more apparent. This is where the teacher’s level of exhaustion comes into play. You must tailor lessons, provide personalized feedback, and ensure that each student’s unique needs are met without compromising the group’s overall progress.

3. Risk and Vulnerability

Drama often involves improvisation and exposing one’s vulnerabilities. In a small setting, students may feel overly visible or pressured, making it tougher to foster a safe space for experimentation and risk-taking. (If one student resists and you only have two in the class, your chance of success has dropped by 50%!)

4. Building Group Cohesion

Developing trust and a sense of community is essential in drama. With fewer participants, it requires extra effort to ensure that all students connect and collaborate effectively. Absenteeism, students not learning their lines, or unfinished projects can bring your class to a standstill.

Solutions & Strategies for Success

Quick Fixes for Small Classes

  • Lean into one-on-one coaching: Treat it like a personalized drama mentorship.
  • Adjust group exercises for two or three people: Focus on duologues, monologues, and character studies.
  • Expand beyond acting: Let students explore directing, playwriting, and design.
  • Use multimedia tools: Record performances, create podcasts, or study filmed theater.

Now, let’s look at how I put these strategies into action.

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Emily’s Story: Adapting Drama for One Student

Emily was a wonderful homeschool student in my drama class. Several other students were signed up but dropped at the last minute. Since I had previous teaching experience with Emily and knew that if I canceled the class, she’d be crestfallen.

Inventory the Student’s Interests

To begin, I interviewed Emily to discover which aspects of theater interested her most. Ha! All of it! We discussed book titles that had been dramatized, musicals she liked.  Additionally, we considered whether she wanted to be realistic or fanciful in her set and costume designs. By giving Emily opportunities to choose the differentiation, I knew that we’d be more successful than had we not done so.

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Creating a Personalized Curriculum

Since I was teaching Emily once a week from August to May, we structured  our plan together. Here’s what it looked like:

Lesson Plan for a One-Student Drama Class

  • August: Icebreaker games and warm-ups that work for two people (e.g., Add a Word storytelling).*
  • September: Read the play version of Peter Pan aloud.
  • October: Studied and designed costumes for Peter Pan. Emily even sewed Peter Pan’s hat!
  • November: Explored set design and built a model of the Peter Pan set.
  • December: Watched the Peter Pan musical and compared it to the play version.
  • January & February: Studied stage properties. Emily designed and built a cardboard broadsword using an instructional video.
  • March: Studied stage makeup and designed a look for Captain Hook.
  • April: Selected a three-person scene from Peter Pan to perform. I invited two girls from another class to rehearse with Emily.
  • May: Performed the scene for Emily’s parents and she wrote a reflection about her experiences during the year of learning.

*Generally, we began each class with a warm-up exercise of some kind that tied to the subject of the day.

If you are in need of particular lessons for this plan, check out:  Dramamommaspeaks Store

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Alternative Approaches for Small Classes

Rotating Focus Each Class

Another way to teach a small drama class effectively is to structure your lessons to explore different aspects of theater each session:

Creative Drama Exercises for Small Groups

Here are a few engaging activities tailored for 1-3 students:

  • “Mirror, Mirror”: One student mimics another’s movements to build focus.
  • “What are you doing?: Take turns informing each other something they must do that is physical, “I’m mopping the floor.”
  • Table Reads: Read and analyze famous plays.
  • Monologue Swap: Perform the same monologue in different tones/moods.
  • Character Walks: Move around as different characters to develop physicality.

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Final Thoughts: Reframing Small Classes as an Opportunity

Thus, as you are aware, teaching a small drama class can feel isolating or discouraging. But it also offers a unique opportunity for deep, personalized instruction. Most importantly, the key is to lean into the strengths of a small class, offering students individualized coaching, creative freedom, and opportunities to explore theater beyond acting.

Your Turn!

  • Have you ever taught a small drama class? What creative solutions worked for you?
  • What are your favorite duo or trio scene studies? Drop your recommendations below! Or Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

I hope this blog post, Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively has been helpful to you. Need more ideas? Check out my post on How to Use a Hybrid Lesson in Your Drama Classroom Tomorrow.

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

Epic Theater Evolution: A Journey Through Time

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Let’s talk about epic theater evolution: a journey through time, shall we?  I’ll admit it.  I wasn’t much for history when I was a young student.  However, as I’ve aged, I’ve become more interested in it.  I guess that is what age does to you?

Epic Theater Evolution: A Journey Through Time

Theater has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years.  It evolved through various forms and styles to become the dynamic and diverse art form we enjoy today. Let’s journey through the fascinating history of theater, from its origins in ancient Greece to the innovative virtual productions of the modern era.

Epic Theater Evolution: A Journey Through Time

Ancient Greek Theater

Last summer we had the amazing opportunity to tour Greece!  Before traveling there, I hadn’t researched the tour because I like to learn about the sites more spontaneously. We purposely chose this trip so that we could see all of the ruins of Greek theaters. Wow, did we see a lot.

The origins of Western theater trace back to ancient Greece, around the 5th century BCE. This era gave birth to the seminal genres of tragedy and comedy. Greek tragedies, often based on mythological themes, explored human emotions.  Playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides are still revered for their contributions, with works like “Oedipus Rex” and “Medea” continuing to be studied and performed. If you’ve never read a Greek play, I’d encourage you to do so.  They are amazing and as timely now as then.

Greek comedies, penned by playwrights such as Aristophanes, offered satirical takes on contemporary society and politics. The amphitheaters of ancient Greece, with their impressive acoustics and grand stages, became the blueprint for future theater architecture.

Epic Theater Evolution: A Journey Through Time

The Renaissance and Shakespearean Era

Several years ago, we traveled to England and saw the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wow!   The Renaissance period was a period of revival and innovation in the arts, and theater was no exception. This era saw the emergence of new theatrical forms and the construction of iconic venues like The Globe Theatre in London. ‘

William Shakespeare, perhaps the most celebrated playwright of all time, emerged during this period. His plays, ranging from the tragic “Hamlet” to the comedic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” have left an indelible mark on literature and theater. If you’d like to learn more about Shakespeare, check out: What is Shakespeare in the Park and Why Should I Like It?

Shakespeare’s works explored the complexity of the human condition.  In addition, his mastery of language and characterization has influenced countless playwrights and actors. The Renaissance also saw the development of opera and ballet, further enriching the theatrical landscape.

Epic Theater Evolution: A Journey Through Time

The 19th and 20th Centuries

In the 19th century theater shifted towards realism and naturalism.  Playwrights like Henrik Ibsen and Anton Chekhov leading the way. Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” and Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” focused on everyday life and the intricacies of human relationships, departing from the melodramatic styles of earlier periods. Sometime ask me about my experience being part of the live sound effects crew on Chekhov’s play, “Three Sisters”. There were these sleigh bells on a piece of wire and I was to “canter” with them…Oh my gosh, it was a funny experience~

Musical Kinky Boots

The Birth of Musical Theater

Probably my most favorite time in theater history was when the 20th century witnessed the rise of musical theater.  Musicals with legendary collaborations like Rodgers and Hammerstein producing classics such as “The Sound of Music“ and “Oklahoma!” continue to be popular to this day.  This period also introduced groundbreaking works from playwrights like Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams, whose plays delved into the complexities of American life. Read this post if you are interested in additional historical information about musical theater– Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Epic Theater Evolution: A Journey Through Time

 Contemporary Theater

Today, theater is more diverse and experimental than ever. Personally, I’m pleased to see this.  Modern productions often incorporate multimedia elements, breaking traditional boundaries to create immersive experiences. Playwrights like Tony Kushner and directors like Julie Taymor have pushed the envelope with innovative storytelling and staging techniques.

Furthermore, the inclusion of diverse voices and stories has enriched contemporary theater.  Thus, making it a more inclusive space that reflects a wide range of experiences and perspectives. For example, in New York City, the popular theatre attraction “Sleep No More” pushes the audience’s a-typical standards of plays by introducing Shakespeare’s Macbeth almost as if it were an exhibit piece. Requiring the audience to remain silent throughout, audience members are asked to analyze complicated set pieces and follow fast-paced actors running through rooms to understand the story. How fascinating.

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An excellent musical which just recently ran on Broadway was How to Dance in Ohio.   At a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohio, seven autistic young adults prepare for a spring formal dance–a rite of passage that breaks open their routines and sets off hilarious and heartbreaking encounters with love, stress, excitement, and independence.

Scientifically accurate atomic model of the external structure of SARS-CoV-2. Each "ball" is an atom.

The Rise of Virtual and Online Theater

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the performing arts.  However, it also spurred a surge in virtual and online theater. Companies adapted by streaming performances and creating interactive digital experiences. Productions like the National Theatre’s “Frankenstein” and Zoom-based plays have demonstrated the potential of virtual theater. Those of you who teach theater used every means possible to allow your students to perform.  Some even used radio theater! As great as it sounds, Covid nearly ruined theater.  Check out: TheConversation.com article: The Pandemic Nearly Killed Theater

As we move forward, hybrid models combining live and digtal elements are likely to become more common, expanding the reach and accessibility of theater. I’m thrilled to see more recorded live theater performances such as National Theatre Home.

Onthestage.com, states, “Perhaps the biggest added value of VOD (video on demand)  is the flexibility it brings to audiences. Maybe someone across the country is interested in viewing your show, but doesn’t have the means to get there. Or, in today’s uncertain climate, it’s likely someone might fall ill during show week and can’t attend in-person. There are some, even, that may prefer to watch the show from the comfort of their own homes just because. You give those potential audience members more options to experience your work.”

And isn’t that what we want?  There’s a place for everyone in theater–onstage, backstage and even in the house.

In conclusion, theater has always been a reflection of the society it inhabits.  It cleverly evolved to meet the changing tastes and challenges of its audience. From the grand amphitheaters of ancient Greece to the digital stages of today, theater remains a vital and dynamic form of expression.

Preview of Free Drama Lesson The Origin of Theatre 1

Teaching about the origin of theater?  Pick up this FREE lesson in my Teacherspayteachers store.

What are your favorite theater memories? How has theater impacted your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about the enduring magic of theater.

If you’d like to teach about the origin of theater, check out this FREE resource: The Origin of Theater

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

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Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

Today, I want to blog about why theater education matters:  developing key life skills.  Recently, I read a Facebook post by a theater teacher who was frantic for help.  She taught drama in middle school.  Her sixth grade classes were a reasonable size, but that’s where the good news end.

More Typical Scenario Than You Would Think

Her seventh and eighth grade classes had been mixed up, so she no longer had an intermediate (7th) and experienced class (8th). Get this-when she inquired for the reasons for this cluster, her questions weren’t addressed. Unfortunately, she was informed that she would have to do the best she could. She should sharpen up her classroom management skills.   And if that’s not enough–her classes were 50 to 60 students in number.  What?!?

As I consider this enormous problem for her, I’m struck with a thought.  This is one time that it is more important to teach key life skills to her gigantic and potentially unsafe classes than to actually study theater. My suggestion?  Focus on life skills through her lessons and though they will still pertaining to theater, the students will feel less threatened.

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

Theater education is often seen as an extracurricular activity.  Some people consider it a hobby for those interested in acting or the arts. However, the benefits of theater education extend far beyond the stage. Engaging in theater can play a crucial role in developing essential life skills. These are skills which are tantamount to success in one’s personal and professional life. Here’s a closer look at why theater education should be an integral part of every student’s learning experience.

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

1. Enhancing Communication Skills

One of the most apparent benefits of theater education is the improvement of communication skills. Through acting, students learn to express themselves clearly and confidently. They practice articulation, projection, and the importance of non-verbal cues. These skills are not only vital for performing on stage but are also crucial in everyday interactions and professional environments.

By memorizing lines from plays or musicals, student absorb a variety of sentences and phrasing.  If they are like me, it carries over into your every day speech. Furthermore, you naturally know how to use a particular phrase or word  without even having to think about it.  You communicate with ease and confidence.  My suggestion:  teach students how to memorize a short paragraph from a play.  

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

2. Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration

Theater is inherently a collaborative art form. From rehearsals to performances, students must work closely with their peers, directors, and crew members. This collaboration teaches them how to work effectively in a team. A cast must listen to others’ ideas, and contribute constructively.

I can always tell if students have been directed by a knowledgeable teacher who understands the value of everyone’s talents and abilities.  The entire cast and crew carries about them a sense of ownership.  They help one another and are willing to sacrifice their ego for the sake of the production.   These teamwork skills are highly sought after in almost every career field. My suggestion:  Teach set design, having students work with a buddy.  

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

3. Developing Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

By stepping into different characters’ shoes, students gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and emotions. This experience fosters empathy. It allows them to relate better to others’ feelings and experiences. Additionally, theater education helps students develop emotional intelligence by encouraging them to recognize and manage their own emotions, as well as understand and influence the emotions of others.

As we are aware, our students are suffering from bullying not only in the classroom and hallways, but on-line as well.  Students who have portrayed villains or down-trodden characters know what that feels like.  I do not have any proof to expound here. However, my personal experiences with this issue lead me to believe that your arts students are the least likely students to intimidate anyone. Check out this post-–Drama Student, I Recognize You a Mile Away

Arts students are usually immensely clever and generally have differing viewpoints from the study body as a whole.  Consequently, often time they suffer being left out of social circles.  Theater gives them a “home” at school.  My suggestion? Write a monologue speaking as the animal.  (You won’t believe how well this works for students.)

Looking for a bundle of units concerning acting styles?  Check out this one:  Acting Styles of Stanislawski, Adler, Strasberg and Hagen. 

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Performing in front of an audience can be a daunting task, but it is also an excellent confidence booster. Theater education provides a safe and supportive environment for students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Over time, this process builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Accordingly, confident individuals are more likely to take on leadership roles and tackle challenges head-on.

As adults, we continue to grapple with taking risks in our lives.  Some people are so afraid of risk, they become stagnant and don’t grow. I’ve witnessed this in my extended family and it saddens my heart.  Their spouse, on the other hand, who studied theater and dealt with self esteem issues as a young person continues to challenge herself in her profession.

I know, without a doubt, it is because she learned from being on stage and facing risks, that she knows how to advocate for herself. My suggestion?   Give them a pre-performance and post performance exit slip and ask them to be candid about themselves. 

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

5. Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving

Theater is a creative endeavor that requires thinking outside the box. For example, whether it’s coming up with an innovative set design or interpreting a script in a unique way, students are constantly challenged to be creative. This creative thinking extends to problem-solving skills, as students must navigate unexpected issues that arise during rehearsals and performances. Check out this blog post if you need reasons to include drama integration in your core classes: How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

Through trial and error, students build their problem-solving skills and learn that making mistakes doesn’t mean failure.  Mistakes signify that the particular issue wasn’t solved or completed. That is all, period. My suggestion?  Teach with  my Famous Theater Artists Growth Mindset Unit. 

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

6. Strengthening Academic Performance

Research has shown that students involved in theater tend to perform better academically. Theater education enhances literacy and reading comprehension through script analysis and character study. Also, it improves memory and concentration, which are beneficial across all subjects. Moreover, the discipline and time management skills learned in theater can translate to better study habits and academic success.

In the beginning, novices will try to beat the system and paraphrase their lines.  Hence, they never truly learn them. By the time they are in high school, they’ve convinced themselves that, “I can’t learn lines.” I know this is not true.  Plus, I know what they need is a system that works.

Once I demonstrate to them the various methods for line memorization, they try again.  When they have success using one of those methods, their entire attitude changes. But it still takes self discipline!  If you want more information for line memorization, read Three Ways to Memorize Lines for a Play or Musical

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

7. Preparing for Future Careers

While not all students will pursue careers in theater, the skills gained from theater education are transferable to numerous professions. Additionally, theater education equips students with a versatile skill set that can enhance their career prospects and success.

Here are a few careers where having theater skills are useful:

Public Relations Specialist–Skills Used: Communication, presentation, creativity, adaptability.
How Theater Helps: Understanding audience engagement and crafting compelling narratives.

Event Planner–Skills Used: Organization, time management, creativity, problem-solving.
How Theater Helps: Managing events and performances teaches you how to coordinate logistics and handle unexpected issues.

Marketing Professional–Skills Used: Creativity, communication, storytelling, audience analysis.
How Theater Helps: Developing marketing campaigns requires the same creative storytelling skills used in theater.

Educator/Teacher–Skills Used: Communication, presentation, adaptability, creativity.
How Theater Helps: Theater teaches how to engage and hold the attention of an audience, which is essential in the classroom.

Future Careers Utilizing Theater Skills

Human Resources Manager–Skills Used: Communication, conflict resolution, empathy, teamwork.
How Theater Helps: Theater experiences foster a deep understanding of human behavior and group dynamics.

Sales Professional–Skills Used: Persuasion, communication, presentation, relationship building.
How Theater Helps: Performing helps build confidence and the ability to convey messages effectively.

Lawyer–Skills Used: Argumentation, public speaking, critical thinking, research.
How Theater Helps: Theater provides practice in presenting arguments persuasively and thinking on one’s feet.

Psychologist/Counselor– Skills Used: Empathy, communication, analysis, problem-solving.
How Theater Helps: Understanding characters and motivations in theater aids in understanding and helping real people.

Other Career Examples

Journalist–Skills Used: Research, storytelling, communication, adaptability.
How Theater Helps: Writing and interpreting scripts in theater helps journalists craft compelling stories.

Film and Television Production–Skills Used: Creativity, technical skills, teamwork, problem-solving.
How Theater Helps: The technical and creative aspects of theater production are directly applicable to film and television.

Corporate Trainer–Skills Used: Communication, presentation, adaptability, teaching.
How Theater Helps: Theater training provides techniques for engaging an audience and conveying information effectively.

Nonprofit Manager–Skills Used: Communication, organization, fundraising, storytelling.
How Theater Helps: Effective storytelling and presentation skills are crucial for fundraising and advocacy work.

Entrepreneur–Skills Used: Creativity, risk-taking, problem-solving, adaptability.
How Theater Helps: The improvisational nature of theater helps entrepreneurs navigate the uncertainties of starting and running a business.

See?  The list for skills learned in a theater class is immense.  If you are a theater teacher and must defend the reasons for keeping your class, quote from this list! 

Empowering Students with Creativity, Confidence, and Collaboration

Theater education is much more than learning to act; it’s a comprehensive learning experience that develops critical life skills. By incorporating theater into the curriculum, educators can provide students with invaluable tools. Most importantly, these tools that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Whether a student dreams of a career on Broadway or in a corporate office, the lessons learned in theater education will help them shine in any role they choose to play. Looking for a teacher guidebook to teach you how to boost student engagement?  Pick up We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 on Amazon.com

Plus, I’m a featured author in OneClassroomOver magazine this month.  Check it out here.

Have you ever defended the need for your class or department? I’d love to learn about it.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

 

License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now

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License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now

As a respectful product adopter, I try new products early but carefully. I’m thrilled to share License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now. You are going to want to know more about them, too!

I keep up an active Instagram account through my Dramamommaspeaks page.  Primarily, teachers follow me there but from time to time other groups join–play publishers, authors and youth theater companies.  Recently, a new company joined me.  Being the dutiful marketing person that I aspire to be, I checked them out.  Simply put, once you learn about this company it is going to rock your world!

License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now

License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now

License Training Musicals creates specially crafted scripts and resources designed to change the way actors are trained. They provide true equity in learning with equal lines of dialogue, singing solos, and dance opportunities.  In addition, these training musicals are a truly unique and fun way to approach musical theater training for school drama teachers, community theaters, students and adults alike!

Are you understanding this yet?  Here’s a scenario for you:  You are a harried high school theater teacher.  Additionally, you are half way through the school year and it is time to study musical theater.  You all ready know that your students are wild  about musical theater–they sing songs and quote lines from musicals every single day.  Having their engagement to the subject isn’t the problem.   The problem is everyone wants to be the lead!  That’s a wonderful problem to have, but how do you accomplish this?

Of course, you can double cast the show.  That’s one of my most favorite ways to give more students stage time. You can learn more about my double casting adventures at: Double Casting a Show? Here’s Advice. What do you do about the rest?  More importantly, how do you encourage a student who may have the ability but needs to build their confidence so they feel comfortable singing louder or carrying a show?  After searching exhaustively on the web, you discover a new company,  License Training Musicals or LTM.com.  You are ecstatic!   Finally, someone that has solved this problem.

License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now

What Makes LTM special?

First, I appreciate their mission statement: “To revolutionize the way musical theater is taught, by eliminating inequity and empowering all students to train as leads on and off the stage!”  Inequity is a big challenge theater teachers address every time they cast a show.  Plus, inequity can ruin the cast’s  chemistry.

Secondly, License Training Musicals creates one act musicals for casts of 1 to 8.  Here’s the kicker–everyone has the same amount of lines and songs. What?! Yes, you read that correctly.

Thirdly, the music is just great!  It isn’t preachy or juvenile as I find so many other places.

Their show kits contain: 

  • Triple Threat Training Script .PDF
  • Lead Sheet Music .PDF
  • Demo Vocal Track .Wav
  • Piano Melody With Click Track For Rehearsal .Wav
  • Piano Melody With Instrumental For Rehearsal .Wav
  • Instrumental Performance Track .Wav

Fourth, and this is almost too good to be true–they really want to HELP your students.

  • Flexible for any cast type
  • Affordable for any budget
  • Includes ALL resources for rehearsals AND performances
  • Royalty Free FOREVER

If you’d like to learn more about License Training Musicals, watch this youtube video

License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now

Let’s Meet the Owners

Pamela Atkinson is the executive director and founder of the company. Among other things, Pam has a Masters in Educ. , Bachelors in Education and a B.S in Business. In addition,  she is certified to teach theater.   Pam has been on stage as a dancer, actress in print and television, and professional singer in Hawaii, California, Washington State, New York, and in Utah. Along with that, ask her to show you, “Body Language” music video (sort of a joke).

Pamela’s Creativity

She directed choirs, and orchestras, owned a big city dance studio, as well as produced shows and musicals.  Pam created a public school dance program called A Step Ahead,  and directed collegiate and community dance companies. Also, she  danced/choreographed for the  NBA Sacramento Kings Fastbreak Dance team.  Currently, she is the tech theater teacher in the Nebo School district.

Through her 45 + years in the industry, License Training Musicals is the culmination of her effort to fulfill that mission. You can learn more about her here: LicenseTrainingMusicals

Katie D Higley

Katie Higley is the artistic director, music composer and curriculum creator of the company.  At six months old Katie’s mom discovered her humming Silent Night. By age three, she belted out gibberish at the top of her lungs while holding aloft a Readers Digest magazine on the pot!

Since then, she has blossomed into an accomplished “triple threat” performer having been in 22 musicals before graduating high school. Interestingly, she’s a multi-instrumentalist who made it to Hollywood Week as an American Idol contestant not once, but twice!

Katie’s Accomplishments

Katie loves teaching the gifts of music to hundreds of students for the last 16 years as a professional artist development coach. She’s a motivational TEDx speaker, custom songwriter, author of the well loved “Uke Hymnbook”, a screen composer at Primer Chord Production Music in Australia and a self published producer with her music placed worldwide!

As you might expect, Katie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Music from BYU, she’s certified in Music Technology from RCC with an Honorary Chaplain of Spiritual Music Credential from the WSHO. She serves as the Head Chair of Spanish Fork’s Got Talent Show at Spanish Fork City’s Fiesta Days.

License Training Musicals: Why You Need to Know Them Now

Jessica NS Blackhurst

Jessica NS Blackhurst’s self-proclaimed super power is her ability to find and create stories that remind our souls who we really are and the truth of what this life is all about.

As a youth Jessica coped with loss, financial hardship, and constantly moving for her father’s work by making the theater her home and diving deep into the sacred and uplifting power of storytelling. These passions set her on a course of leadership through storytelling.

Jessica’s Education

Jessica pursued education in every medium through which it is possible to enlighten and uplift with story. For example, she studied English literature, written novels.  She trained in stage acting and public speaking, competed in playwriting competitions.  Plus, Jessica studied the art of screenwriting and directing (receiving a bachelor’s in media arts from BYU).  Jessica has an experienced and proficient hand in songwriting with an emphasis on lyricism.  On a daily basis, she applies herself to mastering the particular crafts of a musical theater librettist and lyricist.

Jessica met Katie Higley at BYU in 2010.  They have a long history of writing amazing songs and inspiring musicals together many of which they now bring to you here!

Join their Beta Program Now

Are you excited about the possibilities here?  Here is where it gets really exciting–LTM is looking for partners who will take time to simply fill out a survey about the shows they finished. They would love feedback on the shows you think may need improvement. Hearing about your experiences helps us create the best possible musical theater resources for your classroom.

Furthermore, they  also hope you’ll let us know if there is anything else we can include to make these tools more useful for you and your students!

For more information about the Beta program go to: LTM Beta Program

As an early adopter, I can say without a doubt–you NEED to check out this company now.  You won’t regret it. Just think how much better your year will go knowing there is a company creating musical theater resources to better things for your students and you.

Are you all ready familiar with LTM?  I’d love to hear your thoughts about them.  Feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Looking for a unique tool to boost student engagement?  Check out my new book, now available as a PDF: We’re Live! Radio Theater #101

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Unveiling Reader’s Theater: What You Never Knew

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Even though I lacked familiarity with Reader’s Theater as a student, once I was a teacher its advantages surpassed any apprehensions I harbored. Let’s talk–unveiling Reader’s Theater: what you never knew. In today’s dynamic educational landscape, teachers are continually exploring innovative methods to engage students and foster deeper understanding.

Unveiling Reader’s Theater: What You Never Knew

One technique gaining popularity is Reader’s Theater.  Reader’s Theater is  a powerful instructional tool that combines reading, performance, and collaborative learning. Particularly in upper elementary classrooms, Reader’s Theater offers numerous benefits, from improving literacy skills to enhancing social and emotional development. Let’s delve into why incorporating Reader’s Theater can be a game-changer for educators and students alike.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew
Credit Readingrockets.org

Boosting Literacy Skills

One of the most important reasons Reader’s Theater is beneficial is its power in boosting literacy skills.  It provides an interactive platform for students to actively engage with text. By taking on different roles and reading aloud, students develop fluency, comprehension, and expression. According to a study published in The Reading Teacher, students who participated in Reader’s Theater experienced significant gains in reading fluency compared to those who did not. The repetitive reading inherent in rehearsals helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension, leading to improved reading proficiency over time.

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here

Fostering Collaboration and Social Skills

If you were to ask me what is the greatest asset of theater, I’d say its adaptability to integrate into any core subject. However, it wasn’t until I studied for my Masters in Arts Integration that this became glaringly apparent to me.  Any time it is used in the classroom, your students level of engagement increases.  In addition,  collaboration lies at the heart of Reader’s Theater. Working together to interpret scripts, assign roles, and rehearse scenes cultivates teamwork and communication skills. A survey conducted by the National Education Association found that 89% of teachers reported improvements in students’ collaboration skills after implementing Reader’s Theater in their classrooms. Moreover, performing in front of classmates builds confidence and self-esteem while encouraging empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Enhancing Creativity and Critical Thinking

Reader’s Theater encourages students to think critically and creatively as they interpret characters and scenes. For some students, it is the first time they see a story in a book as something other than words on a page.  The story comes alive! An analysis conducted by the International Journal of Education and the Arts revealed that students engaged in Reader’s Theater demonstrated higher levels of creativity and critical thinking compared to traditional reading instruction. Analyzing text, identifying character motivations, and making decisions about performance elements stimulate higher-order thinking skills. By the way, gifted and talented students groove on unique learning and Reader’s Theater is one way to reach them. 

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

Addressing Multiple Learning Styles

Every student learns differently, and Reader’s Theater caters to a variety of learning styles. Visual learners benefit from seeing the text come to life through performance, while auditory learners engage with the spoken word and sound effects. According to a report by the American Federation of Teachers, Reader’s Theater accommodates diverse learning styles and promotes inclusive classrooms. By providing a multi-sensory experience, Reader’s Theater ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed and shine in the classroom.

Cultivating a Love for Literature

Reader’s Theater breathes new life into literature, history, etc. transforming reading assignments into dynamic and memorable experiences. A survey conducted by Scholastic found that 78% of students reported enjoying reading more after participating in Reader’s Theater activities. By engaging students’ imaginations and emotions, Reader’s Theater ignites a passion for storytelling and fosters a lifelong love of reading. As students connect emotionally with characters and narratives, they develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the power of words. A by- product of passively studying another culture through a Reader’s Theater script, encourages students to be more accepting of one another.  Can I prove it?  Nope, I just know from my many years of teaching and directing experience.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

Reader’s Theater in the Multicultural Classroom

I am aware of the many challenges our teachers are facing at this point and time.  As a member of several Facebook teacher groups, I hear them lament about their worries and frustrations.  One of their major challenges they are having is keeping the students engaged in their learning.  In addition, the students are unkind to one another to a degree we haven’t seen in our recent past.  I am as concerned about our students’ futures as the teachers.

I can’t fix everything, but I can help.  In my thirty-eight years of teaching, I saw the need for multiculturalism right from the first day of teaching. What is multiculturalism? Simply, put, multiculturalism is defined as allowing many individual cultures to exist within one country. It is the idea that many different types of cultures can exist within one nation.  But how to celebrate the cultures? Many years ago, I began adapting multicultural folk tales into readers theater plays and friend, it works!  Students enjoy learning about other cultures through Reader’s Theater.

Looking for something to celebrate spring?  Pick up The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds here.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

The Legend of How the Bee Got Its Stinger Reader’s Theater

For example, I created a Reader’s Theater script for The Legend of How the Bee Got Its Stinger based on a Cherokee Indian legend. The story: Back in ancient times, when the people were purer and could converse with the animals. The Creator would visit with them. The people asked the Creator for something that was “sweet” to the taste. So, the Creator sent the Bee, but the Bee had no stinger. Down came the Bee and it found a suitable tree in which, they could build their hive, live in, produce honey, multiply and feed its young. Soon the people came to the Bee and asked for some of the sweet syrup and the Bee gave each person a container full. The people loved the syrup and greedily ate it, then went back to the Bee for more. What happens next? You’ll just have to purchase the resource to find out! Looking for another Native American story?  Check out:  370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

The Sprightly Tailor Reader’s Theater Unit

The Story of the Sprightly Tailor is another fun one and so unique! This story, from the British Isles, is spooky, scary and funny all at the same time. It is about a swift-footed and energetic (sprightly) tailor who undertakes to sew some trews (trousers) at night, among the haunted ruins of an old church. Along enters a ghost! You’ll just have to see what happens next…You can find it here: Comical Readers Theater Unit The Sprightly Tailor.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

Abdullah’s Gold Reader’s Theater Unit

Abdullah’s Gold is a story with a moral which students can understand and readily identify.  Abdullah was one of the richest men in town, but you could easily mistake him for a beggar. It was his theory that since there were so many people out to rob a rich man, it was safe to pretend to be poor. And so he did.

But he really didn’t have to pretend. Stingy to the core he found it very easy to be poor. So what if people sniggered and children called out, “Kanjoos! Kanjoos!” (miser, miser), whenever he passed by in his worn-out clothes. Abdullah became more and more content with his growing pile of money as the years went by. But one night, something happens to Abdullah’s money and things were never the same for him. You can find Abullah’s Gold here.

Unveiling Reader’s Theater: What You Never Knew

Looking for more information about Reader’s Theater?  Check out: Learning Through Reader’s Theater Scripts

You can check out all of my readers theater scripts at: Dramamommaspeaks

As you can see, incorporating Reader’s Theater into the upper elementary classroom offers a wealth of benefits, from enhancing literacy skills to fostering collaboration and creativity. By providing a dynamic and interactive approach to reading instruction, teachers can inspire students to become confident readers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. Plus, let’s not forget how the study of cultures can encourage students to have a  global perspective and culturally sensitive. Who knows?  You may enjoy it just as much as your students!  At least, that is my hope. Let’s embrace the transformative potential of Reader’s Theater and empower our students to shine on stage and in life.

What Reader’s Theater have you used in your classroom?  What discoveries did you make by implementing it?  I’d love to hear about it.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

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Scary Radio Plays for High School Students to Perform

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Adapting spooky radio plays for high school students to perform is a skill in which I excel. I’ve adapted short stories, folk tales and even original works for over thirty-eight years. In that time, I found that high school love to scare themselves and others.  However, before we do so, let’s talk about royalties.  There are no royalties to pay if you use my scripts.  I’d appreciate either a resource review or mention in your program if you produce this for the public.

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here or pick up a FREE sample here.

Now let’s get to the scoop-

Frankenstein’s Mystery

Scary Radio Plays for High School Students to Perform

Frankenstein’s Mystery is an electrifying radio play that resurrects Mary Shelley‘s timeless tale in a mesmerizing audio experience,  combining classic storytelling with the dynamic world of radio theater. This production offers a comprehensive package that not only delivers a riveting performance but also provides valuable resources for directors, actors, and educators. If you decide to perform for the public, there are no royalties to pay.

The Story:

Frankenstein’s Mystery begins where the original story leaves off. Victor Frankenstein brings to life his monster much to the surprise of his beautiful fiancé, Elizabeth, and a party of scientists and esteemed professors. Everyone is impressed and this makes Frankenstein proud.  However, there is one fatal flaw in the monster which Frankenstein hadn’t considered–the monster is lonely and will do anything to get a friend.

Scary Radio Plays for High School Students to Perform

The Product

A Note to the Director: Immerse yourself in the director’s guide, providing insights into the creative vision, thematic exploration, and directorial tips to bring the production to life.

Mary Shelley – A Short Bio: Gain a deeper understanding of Shelley, the prolific author whose works have inspired this radio play. Explore the background that shaped her literary contributions.

Adapted Specifically for the Classroom: Having taught and directed for over thirty-eight years, I know a teacher’s challenges when needing a script for a large number.

Sound Effects List and Suggestions: Access a curated list of live sound effects crucial for creating an immersive audio experience. Receive expert suggestions on how to effectively integrate these sounds to enhance the drama. Many a reluctant students has enjoy participating by using the live sound effects.  Need a lesson about sound effects? Check it out here.

Cover of free checklist of radio theater live sound effects.

More Handouts in the Radio Play Resource

Music Suggestions with Links: Elevate the auditory experience with carefully selected music suggestions accompanied by links. Explore the synergy between soundscapes and storytelling.

How to Stage a Radio Play with Floor Plan: Navigate the logistics of radio theater production with a detailed floor plan guide. Maximize the potential of your space while adhering to the unique requirements of staging a radio play.

Radio Theater Terms: Familiarize yourself with essential radio theater terminology, including terms like “up and under.” Enhance your understanding of the technical aspects that contribute to a seamless production.

20-Page Radio Play Script: Immerse yourself in a captivating script, meticulously crafted by an award-winning author. The script includes sound and music cues, providing a comprehensive framework for a compelling performance.

Corny Commercials: Inject humor and authenticity into the play with three corny commercials. Alternatively, customize the commercials by incorporating your students’ own creations, adding a personalized touch to the production.

“Frankenstein’s Mystery” is not just a radio play; it’s a complete theatrical package designed to empower directors, engage actors, and captivate audiences through the artistry of radio theater. Dive into a world where the lines between imagination and reality blur, and the power of sound reigns supreme.

The Monkey’s Paw

Scary Radio Plays for High School Students to Perform

How about a radio drama script adapted from W.W. Jacob’s class, gothic story, The Monkey’s Paw? 

This twenty-five script has 23 +roles (including crew) and was adapted especially for the classroom. Strengthen your students’ listening, speaking, and reading skills all at once. It’s a one stop shop!

“The Monkey’s Paw” is a horror short story by English author W. W. Jacobs, first published in the collection The Lady of the Barge in 1902. In the story, three wishes are granted to the owner of The Monkey’s Paw, but the wishes come with an enormous price for interfering with fate.

Like the Frankenstein resource, this resources everything you’d need to be successful.  Would it be nice to ease your burden knowing you’ve got a lesson which works every time?

The Cast of Amontillado

The Cask of Amontillado radio theater unit adapted by Deborah Baldwin

Adapted from Edgar Allen Poe’s classic, gothic story, The Cask of Amontillado, this script has 15 + roles (plus crew) and was written especially for the upper middle school classroom!

The Cask of Amontillado is a story of revenge, deceit, and murder, as Montresor tricks a drunk Fortunato by trapping him inside an ancient catacomb. Poe’s story uses irony in the writing elements of his characters and setting.

I like to include information in my resources which students may not be aware. This resource includes information about the catacombs.  If you’d like to learn more about how to use radio theater effectively, check out: Ten Facts About Radio Theater That Will Blow Your Mind

Scary Radio Plays for High School Students to Perform

Why do we like to frighten ourselves?

According to an article in Forbes.com, “You get an adrenaline rush. Experiencing fear triggers the body’s fight, flight or freeze response, leading to the release of adrenaline. This can be exhilarating and pleasurable for many people, as it can make them feel more alert and alive.”

“The gene associated with the reward neurons in the amygdala is involved in dopamine signaling — and dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure. It is not just dopamine and oxytocin that contribute to the post-scare high. People also experience a rush of endorphins following a scare.” Thanks to Medicalnewstoday.com for this bit of wisdom.

Scary Radio Plays for High School Students to Perform

Looking for something FREE from Dramamommaspeaks?  Pick up this handy  free checklist of live sound effects websites.

Still not convinced? 

Dramamommaspeaks

Read what others think:

This is such a wonderfully funny script! My students absolutely loved acting out this play as a class! Fun, engaging, and very well written!
— Madison M.
Rated 5 out of 5
Thank you for these fun activities. My students are really going to enjoy acting out this Radio Play. You are my one-stop shop for all things drama!
— Jodie N.
Rated 5 out of 5
This was a super resource (Radio Theater Unit)  that provided an engaging drama activity. I appreciated that all links were included! Different and engaging!
— Stacey W.
Rated 5 out of 5
I adapted this Bow Wow Blues Unit  for the last 2 weeks of class so we mostly worked with the sound effects, but they really liked it. It was especially helpful for my EL students because they can participate without anxiety. I plan to use the full unit next semester. Great resource!
— Mary Angela H.
Rated 5 out of 5
Lastly, I challenge you to surprise your students with a radio theater unit! I think you’ll be surprised by their engagement and enjoyment in using their imaginations.
What radio theater plays have you produced?  How did it work for you?  I’d love to hear from you.  Just email DhcBaldwin@gmail.com