Teach Through the Arts for Healthier Students

Teach Through the Arts for Healthier Students If you’re a teacher, you already know how students light up when they’re given the chance to create. I was one of those students. Whether it’s acting out a scene, drawing a character sketch, or composing a soundscape, the arts tap into something deeply human.  But beyond building […]

Women Who Shaped Theater: Sarah Bernhardt to Audra McDonald

Pink roses in the background with photos of actresses Sarah Bernhardt and Audra McDonald

Women Who Shaped Theater: Sarah Bernhardt to Audra McDonald Theater has long been a space for storytelling, creativity, and performance. Yet, for much of history, women struggled to claim their rightful place on stage and behind the scenes. Despite these challenges, countless women have shaped the theatrical world, pushing boundaries and redefining the art form. […]

Why Every High School Theater Needs a Rehearsal Contract

Cast of Oklahoma and their first read thru

  Why Every High School Theater Needs a Rehearsal Contract Let’s talk about why every high school theater (and even middle school) needs a rehearsal contract. When I first began directing youth theater plays, I ran everything like a professional theater company.  That’s all I knew. Don’t be like me. It’s a wonder any students […]

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students I worry about our students.  Specifically, as a drama teacher and working with all things theater, I’m concerned about our students’ creativity.  So let’s consider that today–the power of creativity: nurturing innovation in students. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges, […]

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School

Wooden game pieces of different colors facing each other as if in a war.

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School Today, I want to reflect on the my blog post title,  exploring social issues through plays: a guide for middle School. Theater is a powerful tool for middle school students to explore and discuss social issues. By stepping into the shoes of characters dealing with […]

The Benefits of Music in Your Classroom: Boosting Learning

A young boy listening to music and seeing the notes in front of him.

The Benefits of Music in Your Classroom: Boosting Learning My piano practicing partner. Today, I want to blog about boosting learning: the benefits of music in your classroom. When I was a child I had a beloved Beagle,  Frisky John, who we discovered loved to sing while I practiced the piano. I don’t know if […]