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9 Compelling Reasons Why You Need Lessons Using Super Heroes

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9 Compelling Reasons Why You Need Lessons Using Super Heroes

Have you ever experienced a “Eureka” moment while teaching?  You know those moments where everything just clicks and everyone is surprised, especially you? In this case it was super heroes. Let’s talk about 9 compelling reasons why you need lessons using super heroes.

I’ve shared several times that I taught a pre-elective drama class to sixth graders for thirteen years.  If you’d like more information about that time, check out: How to Make Your Drama Class More Successful –Lessons Learned from 38 Years of Teaching-Middle School.  One of the most exhausting parts of it was the constant lesson planning.

If you are at all like me, you know that the “lesson planning monkey” on your back is demanding. And relentless.  Finally, in desperation one week, I took a stab and did something completely spontaneous with my students.  I used super heroes in all my lessons for a week.  The students were thrilled and I was, too!

Many super heroes grouped together

Did you know that super heroes have been a part of our world for nearly one hundred years?

During the late 1930’s to 1950’s, the Golden Age of Comic Books were created. Modern comic books were first published and rapidly increased in popularity among the masses. The superhero archetype was created and many well-known characters were introduced, including Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Wonder Woman. Most superheroes served as a figure who inspired hope. This hero could save us all from dark and difficult times. Superhero stories promote the ideas of peace, safety and freedom. Some experts consider this message a necessary reassurance in difficult times. The message isn’t about a country succeeding, but recognition that there are others with similar hope for a peaceful future

If I’ve convinced you to consider utilizing super heroes in your teaching, read on!

9 Compelling Reasons Why You Need Lessons Using Super Heroes

When I began writing this blog post, I ran on to a wonderful website, Momjunction.com who stated:

Reason #1: Superhero play gives kids the chance to pretend to be strong and invincible,

Reason #2: They encourage students to make new friends and helps them develop an identity outside of real life.

Reason #3: Super heroes  help children explore moral values and dilemmas and to establish what they and others perceive as right and wrong.

Reason #4: They help children build their confidence. Exposing students to the fantastic world of superheroes may help them come out of the shell and encourage them to face the world with renewed confidence.

Reason #5: Also, they act as role models. Superheroes can be good role models as they teach children various attributes such as courage, honesty, humility, fighting spirit, sense of responsibility, and leadership.

Reason #6: Super heroes instill compassion. Because they are aware of their superiority, it gives the a different perspective on others.  They know that they could destroy most everything and everyone.  Consequently, they understand their actions–both physical and emotional are not only necessary but need to be governed at all times.

What Superheroes Teach Us About Strength, Teamwork, and Joy

Reason #7: They teach willpower and courage.  Super heroes don’t give up at the first failure.  They keep trying until they read their goal.

Reason #8: As you might expect, they  model teamwork.  When super heroes work together they know they must share the burden of the challenge and employ the best in each other. All team members respect each other’s opinions and capabilities while collectively working towards the common goal.

Reasons #9 They are just plain fun.  Super Heroes and their quests take us to a different place in our imaginations where anything is possible. Pick up some fun supplies for your super hero week here: Super Hero Teaching Supplies

Have I convinced you yet to use super heroes in your teaching?

This is How I Can Help You

Maybe you need some ready-made lessons?  I have a brand new Dramamommaspeaks store where you can purchase a few lessons with a superhero theme.

Each lessons focuses on a different theme–playwriting (the monologue), tableau and movement, costume design and storytelling.

A teacher could use them as is in their drama classroom or a reading teacher could integrate them into a unit about super heroes.  Usually students in grades 5 to 8 enjoy them the most, but you know your students the best so you decide.  You can purchase them at Payhip.com or Teacherspayteacher.com.

My Teaching Style

You may find my lessons to be quite unique–there’s a reason.  Since I taught theater classes for nearly forty years, I had the rare opportunity to watch theater subjects unfold and change over many years.  I got to see first hand what worked and what wasn’t so successful.  For instance, there was a time when we didn’t even try to teach technical theater, but now we have lots of units about them.

During this time, I noticed that middle and elementary teachers were using themed units to teach particular concepts or objectives. The students appeared very excited by them.  Hence, when I was exhausted from planning I turned to using themes to teach theater concepts and it worked wonderfully. Here is one for Halloween: Halloween Drama Lessons and Units 

If you want to learn more about how to integrate drama into your classroom, check out: How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

What are some themed units you’ve taught?  I’d love to hear about them.  Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com and let’s chat!

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

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Today, I want to blog about “How to Excite Students With Drama Integration”–one of my favorite subjects! I have an Instagram Profile which I maintain regularly. My followers are comprised of teachers who see the importance of drama but are unconfident using it. They are looking for a teaching method concerning how to excite students with drama integration.

Usually that’s not what they mention, however.  It’s more implied by statements such as “I just can’t get my students to do anything.” Or “They are too busy being too cool for school.”  Or, “They are completely checked out in my class.”

No one wants to say aloud what they are really thinking, “Help someone!”  I can tell by the number of likes I receive and my checking out their own IG account posts, these teachers want to use this fabulous tool with their students. They aren’t convinced they can do it with success. I’m here to tell you that you can!

How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

While we are on this subject….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

How to Excite Students with Drama Integration

How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

I’m continually seeking the perfect magic words to get these teachers to cross the bridge from belief to action.  Understanding these are very busy people with far too much on their plate, I know it’s difficult to take a few minutes and consider strategies for student engagement.

Here I sit smiling at them through my IG profile.  Drama integration has been a part of my life since I was ten years old and in fourth grade when I played Queen Isabella.  That was in 1966!  My teacher engaged me right from the beginning by our class performing a short play about the meeting between Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus. ( I always thought it was so funny because the boy who played Christopher was named Christopher himself!)

But I digress…

If you are someone searching for a way to integrate drama into your classroom, you came to the right blog.  I could give you my opinion, but sometimes we learn better from people of which we are unfamiliar.  Let’s see what other teachers and researchers  discovered.

How does drama help in the classroom?

How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

Drama encourages them to think and act creatively, thus developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in all areas of learning. Through drama, children are encouraged to take responsible roles and make choices – to participate in and guide their own learning.

How does drama help in the classroom?

Drama stimulates them to think and act creatively, thus developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in all areas of learning. Through drama, children are nurtured to take responsible roles and make choices – to participate in and guide their own learning. Check out this resource to use in your language arts class: You can find it on Teacherspayteachers.com at: The Cask of Amontillado radio play script.  Don’t know how to teach radio theater? Check out my Made by Teachers Store: Radio Theater Unit  or in my TPT store: Radio Theater Unit

Drama in the Reading Classroom

Plays inherently come with built-in strategies to help students read better. The acting out of play dialogue compels readers to work more closely with the text to interpret it and project meaning into the experience. As a result, students show improvement in vocabulary, comprehension, and retention.
Researching the drama integration subject, I ran on to Jane Udalla’s article, “The Effect of Drama Based Instruction on Reading Comprehension which states, “Drama-based activities can help struggling readers to “feel” the story, because students report being able to experience the emotions of the characters. Consequently, the students make personal connections to the text and characters while experiencing comparable emotions.  As you would expect, this experience inside the story changed students’ ability to comprehend.” Because it is made real to them, the story reading stays with them.

How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

Drama in the social studies classroom

Language Arts Teacher, Michelle Pieczura states in her article Decidedly Dramatic! The Power of Creative Drama in Social Studies, “Creative dramatics, a highly effective method for integrating arts education into core curriculum. It produces a positive and lasting impact on student learning, in terms of creative and critical thinking, language development, listening, comprehension, retention, cooperation, and empathy and awareness of others.
Creative dramatics not only has the power to bring curriculum to life, but also to stimulate active involvement in the development of conceptual understandings.” Personally, I think social studies is a fabulous place for a drama integration.
If you would like more information about how to integrate drama into social studies, check out my post: The Reasons Teaching Multiculturalism in the Classroom is Vitally Important or peruse my Teacherspayteachers.com product–Multicultural Readers Theater Units or check out The Magic Lake in my Payhip store.

Drama in the math classroom

How to Excite Students With Drama Integration
I know it’s difficult to believe, but drama can also make a math classroom sizzle with excitement! Here is one example.  In the article, The Effects of Drama on At-Risk Students, by  Patrick Kariuki and Steven G. Humphrey stating, “In a higher education classroom, a teacher used stories of mythology to help students understand statistical problems.
This teacher reasoned that storytelling is effective because it allowed him to share with students certain symbols– such as myths that everyone could understand. Furthermore, it also placed unfamiliar concepts in a more familiar setting. If you are intrigued by this idea, check out how to use Native American folk tales: 370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

Outside help for your school

Photo Gallery of DramaMommaSpeaks

Maybe you would like to provide a full-scale musical production at your school as a way to engage students more fully? The Jump Start Theatre program is your answer.

The Jumpstart Theatre Program

The JumpStart Theatre program creates sustainable theatre arts programs in middle schools where there previously were none.  Participating schools are chosen through a rigorous application process and receive training, materials.  Plus there is  budget support to produce their first full-scale musical production. The support continues for three years until the program becomes self-sustaining.

Non-theatre teachers are equipped with skills and resources to produce their school’s first musical through a proven combination of bootcamp style training and hands-on mentoring. The Educational Theatre Foundation operates JumpStart Theatre through a national network of regional theatre company partners who are selected based on their track-record of success in running educational programs for children. In my opinion, this is just wonderful! 

JumpStart Theatre partners are:  Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Ga.; La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla, Calif.; Mountain City Center for the Arts, Frostburg, MD; Stages St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; and The Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati, OH.

How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

Drama Integration through Radio Theater

Here’s how I can help you. A fabulous way to use drama in your classroom is through radio theater.  Now. hear. me. out! Radio theater, now in existence for 100 years, is the predecessor to podcasts. (Ask your students if they know what a podcast is–they will!) I understand the actress Amy Poehler is starting a podcast series, Say More with Dr? Sheila. It will feature 30 comedic episodes spread across three seasons, starring Poehler as a couples therapist with questionable methods and credentials. Each ten-episode season will focus on a central character and distinct theme; however, characters will make crossover appearances across stories and seasons.

The great part of that news is that if one actor does this, more will come!

Harry Potter is entering the podcast scene

Recently, it was announced a brand-new co-production of the original Harry Potter stories, will revisit the beloved listening experience for the first time ever. Scheduled for late 2025, these full-cast audio productions will bring these iconic stories to life as never heard before, offering immersive audio entertainment through high-quality sound design in Dolby Atmos, stunning scoring, a full range of character voices, and real-world sound capture.

Some people would rather just jump in to learn about this incredible tool by experiencing it  on their feet. In that case, I have radio play scripts available (The Invisible Man, The Monkey’s Paw, Cask of Amontillado, Bow Wow Blues, The Frozen Pirate, It Could Always Be Worse, The Brave Little Tailor, etc.) You can find them here:  Dramamommaspeaks Products

How to Excite Students with Drama Integration

As teachers we know that teaching strategies play an important role in classroom instruction. Without the use of a strategy, teachers would be aimlessly projecting information that doesn’t connect with learners or engage them. Luckily, these strategies help learners participate, connect, and add excitement to the content being delivered. That, my friend, is where drama integration comes in!

I hope you’ll consider integrating drama into your classroom. I am always here to help you should you need me or need a sympathetic ear.  Just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com Want to check out my new teacher guidebook, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101?  It’s available on Amazon and in my Dramamommaspeaks store.

How to Excite Students with Drama Integration

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

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Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

One of the most valuable aspects of theater class is how it can be integrated into core subjects.  Today, I want to speak about overcoming fear and anxiety when speaking English as a second language. Personally, I think the best way is by taking a theater class. Let me explain.

If you are unfamiliar with the term, “ESL”, simply put it means English as a second language learner.  “ELL’ means the same thing, but we also have World language learner. 

Since I taught theater classes for over thirty-eight years, my teaching experience is vast.  Not only have I taught middle school students for a large portion of my career, but I worked with elementary and high school as well.

However, my favorite grade level is middle school.  If you’d like more information about my reasons, go to: Striking a Balance with Students in Their Middle School Years. 

When I taught a pre-elective drama class in Missouri, the ELL students were integrated into my class. There are many funny experiences of these sweet students trying valiantly to learn English and still be a child.  (Sometime ask me about the time I sat two girls together from warring tribes, the Tsuti and Hutus, without understanding their tribes were mortal enemies. Yikes!)

Did you know I have a new book, We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 which teaches you how to engage students with a unique tool?  Check it out here.

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

A sidenote:  My grandparents were missionaries in Japan where my mother was raised until she was eighteen years old.  When I was a child, my mother gave free boarding to international college students because she said, “They make me feel like I’m home in Japan.” Because I was raised around these people, I am very comfortable with people of all different nationalities and find them extremely interesting and generally quite friendly.

Being the observant person that I am, I noticed the ELL students were petrified to speak in front of their peers and did not fraternize with the native speakers.  I thought this was sad, but understandable.  Neither knew each other and neither was willing to be the first to extend a friendly hand. (Truly, it should be the native speaker.)

One year, I was looking for something different to offer after school as part of my career ladder responsibilities.  Remembering the native speakers and the ELL students sitting apart in the cafeteria not speaking to one another, I approached the ELL teacher about me sponsoring an after-school drama club specifically for them.  She jumped at the idea!

It seemed simple enough, right?

Three ELL Drama Club Problems to Overcome

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

I planned to have six weeks of drama club and then a performance at the end.

The first problem:  The students would need transportation to take them home from school since they had no other means of travel.  We applied for money from the state for this and they came through handsomely.

The second problem:  How do inform the students and their parents about the club?  Easy.  Mrs. Zumwalt would take care of that for me.  (I must say, co-teaching with another teacher from my school was fabulous.) She took care of communication with parents and the students, while I planned the weekly activities.

The third problem:  What were my goals for the club? I knew that ELL students needed to overcome their fear and anxiety about speaking aloud.  The best way I knew to do this was by integrating drama.  Obviously, I wanted to strengthen their speaking of English.  But what else?  Drama games are always a hit with all of my students and I noticed the ELL students enjoyed them when we played them in class.  For particular games I used, see: Drama Games for the Introvertive Student, but I needed many more.

Readers Theater Resources on the Internet

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

I took to the internet and looked for websites that shared particular games that ELL teachers used in their classroom, hoping to find some which integrated drama. Although this was many years ago, I looked at sites such as Fluentu.com.  I ran on to several books which were helpful, too–Enlivening Instruction with Drama and Improv: A Guide for Second Language and World Language Teachers . The ESL / ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide: Ready-to-Use Strategies, Tools, and Activities for Teaching English Language Learners of All Levels.

Generally, I relied on my go-to drama games and exercises that are successful with all students.  I always suggest to new teachers that they purchase a copy of Viola Spolin‘s book, Theatre Games for the Classroom.  IIt is an excellent source for creative dramatics exercises to use in any elementary and middle school classroom.

My plan included ending the club with a production of some sort.  I turned to Aaron Shepherd’s readers theater website, Aaron Shepard’s RT page as I was familiar with his work. His script, The Legend of Lightning Larry which is still one of my favorites.

I selected readers theater because students read from a script rather than memorize lines and sit together when they perform (safety in numbers, you know). Both attributes would help the students as they slowly overcame their fear and anxiety when speaking English.

If you are unfamiliar with the strengths of using readers theater in your classroom, check out: The Reasons Reader’s Theater is Successful with Our Students.

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

The day arrived to perform the play.  I was very excited, but very naïve.  I thought the students’ parents and siblings would attend.  Parents attended every other time my students performed in my class.  We sent out invitations both through email and hard copies. We baked cookies, had punch ready and decorated.

No one attended.

Why?  Transportation issues.  I never occurred to me that transportation could be an issue, but of course it could be!

The important thing, however, is that the students had a blast doing the play.  The local newspaper came out and photographed the students performing.  Just think of how wonderful that would be for an immigrant to be acknowledged in their community’s newspaper!

The next year, we participated in the school’s diversity celebration. Using a book titled All the Colors of the Earth  and a song from the movie, Making an American quilt,  the students performed a movement piece to it using multi-color flags.  I narrated most of the poem and one student echoed me in several places in the poem.  It was a tremendous success! The student body and teachers applauded for them.  It makes me cry just to think about it now.

ESL Drama Club of Smithton Middle School

My Advice

If you are on the hunt for drama activities for ELL, ENL or World Languages students, I hope you’ll check out the materials I’ve mentioned above.  However, if you want to purchase from someone who is a veteran teacher and has first hand experience teaching creative dramatics to students, I’m your gal.

Earlier I mentioned readers theater scripts.  I have adapted several multicultural folk tales into readers theater scripts. Here are a few.  You can check them all out at: Dramamommaspeaks Readers Theater Units

I hope my experiences are helpful to you. If you have any questions or need advice, please don’t hesitate to email me. You can find me at DhcBaldwin.net or DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Dramamommaspeaks Blog Author Deborah Baldwin

Top Reasons Teachers Succeed With Teaching Radio Theater

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Top Reasons Teachers Succeed With Teaching Radio Theater

Let’s discuss the top reasons teachers succeed when teaching with radio theater. If you follow my blog, then you know this is a subject I speak about quite frequently. Why?  First and foremost, teaching with radio theater is a marvelous teaching tool! When you really like something do you tell a lot of people? So let’s talk about the top reasons teachers succeed when teaching with radio theater!

The Top Reasons Teachers Succeed Teaching with Radio Theater Performing Arts
Temple Theater/Caroline’s Center for the Performing Arts

My Journey with Radio Theater

I taught a pre-elective drama class to 500 sixth graders for thirteen years.  Ending the six weeks with a performance was a challenge for me.  I’m a creative being and just can’t do the same thing over and over (as my good friend, a Home Economics teacher, could making cookies and sewing pillow cases ad inifinitum).  Yikes! Consequently, after about a year I ran dry on ideas of short class plays. To solve the problem, I began adapting multicultural folk tales into short class plays.  You can read about it here. The Reasons Teaching Multiculturalism in the Classroom is Vitally Important

Although this was a terrific answer to my problem and the students were happy, it wasn’t working enough for me. I remembered that I once participated in a radio theater performance. I loved the format!   When the performance ended, I realized it would be a terrific unit to create for my class. Yet, I had questions.  Could radio theater work in my classroom as well?  Would the students enjoy it?  Could I locate radio theater scripts for this purpose?  Plato said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”  He was spot on, huh?

Photo Gallery of DramaMommaSpeaks
Me directing the radio play, It’s a Wonderful Life

Desperate to find scripts, I scoured the internet (which was brand new at the time BTW) and ran on to the Museum or Radio and Television website.  They offered family workshops producing a radio play.  Excitedly, I wrote them begging for guidance about my teaching plan and they were very generous sending me six radio theater scripts.  I’ll never be able to repay them for helping me to start my program.

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

Immediate Success

The first time I directed a radio theater play, I noticed the students were immediately engaged!  Even the reluctant students or those with severe learning challenges who were accompanied by an aid. Everyone talked about them.  Even their core teachers mentioned the students shared with them their excitement and anticipation of their public performance.

Had I run on to something which could make all of us happy?

After several years of using those scripts and adapting other short stories I found, I took a chance and wrote my own.  That’s when Bow Wow Blues was born. Check it out here: Bow Wow Blues Play Script and Unit

In 2017, at the encouragement of a good friend, I uploaded my script Bow Wow Blues in my TPT store.  I guess teachers and students really like it– I’m flattered.  To date I’ve sold over 500 copies.  If you’d like to learn more about Bow Wow Blues, go to:  Bow Wow Blues Script and Radio Theater Unit

creative dramatics lesson plans

Utilizing Radio Theater in the Classroom

Having ate, slept and breathed radio theater for over thirty years, it is very easy for me to defend its use in the classroom.

  1.  It’s creative–Talk about using your imagination!  Admittedly, I’m a stickler for using live sound effects.  It’s not enough to honk a bicycle horn.  Sometimes the sounds are difficult to duplicate.  That is where the creativity comes in.  Supporting creativity and problem solving is a natural part of radio theater. Ever heard of “complicating the sound?”
  2.  It’s a perfect example of differentiated instruction–Because a teacher gives students choices as to where they’d like to serve in the cast or sound effects team, it gives them an opportunity to learn at the pace in which they are comfortable.
  3.  Listening skills are strengthened–Everyone’s listening becomes more attuned to one another. Plus, listening for one’s cues and creating sound effects teaches students to focus their attention.
  4. Speaking skills are polished–There is nothing worse than a “mush mouth” actor.  Radio theater reinforces one’s enunciation, rate of delivery, and diction which all come in to play when a student reads aloud. Additionally, a teacher can strengthen students’ intonation, vocal flexibility and breath support.
  5. Reading skills are cultivated–Because a teacher spends many days rehearsing a radio theater script, and a reader reads something repeatedly, they can’t help but become a better reader!
  6. Language skills are honed–Students become better communicators as they work together giving suggestions for the sound effects, discussing the play with their classmates as well as acting their role
  7. Interpersonal Skills are buffed up. Verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to handle conflict, teamwork, empathy, listening, and a positive attitude. Also, being flexible and positive, able to listen, and communicating well are important criteria for success at work.

The Top Reasons Teachers Succeed When Teaching with Radio Theater

Why Radio Theater Belongs in Your Classroom

8.  Cooperative and collaborative learning are such a necessary part of this experience–This is a perfect example             of   working together to learn something. For example, everyone must put aside their differences and work together                   toward   the performance.

9.  Additionally, radio theater is adaptable. Many of the radio theater play scripts I taught with are from previous                 eras– what a super way for students to learn about  the past? A history teacher could use a radio play in their                classroom. I know that several  Language Arts teachers have used several of my plays, in particular The Monkey’s                  Paw and The Frozen Pirate.

10.  Learn marketable skills–Being proficient in speaking through a microphone and familiar with running sound                  equipment  has valuable skill that makes them employable in the outside world.  Ever wondered about sound design?                Check out this  post: There’s a Place for Everyone in Theater

11. Lastly, it’s just plain fun  and engaging! I like to teach students in a manner which they don’t even know they are           learning.  I  strive to make each lesson so enjoyable that students remember the experience and keep coming back                        for  more!

These students performed radio theater during the Covid quarantine!  Many teachers found radio theater to be a life saver during the quarantine. Maybe you want a collection of scripts to choose from? Check out this: Radio Theater Bundle 

Preview of Radio Drama Script Very Popular Four Radio Plays and Unit High Engagement! 1

What’s holding you back?

Fear does frightening things to our psyche, yes?  Sometimes we are anxious and we don’t even know what about!

If you are like me, you like to be well informed on something you teach. That’s understandable.  If you’ve never even seen a radio play performed let alone a radio script, you will need to trust me on this.  Do you trust me? 

Essential Questions for Teaching Radio Theater

  • Do I need to be a teacher?
  • Is there a rationale in place before I teach radio theater?
  • Do I need to know what to say when I begin each lesson?
  • Do I  present the information in a particular order?
  • Should I require the students to take notes as I teach them?
  • Would trivia about particular radio shows or famous movie stars who got their start on RT pique my students’ curiosity and urge them to dig deeper in their study?
  • Should my students make a sound effect and be required to share it with the class?
  • What about a cooperative learning assignment?  Would that be helpful? Could they create a commercial for radio?
  • Would a group of theater games and exercises be helpful in teaching the concepts of radio theater? 
  • Should I collect several audio clips of actual radio shows of which the students can listen and learn?
  • Should I include enrichment in the unit, such as history about a famous radio show broadcast like War of the Worlds?
  • Do I need to find a floor plan that shows me how to set up the stage or in my classroom for a performance?
  • What sound effects should I collect to use? Do I need to purchase any or would some everyday objects suffice to create the sounds?

The answer to these questions is resounding YES. 

Pick up a FREE sample of my book, We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 here. 

Save Yourself Time and Work

Would it be nice not to have to spend countless hours creating this unit? For instance, what if instead of spending your free time and weekends researching, collecting materials and organizing your lessons you could purchase a veteran theater teacher’s unit and to learn about it as you taught it to your students?

You’ve heard me say this before, but I’ll say it again–Remember, I’ve been you.  As you would expect, I know the struggles and challenges, the sleepless nights, the knot in your stomach on Sunday night, the students who need a little extra “somethin’ somethin'” to tease their interests. Also, your worry to address their need for novelty in your lessons.

Proof That Radio Theater Works

Recently a theater teacher and I were chatting on Instagram about her use of radio theater in her classroom. You can read it here: Struggling with Your Students Engagement?

Furthermore, I’m not the only person who thinks radio theater is useful. Here is professor using radio theater in her college classroom. Theatre Students use Zoom to Create Old School Radio Drama
The Top Reasons Teachers Succeed Teaching with Radio Theater
In conclusion, I  believe that having this work done for you means I’m paying it forward to a busy teacher who already has a lot on on their plate for a fraction of the price your precious time is worth.
Do you have any questions or concerns?  Please feel free to email me atDhcBaldwin@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.
Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

 

The Importance of Shakespeare in Theater Education

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Occasionally, I receive emails from people wanting to post on my blog.  Usually, the subjects do not jibe with theater education whatsoever (the last one was about gambling sites). Not this time, however! This is a guest blog post by Reed Jayla  concerning The Importance of Shakespeare in Theater Education.

 

Shakespeare in Theater Education

Theater education and drama have been integral to school curricula worldwide, and their impact goes beyond the stage. A study from the University of California on highlights that drama’s effectiveness spans across subjects and grades.

Enhancing creativity, collaboration, communication, and overall academic performance are just some of the ways theater education guides students to navigate today’s media-rich world. But even though it benefits us in the modern world, students and teachers alike may be baffled as to why drama instruction is rooted in classic works like those produced by William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare’s work is essential to any theater teacher’s canon, and for a good reason. Shakespeare’s influence is owed to him being a pioneer in the field of literature and theatre. He is credited with inventing various words and phrases still used in literature and everyday speech today. His works have also contributed to modern storytelling, with themes and concepts still seeping into today’s media.

Up to now, his plays are regularly performed in theaters worldwide. Outdoor festivals also feature the Bard’s productions in what is known as Shakespeare in the Park, where theater companies stage Shakespearean plays for free to the general public. Through these avenues, Shakespeare’s work is made accessible to people from all walks of life and can be instrumental in building an appreciation for theater, playwriting, and the arts as a whole.

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

Shakespeare in Theater Education

Even though Shakespeare is long gone, there are reasons why his work remains essential reading and acting materials for any theater student. Here’s why:

The Importance of Shakespeare in Theater Education

It provides an understanding of modern works

As mentioned, Shakespeare popularized many themes and stories; despite their age, they’ve remained prominent in film, TV, books, and other art forms we enjoy now.

Many of his famous plays have been made into various adaptations. For instance, films such as 10 Things I Hate About You, West Side Story, and The Lion King are movies based on the English playwright’s works, but many people may not be aware that they’re consuming Shakespeare at all, as these were reworked to suit modern audiences of the time.

Tales of love, death, and power are as relevant today as they were back in Shakespeare’s day, so it’s no wonder his plays  remain a relevant and persistent part of today’s cultural zeitgeist.

Shakespeare in Theater Education

Understanding his plays and their themes provides a strong foundation for comprehending and executing modern works. For instance, reading or acting in Romeo & Juliet gives students a good sense of how to portray a tragic romance in another production, even in one that isn’t entirely related to the Shakespearean play.

Studying Hamlet or Othello could allow students to practice darker roles such as that of Claudius and Iago. Without an appreciation for the origins of the popular plots and themes still being used today, students lack a deeper connection and understanding of the roles they wish to play.

It challenges aspiring actors

The Importance of Shakespeare in Theater Education

 

The work of The Bard can be daunting to learn, primarily because most people aren’t comfortable with the language or the iambic pentameter utilized in his works. Research from Lancaster University published in the Sage Journals perceived that difficulty with Shakespeare was commonly due to the use of “archaic words, borrowings from other languages, coinages, and false friends” — the latter referring to words in one language that look similar to words in another. But these are all the more reasons his plays are essential for students to learn and act out. Starting with something more challenging can make future endeavors seem like a breeze in comparison.

Depending on the production, Shakespearean actors need to analyze the nuance behind every character, including the unique historical context in which they were written. Maryville University’s insights on English and history majors acknowledges how these two branches of liberal arts can be combined to get a well-rounded worldview.

Shakespeare in Theater Education

Although English majors and dramatists focus on the language and literature, interest in political and cultural events that have influenced or continue to inspire the staging of Shakespearean plays is essential for young actors. They are challenged to communicate complex ideas from different periods of history to a wider audience in a unique format.

Shakespeare’s plays push learners out of their comfort zone and allow them to develop acting techniques they may not have been able to obtain without a knowledge of his works. Actors must interpret and deliver lines effectively and naturally while staying in character. There is also little to no room for improvising in his plays, so memorizing all the lines is a must. These things may seem like a challenge for students just starting in the craft, but it is necessary for building experience that can take them far in the industry.

It equips students with important skills

The Importance of Shakespeare in Theater Education

Shakespearean plays are complex, which can enrich a student or actor’s skill development. As mentioned, attention to detail is required to convey every line properly and truly set the scene. An actor must practice proper vocalization, breath control, and the ability to enunciate so that viewers will understand what is going on.

Directness and intention are also important elements in Shakespearean line delivery—an actor cannot “sing” the words and phrases but must be clear when speaking. This access to know-how can be a strong foundation for developing more skills; once students know the rules and the basics, they can start bending them in the future.

Shakespeare in Theater Education

Shakespeare’s works also require a lot of strong emotion from the characters being portrayed, which aspiring actors will need to take control of should they want to deliver a good performance. Shakespeare’s comedies depict mood and feeling in a unique manner. They touch on human emotions stemming from love, pain, and mystery—using a variety of tones that enrich the plays’ genuine portrayals of life. Understanding the complexities and nuances of the characters and scenes can help students harness their feelings in a way that makes dialogue powerful but not over-the-top or underwhelming.

Considering the archaic language, being able to deliver emotional lines and scenes in a masterful way that captures the character and situation well is an impressive feat in itself. Students bring this confidence with them in other productions and will vastly improve their performance, no matter the script used. These skills are invaluable for any other work, and having them in one’s toolkit heightens the chances of success for a student.

Finding success through Shakespeare

The Importance of Shakespeare in Theater Education

Some students may find studying the Bard’s plays an unnecessary endeavor, but there is proof that experience with his work can yield much success in the theater and acting industry as a whole. Backstage highlights how any prolific actors and actresses have gotten their start through Shakespeare, and students who want to emulate their career paths can do the same.

Actor Sir Patrick Stewart started off his impressive career in the 1960s by performing in some of the Bard’s works. Sir Ian McKellen also studied his plays during his days in Cambridge and went on to perform in many of these all over the world. James Earl Jones made his acting debut in a production of Othello and has been involved in more Shakespeare plays over the course of his career.

An Integral Part of Theater Education

The works of William Shakespeare will continue to remain an integral part of the world of theater education. The advantages of studying and acting out his work go beyond the opening night and extend further in a student’s other acting ventures. If you’re considering putting on a Shakespeare production, your young actors will need all the practice they can get. Check out my post “Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater” for a comprehensive guide on conducting rehearsals for youth theater, from auditions to read-throughs to blocking and more.

Looking for some resources for teaching Shakespeare?  Check out:  Shakespeare Card Games

Thank you, Reed for writing this blog post for me.  I know everyone will enjoy it!

What’s your opinion of teaching theater students about Shakespeare?  I’d love to hear your opinion.  You can contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

Author bio: Reed Jayla is a freelance writer and aspiring author, whose work spans topics of all kinds. She is interested in the arts, from theater and film to art and music. When she isn’t writing, Nancy enjoys cooking and baking for friends and family.

 

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

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Let’s be clear here.  I’m here to help teachers.  Generally, that means advising theater arts teachers, but it could also be Language Arts, Reading, Music and Social Studies teachers. However, I’ve guided elementary core subject teachers, too.  This post focuses my foolproof guide to Facebook Groups.

Like many people, I’ve been on Facebook for several years.  Actually, I don’t know how long, but I know it’s more than five years. In that time, I’ve seen Facebook groups come and go.  During quarantine, there were numerous Facebook groups who sprung from business memberships.  I understand many of those have wasted away.

As I have mentioned before, you do not have to create every single lesson yourself or solve every darn problem that occurs in your classroom or production.  There are hundreds of people with good advice out there in the internet.

How do I find Facebook groups?

It’s really easy to join groups.

To discover new groups you might be interested in:
  • From your Feed, click Groups in the left menu.
  • Click Discover to see Suggested for You, Friends’ Groups, Categories, Popular Near You or More Suggestions.
  • Usually, you’ll hear from the group administrator within 24 hours.
  • They may have a couple of questions for you when you ask to join, but usually they accept everyone.

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

Why Should I Join a Facebook Group?

Teaching (and directing) can be a very lonely business.  Not to mention both are exhausting both mentally and physically.  Sometimes we just need a hand up, right?  Think of these groups as your friends, because they are.  All of these groups are friendly and besides their files section has GOBS of free lessons for you to download.  You can’t beat that, huh?

Primary Drama Teacher

This group’s conversations waffle between elementary and middle school theater.  They describes themselves as, “A group for drama teachers particularly those who teach the primary range (but not exclusively), or people interested in primary age drama, to learn from each others’ experience and share ideas.” Membership is around 3,000.

In the past, ‘ve noticed some of the questions concern even preschool drama, which should be termed creative dramatics.  I always worry when people use the incorrect descriptor.  If you are looking for creative dramatics lessons, go to: DramaMommaSpeaks Creative Dramatics 

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

Elementary Theatre Lesson Lending 

I don’t know as much about this group, but they have 1,482 members which is a healthy amount.  Members are fairly active and helpful.

Here was a recent question: “What are y’all’s emergency sub plans for elementary (grades 3-5)? I need something that can last for 45 minutes. I can’t have anything that involves videos or a ton of printing. We were just getting ready to start stage directions/parts of a stage but we haven’t started it yet.

I am sick and my mind is drawing a complete blank on what to do. Many thanks.
Edit: My elementary classes are large, loud, and can chaotic in our small space. I want something easy that won’t send my sub running the other direction. I need this for tomorrow, so preferably something that doesn’t require pulling a ton of resources.
My favorite part of this post is the teacher needed an answer for the next day classes.  Haven’t we all been there? Want to know how to write a lesson plan?  Go to: Why is it Important to Create a Lesson Plan?

Middle School Facebook Groups

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

Middle School Theater Teacher

I follow this group fairly closely because I taught middle school theater classes for most of my teaching career.  Anyone is invited to join.  There are 2,200 members.  Their group description is similar to others, describing themselves as “This (smaller by design) group is to provide resources and support specific to middle school theatre educators. Elementary/high school teachers are welcome to join as well. Additionally, this group was founded on the premise of practicing collaboration, rather than competitiveness. Where hopefully teachers can come to feel celebrated, no matter how new or seasoned they are. Not knowing something is okay here.”

Remember, you know best what you need for your students.  What works in one person’s class may not be as successful in yours.  Also, (and this is a big one)–just because someone gives you a copy of their file does NOT mean the lesson is a good one. It’s just a copy. If you are looking for lessons for middle school students, check out this blog post: Striking a Balance with Students in Their Middle School Years

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

Theatre Teachers

Their page states, “This is a place for theatre teachers to share lesson plans and ideas for their classrooms and programs. As a theatre teacher, we are often the only ones in the district. This is a place for us to share what works and what hasn’t worked, good moments, good fundraisers, fun shows, and generally a place for us to support each other and get feedback from other professionals in our content.” It has a membership of nearly 6,000.

Questions today ranged from needing a lesson plan for a substitute to a request for a lesson on pantomime for grade six.

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

Drama Teachers Sharing Group

This group has 12,390 members!  Wow, that’s a lot.  It’s description says, “This is a FRIENDLY support group for drama teachers. This is to ask for help, ask for resources and anything else appropriate. You may even wish to share your best resources or ask other members to check resources, lesson plans, SoW etc.”

This group is based in England so sometimes the teaching terms they use are different than a U.S. teacher might use.  They are helpful, however.  Also, I appreciate that England has compulsory theater classes until age 14!  Consequently, their approach appears more thorough than ours.

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

High School Theatre Directors and Teachers

This group is huge, nearly 11,000 members!  This group is private like others.  Here is their description:

This group is for adults who are currently teaching and/ or directing Theatre in High School, College or Middle School.
Occasionally we also include students who are studying to become theatre teachers so that they may learn from our more seasoned teachers. This group is meant to be a support and resource to teachers and theatre artists.
Here you’ll find more college teachers asking questions, so they are usually seeking a lesson with a higher level of complexity for college age students. 
Questions range from suggestions of plays to produce to how to handle irate parents over casting.  (Yes, even in college.)
This is my personal Facebook group!  My description is, “This Facebook group is a place for like minded theater teachers to come together to discuss all things theater! It is administrated by Deb Baldwin of DramaMommaSpeaks.”
I share about anything arts related, my lessons, recent arts news or accept questions from members.  I hope you’ll consider joining us! 

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

Drama Teachers and Those Interested in Drama Education

Coming in at 12,000 members this groups states, “Drama discussion, debate, challenge and support… A vibrant group of drama educators and those who appreciate the art.” I know for a fact there are playwrights, performing artists as well as teachers and directors in this group because I’d talked with them.

Their files section is quite extensive and of course that means those files are free to you.  

A Foolproof Guide to Theater Teacher Facebook Groups

Community Theater Directing Forum

This group contains 2,770 members.  Anyone can join.  This group is good if you are working with students and adults in a community theater setting.  Their description states, ” A group for children’s theatre directors and producers from across the globe to share insight, feedback, and provide a community for networking.”

Questions are answered by one or many members and they are generally very helpful and useful.  Here was a recent post:

“I am currently working on a production of Always Patsy Cline and we need two practical cigarettes. I’ve always used the vapor “Actor’s Cigarette” from New Rule FX they look great on stage but I went to order a fresh set of cartridges and apparently they are illegal to sell now according to the website.
Anyone have any good looking alternatives? We have a very up close and intimate space so it needs to look good. I can’t seem to find an any nicotine free e-cigs/vapes that look like actual cigarettes and I do not want to offer herbal cigarettes I’ve used them myself before and hated them.”

Some Parting Words

In conclusion, I want to remind you again that you are not alone.  True, you have to discover what works best for your students or your cast but there are plenty of people who would love to help you. Starting with me.

Do you know of some other theater teachers Facebook groups I should add?  I’d love to hear from you.  Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or comment here!

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks