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Drama Lessons for High School from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

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Drama Lessons for High School from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

Hello!

I wanted to introduce you to drama lessons for high school from an award-winning drama teacher. You may not know me or be familiar with my work.  I’m Deborah Baldwin (but my friends call me Deb.) I am a recently retired award winning drama teacher for thirty-eight years.  In that time, I directed over 300 plays and musicals with students and adults as well.  I taught every grade level, but the bulk of my time was spent with secondary students. I’m also an award-winning director and middle grade author.

Here is my resume if you’d like to see it: DeborahBaldwin.net

deb directing

My Teaching Style:

Drama is a hands-on class. To this end I’m always on my feet modeling for my students while teaching them a host of concepts. It is not unusual to hear my classroom in chortles of laughter because humor is an outstanding way to gain a student’s attention. I empower students at an early age.

Although I am always mindful of my learning objectives, I think it’s vital for students to experiment within the confines of my instruction. I encourage students to be independent and creative thinkers.

Many less confident or reluctant students benefit from my teaching methods as together we hit the challenges they encounter. I am creative, intense, driven and brave–these are qualities I nurture in all my students and generally receive outstanding results in them.

If you are looking for drama units, lessons and plays for your students, I can help you.  Here are a few of my lessons for high school students:

Billy Elliot, the Broadway Musical
The Invisible Man Radio Play Unit
Growth Mindset Posters
Rent, the Broadway Musical
Famous Theater Artists
Stage Makeup
Broadway Musical Lessons
Hamilton, the Musical
The Cask of Amontillado and Radio Theater Unit

Radio Play Performance

(Here is a production of this script by an ESL class in Tiblisi Georgia!)  “The Invisible Man” Radio Play

Dramamommaspeaks Resources

Most lessons lasts at least two days.  The units’ length range from several days to three weeks.

I have lessons for younger students, too!  Check them out:

Creative Dramatics Lessons from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

Drama Lessons for Middle Grades from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

If you’d like a FREE lesson, be my guest and pick up one:   Free Stuff!

Here’s a recent review of one of my newest products, Acting Styles/Stanislawski, “Dramamommaspeaks hits it out of the park again!! Every unit I get is perfect. I teach three levels of theatre in the same class. The unit was great for the entry level students while still providing a challenge to my most advanced class.”  5 stars

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

 

Middle School Drama Lessons from a Veteran Drama Teacher

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Middle School Drama Lessons from a Veteran Drama Teacher

Hello!

You may not know me or be familiar with my work.  I’m Deborah Baldwin (but my friends call me Deb.)  I am a recently retired award winning drama teacher of thirty-eight years.  In that time, I directed over 300 plays and musicals with students and adults as well.  I taught every grade level, but the bulk of my time was spent with secondary students.

Here is my resume if you’d like to see it: DeborahBaldwin.net

If you are looking for lessons for high school theater classes, check out Drama Lessons for High School from an Award Winning Drama Teacher or elementary classes at Creative Dramatics Lessons for Elementary Grades by an Award Winning Drama Teacher

My Teaching Style

Drama is a hands-on class. To this end, I’m always on my feet, modeling for my students while teaching them a host of concepts. It is not unusual to hear my classroom in chortles of laughter because humor is an outstanding way to gain a student’s attention. I empower students at an early age.

Although I am always mindful of my learning objectives, I think it’s vital for students to experiment within the confines of my instruction. I encourage students to be independent and creative thinkers. Many less confident or reluctant students benefit from my teaching methods as together we hit the challenges they encounter. I am creative, intense, driven and brave–these are qualities I nurture in all my students and generally receive outstanding results.

Check out my store at Dramamommaspeaks.

Here is my opinion about expectations of middle school My Pet Peeve

Drama Lessons with Easy Prep for the Teacher

If you are looking for drama units, lessons and plays for your students, I can help you.  Here are a few of my lessons for middle grade students:

Drama Curriculum and Units

Drama Lessons for Middle Grades from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

Set Design Units

Set Design, the Rendering

If you need theater lessons for elementary students, check out Creative Dramatics Lessons for Elementary Grades by an Award Winning Drama Teacher

Choice Boards 

Drama Lessons for Middle Grades from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

If you have reluctant students in your class, try choice boards.  They give students an opportunity to learn what they want to know the most about.

Wicked Costume Design Boom Cards

Drama Lessons for Middle Grades from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

Do you ever use Boom cards?  This lesson is great for teaching about the musical Wicked, while also studying costume design near Halloween.

Costume Design with Superheroes

 

Bow Blues Radio Play Unit

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Drama Lessons for Middle Grades from an Award Winning Drama Teacher

Invite a Play Character to dinner

Pick up this bundle with Wicked, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth Biographies

Also, this Google Classroom version: Wicked, the Broadway Musical (Google Classroom)

You might enjoy this Famous Theater Artist Biography for the Google Classroom:  Sarah Bareilles

Middle School Drama Lessons from a Veteran Drama Teacher

Cynthia Erivo (FREE)

Wicked Broadway Musical

 

Lin Manuel Miranda cover

Famous Theater Artists:  Lin Manuel Miranda Biography (FREE)

Additionally, here is a new readers theater script lesson based on an Inca legend:  The Magic Lake 

Satisfied Customers 

I’m so flattered by reviews such as these:

  • “Absolutely brilliant! Brightened my classroom with purpose!” (Famous Theater Artist Pendants)
  • “What a terrific and thorough study of Sarah Bareilles. My students really enjoyed learning about her. She’s a great role model for having a growth mindset.”
  • “I used this Lin Manuel Mirranda lesson in conjunction with the Hamilton unit, and my students really enjoyed it. Thank you for putting this together!”
  • ” Set Design with School Setting has been a great lesson for my students during digital learning last year. They really enjoyed doing it and I got some great set designs turned in.”
  • “This unit, The Wiz Broadway musical resourcse is highly detailed and contains all of the information I need to support my unit on the Wiz.”
  • “Wow! This resource is filled with activities that can give students an experience outside of the classroom! You can design independent lessons from this unit, where students can explore radio show history and listen to examples. My class is going to perform our radio show over a zoom call. Deborah is great; she responded promptly to my questions and even added resources for me!” (Bow Wow Blues Radio Theater Unit)
  • I used this resource to get my students ready to attend the Come From Away musical as a field trip. Back in September, we had written letters of gratitude to the people of Gander for what they did on 9/11. Long story short and a few interviews in-between, my EL’s got to attend the musical in Houston in early March 2020 with Captain Bass herself! Thank you for this resource. It helped them prepare for what we would see onstage before seeing it in real life. THANK YOU!!

I hope you’ll check out my drama education products.  There are nearly 450 of them ready and waiting for you.

Lastly…

Looking for something free?  There are free lessons here in my blog and in my store.  Here is something for you: Freebies Stuff

If you don’t find what you need, contact me.  Chances are I’d be interested in creating what you are needing.  That’s always fun! I also customize bundles so if that is something you’d be interested in, do email me.

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

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Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

I think blogging about this particular musical is crucial.   That’s why I am blogging about it here. Hamilton the Musical a Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction.” Recently, my husband and I finally had the fabulous opportunity  in catching the touring company performance of it in Kansas City. It’s truly breathtaking.

A combination of rap, musical, history and fabulous storytelling Hamilton is more than exceptional.  It transcends modern-day musicals with its unique crafting.

Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction  Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

 

Many American History and Language Arts teachers are teaching the musical in their classroom. Consequently, our students are learning about American history which they might never have learned otherwise

Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

Hooray, I say!

What about the theater teachers? Or music teachers? They are probably teaching the story and listening to the music. That’s great, but frankly, I think there’s a lot more to teach about the musical.

I teach theater with a twist.  This is a pretty good description of what I mean. 

Do you like to use quotes in your classroom?  Grab a set of pendants which include Lin Manuel Miranda for your classroom here: Bulletin Board Pendants and Posters

Some of our students do NOT want to perform, but they might be interested in some other part of the theater if we can pique their curiosity.

Here is one way to do so.

How Teaching with Hamilton is Unique

Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

You may be aware I am creating a series called Page to Stage–musical theater lessons about Tony award-winning Broadway musicals and one concerning the Tony Awards.   You can check them out– Bundle Drama Lessons: Broadway Musicals

My lessons offer many things.  One of the most important is a description of the responsibilities a playwright, composer, lyricist or producer have bringing a production to life. Plus, I include video clips like this, Lin Manuel Breaks Down His Biggest Songs : https://youtu.be/Urp9MjHLP0s

In the Heights is my latest creation. it includes these descriptions and I’m mighty proud of it, too! Check it out here:  In the Heights 

Teachers purchase these lessons because they work with our students. I always use differentiated instruction in my classroom. For instance, here is a fairly new costume design lesson using the Hamilton Broadway characters as the inspiration. Emergency Substitute Lesson Costume Design with Hamilton Broadway Musical Characters.

Comprehensive Teaching Resources for a Seamless Lesson

Here are the strengths:

  1.  Letter to the teacher explaining the lesson and how to use it which alleviates any worries they might have.
  2.   Warm-up game is included–after 38 years of teaching, I know which ones are appropriate and successful and I give you my version of the games
  3.  Procedure–need I say more?
  4.  Teacher’s Script–sometimes it helps to have a script, especially if you are leaving this for a substitute or an inexperienced teacher
  5.  Photos of the production--we are all visual thinkers, so this is a big plus
  6. Tony Awards it Received (or Nominations)
  7. What are the Tony Awards–brief information about the Tony Awards and which awards the particular musical was nominated for or won
  8. New York City Map with Competing Theaters Labeled–this helps students visualize the theater section of NYC
  9. Trivia About the Shows and Broadway–these are so fun for me to compile!
  10. Lyrics Quotes from the Musical–Good for Discussions and Assignments
  11. Student Notes and a teacher’s key which makes grading a breeze
  12.  Extension Activities--these are probably my most fun to create for teachers.  Each lesson is completely different depending upon the nature of the musical.
  13. Exit Slip Suggestions–if a teacher wants to double-check if the students are comprehending the learning, this is a good way to do so
  14. New!  Flip Book so students can take notes in a different method if need be (only in the PDF version)
  15. Film clip links (hot)–these links are hand-picked by me and include the length and sometimes a recommendation of the grade level who would most appreciate them–all the teacher does is click the link and go!
  16. Sources— a teacher can check out the information if they are curious

Data, Data, Data

Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

When I was writing this blog, I found some facts concerning the importance of theater education.  Anyone needing to defend the reasons to teach it?

Do You Need to Be Convinced?

Here are some from the American Alliance of Theater and Education website:

Did you know…

  • Students involved in drama performance coursework or experience outscored non-arts students on the 2005 SAT by an average of 65 points in the verbal component and 34 points in the math component(1)?
  • Drama activities improve reading comprehension, and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills?
  • Drama helps to improve school attendance and reduce high school dropout rates(2)?
  • A 2005 Harris Poll revealed that 93% of the public believes that arts, including theatre, are vital to a well-rounded education (3)?
  • Drama can improve skills and academic performance in children and youth with learning disabilities?

Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

More Reasons To Teach Theater to our Students

Theater Students:

  • involved in drama performance scored an average of 65.5 points higher on the verbal component and 35.5 points higher in the math component of the SAT
  • on average, score 55 points higher on verbal and 26 points higher on math than their non-arts classmates.
  •  participate in drama performance outscored the national average SAT score by 35 points on the verbal portion and 24 points on the math section.
  • considered to be at high risk for dropping out of high school cite drama and other arts classes as their motivations for staying in school.
  • who are engaged in the arts are 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance than those who do not
  • A series of studies on the arts and education revealed a consistent causal link between performing texts in the classroom and the improvement of a variety of verbal skills, including especially significant increases in story recall and understanding of written material.
  •  students’ understanding of other complex texts including science and math material when they attend a performance of Shakespeare
  • can improve reading skills and comprehension better than other activities, including discussion.
  • who are highly involved in drama demonstrate an elevated self-concept over those who are not involved.
  • help to build their self-esteem and communication skills of high school students when they write plays and perform in dramatic presentations of existing works can
  •  recognize their potential for success and improve their confidence through the sheer act of performing
  • can improve and help to maintain social and language skills of students with learning disabilities and remedial readers through drama activities.
  •  improve reading achievement and attitude in disadvantaged students through improvisational drama

 

My Final Thoughts

Finally, I wanted to share that a study published in Champions of Change (1999) cites theatre arts, including performance, classes, and participation in a drama club, as a source for “gains in reading proficiency, gains in self-concept and motivation, and higher levels of empathy and tolerance towards others” among youth of low socio-economic status.

Most importantly, 93 percent of Americans believe that the arts are essential to a complete education, 79 percent are convinced that the arts should be a priority in education reform and 79 percent consider the issues facing arts education to be significant enough to merit their personally taking action. Wow!  Amazing data and stats, huh?

Check out Hamilton, the Broadway Musical at: Hamilton the Broadway Musical on Teacherspayteachers.com or in my MadebyTeachers store at: Hamilton the Broadway Musical

and my newest version for the Google Classroom  Hamilton Lesson Distance Learning on Teacherspayteachers.com 

What have you learned from a musical?  Musicals enrich my life so much it is difficult to know where to begin sharing.

I’d love to hear from you.  Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Hamilton the Musical A Drama Lesson Using Differentiated Instruction

 

MTI Broadway Senior Musicals: A Baby Boomer’s Dream Come True

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MTI Broadway Senior Musicals:  A Baby Boomer’s Dream Come True

Once I lamented that I was becoming invisible. A well meaning family member joked, “Well, you know you’re not a spring chicken anymore.” What, you say?

However, there is a new place that seniors can be seen! Let’s discuss today’s blog post, MTI Broadway Senior Musicals:  A Baby Boomer’s Dream Come True. Look around you. We have a lot of senior adults aptly named The Baby Boomers.

They aren’t the stereotypical kind, either.  One of my  friends swims great distances. Still another performs in her own rhythm and blues band all over the country. Additionally, one senior and her husband ride motorcycles every weekend. One of my very brave friends, a remarkable woman, travels all over the world by. her. self.  She’s  seventy-years-old.

man and woman holding each other's hands beside Christmas tree

I feel like a slug in comparison. These seniors are vibrant, energetic, contributing members of their communities. My husband, a senior himself, plays in a senior community band.  The conductor was 92 years old!  Isn’t that amazing?

A Paradigm Shift-MTI Broadway Senior Musicals

There is a wonderful paradigm shift occurring right now and it’s all positive (we can use some positive vibes, right?) 

MTI Shows are musicals licensed by Music Theatre International, one of the world’s leading licensing agencies for Broadway and musical theatre productions. MTI represents over 500 titles—including Into the Woods, Matilda, and Shrek The Musical—and offers versions tailored for schools, youth groups, and senior performers.

Their collections include Broadway Junior (for kids), School Editions (for teens), and TYA shows (performed by adults for young audiences), making high-quality theater accessible to all ages and experience levels. And now they are offering senior theater versions! 

Just think of it:  You are living in a care center and bored out of your mind (that would be me…). However, it is announced the center is going to produce a senior musical. What does that mean exactly? 

MTI Broadway Senior Musicals: A Baby Boomer's Dream Come True

 A Baby Boomer’s Dream Come True Broadway for Seniors

MTI Broadway Senior® shows are specially adapted musicals designed for older adult performers, typically aged 55 and up. These productions are 60-minute versions of beloved Broadway musicals, carefully crafted to suit the physical, vocal, and storytelling needs of senior casts while preserving the heart and humor of the originals.

Key Features:

  • Shorter runtime (around one hour)

  • Simplified staging and flexible casting

  • Lower vocal and physical demands

  • Full performance and rehearsal resources provided (scripts, music, director guides)

Popular Titles Available in the MTI Broadway Senior® Collection:

  • Guys and Dolls SR.

  • Into the Woods SR.

  • My Fair Lady SR.

  • Fiddler on the Roof SR.

 

To be frank, if there is anyone who will be successful at this endeavor, it is MTI.  In another blog post, I rave about their junior and kids musicals.  Check it out here: MTI Junior Musicals– A Dream Come True!

To date, more than 200,000 productions have been produced of their junior musical shows reaching more than 5 million children.

MTI Broadway Senior Musicals: A Baby Boomer's Dream Come True
Artswork.org

MTI Senior Musicals:  A Baby Boomer’s Dream Come True

Research shows us our seniors with dementia respond to music, so it isn’t much of a stretch to think being part of a musical wouldn’t have the same success. 

Among several other senior citizen communities, the program was road tested with the Juniper Village near State College, Pennsylvania.  The university students of assisted with rehearsals and performances.  Cast members received one on one attention from the students which alleviated the anxiety of performing.  How wonderful!

MTI Broadway Senior Musicals: A Baby Boomer's Dream Come True

I thought this quote was interesting, from Playbill.com,

“But what Broadway Senior has really done is give these seniors renewed purpose, engaging them and their curiosity, encouraging positive risk-taking, and validation.”

So often in senior living we focus on what somebody used to do–what they did professionally, what their hobbies were, or who they were in their family.  This is something totally new that people are discovering and being celebrated for now, says Katie Kensinger, Senior Director of Communications at Juniper. We had a 90-year-old cast member in our production of Guys and Dolls who began to sob after our first performance.  He said, ‘I’m overwhelmed that the audience would respond to me, that they really loved it.  I never knew what it was like to be an actor.”

What a tremendous experience for this gentleman!

StandardFreeholder.com

When the Curtain Rises, So Does the Spirit

The after effects of involvement in a theatrical production can be stunning.  Out of them spring new friendships, relationships (I met my husband while performing in a community theater production,) new avenues of expression and creativity

The Executive Director of Juniper Village said, “The focus of Juniper is to help people to live life vibrantly in their third act. Broadway Senior gives our residents a sense of pride and accomplishment, and they have renewed self-esteem, and a sense of purpose. They’re also building new friendships and are more engaged. One of our residents said, ‘I have something to talk about at the dinner table now.’”

The program has been able to reach people on a deeper level of mind, body, and spirit. For seniors, particularly those struggling with memory issues and dementia, musical theatre demonstrates therapeutic value.

“It’s definitely accessible for people with dementia,” Kensinger says. “Especially the music. Even if they can’t follow along with the script and read lines, many of these songs are ingrained in their memory. There’s an emotional connection with music that patients will respond to long after they’ve stopped responding to anything else.

MTI Broadway Senior Musicals: A Baby Boomer's Dream Come True

MTI Senior Musicals:  A Baby Boomer’s Dream Come True!

Several times in my career, I directed seniors.  One man in particular, age 83, is one of the finest actors I have ever known.  Michael was a retired professor of philosophy and discovered acting about fifteen years ago. To put it simply, he was truly remarkable. He took my directing notes very seriously, studied his script like a fiend and rarely dropped a line.  Unfortunately, was unable to participate in the play because her Alzheimer’s.  Even so, she would dutifully attend rehearsal every evening with her husband.  It was a tremendous experience for both of them and she was so very proud of him. To find out more about the Giver, check out my post: The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

 

The Transformative Power of Theater: Why Seniors Still Need the Stage

When researching this topic, I found a post on Scripps.com concerning senior theater,

“When we watch live theater, we empathize with the emotions and experiences the characters feel, even if we haven’t personally shared the same experiences. Live theater is an opportunity to access new emotions and experience new situations through the eyes of the characters in the show. We feel as if we are a part of the story as the performers tell it on stage.

Live theater is also a way for seniors to engage with these emotions and continue to evolve and participate in complex situations. Even if someone is limited in emotional and social interactions during their daily routine, an outing at the theater creates a new adventure during the show! The sense of engagement and interaction can contribute to an improved mood and a positive outlook overall.”

How Senior Citizens Can Benefit from Elders’ Theatre Workshops | by ...

Finding Purpose at Any Age: The Joy of Performing Beyond Expectations

Humans require a feeling of purpose and accomplishment.  I can see how these Senior Musicals will be just the ticket for some our seniors.

For now, I will cheer the participants. Someday, maybe I can portray Little Red Riding Hood when I am eighty- years old.  Who knows?  It could be a role written for me and I didn’t even know it.

What role would you enjoy playing which is completely out of your age range?  I’d love to hear about it.  Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

MTI Senior Musicals: A Baby Boomer's Dream Come True

What is Operation Yellow Ribbon?

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What is Operation Yellow Ribbon?

I have a confession to make.

Even though I witnessed 9/11 on television when it occurred, I never knew about the wonderful Canadians who stepped up on 9/12.

Did you?

Here’s the story:

“Operation Yellow Ribbon was commenced by Canada to handle the diversion of civilian airline flights in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001 on the United States. Canada’s goal was to ensure that potentially destructive air traffic be removed from United States airspace as quickly as possible, and away from potential U.S. targets, and instead place these aircraft on the ground in Canada, at military and civilian airports in the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia where any destructive potential could be better contained and neutralized. None of the aircraft proved to be a threat, and Canada and Canadians hosted thousands of passengers stranded in Canada until U.S. airspace was reopened.”

There’s a wonderful Tony award winning musical, Come From Away which explains Operation Yellow Ribbon.

What is Operation Yellow Ribbon?

Welcome to the Rock

Image may contain: 8 people, people smiling, people standing

Now, I must admit, I’m a little partial to this particular musical.  See the fellow in the blue Police cap?  He is Geno Carr and was my daughter’s acting teacher when he taught at Stephens College. He’s a great talent and person.

Come From Way, the Broadway Musical

Come From Away is a musical about the people of Gander, Nova Scotia who took in the many stranded air plane travelers who were headed to the United States on 9/11.  Since the air space above the United States was shut down immediately after the attack, all the airplanes on route to the United States had to be sent somewhere else.  Gander, Nova Scotia is about as close as you can get to the United States without actually being in the country.

See the source image

The composers/playwrights, David Hein and Irene Sankuff, are Canadians themselves hailing from Nova Scotia .  Ironically, they were living in New York city the day of the attack and knew nothing about the story of Operation Yellow Ribbon until ten years later when they were approached to write the show.

Like many Broadway musicals, its journey to the Great White Way was several years in the making–Canada, California and back again to California.

Come From Away is wildly popular. It’s one of the most popular shows for families and student tour groups to see.

There are many reasons why, but one first on my mind is that it does an excellent job of supporting cultural awareness.  It reminds us that we are all in this together.   The message is one of compassion for every human being. I think that’s why the show resonates with the audience.  

What is Operation Yellow Ribbon?

Take care of your neighbors as they would you.

I think it’s too easy to forget we are all in this together.  Maybe it’s because of the day to day challenges everyone encounters or our natural preoccupation with our own lives.

Personally, I love it when people ban together for a cause. I think it’s one of the primary reasons I love theatre as much as I do–people ban together to make something good happen.

I especially appreciate it when the United States steps in to help during a crisis. Putting politics aside, when the going gets rough, the United States is there to help.

See the source image

I was researching this post and wandered on to this site,  http://www.reference.com.  It states,

“The United States has helped other countries by providing financial assistance, providing military assistance, training professionals and giving humanitarian aid. Being a world super power, most countries look up to the United States for guidance, protection and aid.

One of the ways in which the United States has helped other countries is by offering humanitarian assistance in times of disasters, such as hurricanes, terrorist attacks, earthquakes and other calamities. The United States also assists countries in training professionals, such as military personnel and government administration officers. Extending grants and loans to developing countries in order to improve infrastructure and other developmental agendas is another way the United States has helped other countries.”

See the source image

Multicultural Awareness Books

If we expect our students to be understanding and compassionate to others, we need to begin teaching them when they are young.  Here’s a list of books teachers and parents can read to children about this, from readbrightly.com:

  • It’s Mine! by Leo Lionni.
  • The Giving Tree. by Shel Silverstein.
  • The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need. by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain.
  • Strega Nona’s Harvest. by Tomie dePaola.
  • The Spiffiest Giant in Town.
  • What Is Given from the Heart.
  • The Gift of Nothing.
  • Harold Loves His Wooly Hat.

Come From Away, the Broadway Musical

My Favorite Broadway Musicals

If you are looking for a different approach to studying 9/11, consider my lesson on Come From Away.

It includes:

  • Letter to Teacher
  • Warm Up–MY Version of a Popular Physical Warm Up
  • Teacher’s Script–What I Say and How I Say it!
  • Photos of Gander, Nova Scotia where the story takes place and the airstrip which became the connector between strangers
  • Plot of the Musical
  • Synopsis of the Musical
  • A Brief Description of the Operation Yellow Ribbon and 9/12, what occurred the day after the 9/11 attacks
  • Separate File of Photos for Teacher’s Use in Lecture
  • History about the Origination of the Production
  • Information on the Director, Christopher Ashley
  • Information on the Writing Team co-composers & playwrights David Hein and Irene Sankuff
  • A Shortened Lesson on : What are the Tony Awards?
  • List of Tony Awards
  • New York City Map with Competing Theaters Labeled
  • Student Note Page
  • Teacher Note Page Key
  • Trivia about Come From Away and Broadway Musicals with Some Surprising Facts!
  • Lyrics from “Welcome to the Rock”–Good for Class Discussions or as a Jumping Off Point
  • Extension Activities–Terrific Suggestions of Ways to Secure the Learning and Enrich the Experience, Individual and Group
  • Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show
  • And More!

I have several more Broadway musical lessons which you can check out here:

Dramamommaspeaks Store

Do you remember September 11th?  I was on my prep. period and turned on the television to see the news for the day.  Instead, I saw the first tower being hit.  It was unbelievable.  I remember running to the main office and telling them to turn on a television.  By then, the second tower was toppled.

Then my students arrived in my classroom.  I had to stay silent about the catastrophe for four hours.  It was agonizing.  I’ll never forget it.

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Wha is Operation Yellow Ribbon?

 

 

 

 

 

What is Quora Digest? How Did It Inspire Me as a Drama Teacher

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My Favorite Broadway Musicals

Come From Away

What is Quora Digest? How did it Inspire Me as a Drama Teacher

How does it relate to musical theater? (In my world, everything relates to theatre somehow.)

According to their website, “Quora Digest is the method, Where Quora sends a daily email containing a set of questions with one answer that is deemed the best answer given a certain ranking requirements. In simple words, In Quora, the answer which is the best gets registered in Quora Digest.”

Pretty cool, huh?

Thanks to Quora, I have a new product line of lessons, Page to Stage.

I created the Page to Stage lessons about Broadway musicals, but they’re more than just the plot!

I sort of fell into Quora a few years ago.

I’m a Quora expert. Aren’t you impressed? Ha!

What is Quora?

All that means is I answer questions which people send to me through Quora which pertain to theatre. Questions range anywhere from “What is the best Broadway musical?” to “I want to be on Broadway.  How can I make that happen?”

It’s interesting answering the questions because the answers seem so obvious to me. I think there are people in the world who require a more personal touch rather than searching on the internet for the answer. 

When I read the questions, they feel a little like we are sitting at a coffee shop and we just met.

Recently, a fellow asked me if I thought getting a theatre degree in college would make him employable.  He enjoys working in lighting design in high school.

My answer was a resounding Yes!

Some of the most secure jobs in the theatre world are in the technical aspects.  I advise students that if they truly want to be involved in theatre any way they can, once they graduate from college, look into technical theatre.

These are:

  • set design
  • costume design
  • lighting design
  • sound design
  • stage properties
  • stage management

Had I known then what I know now, I might have pursued stage management because it’s an all encompassing job, involving all areas of the production.

I have a bundle of units about technical theater for high school students.  Check them out at:  Bundle High School Units

Plus, once the show is up the SM takes over after the director moves on and keeps the show ticking away until it closes.

As a theatre goer, teacher, director and so on, I know the many occupations which come from having a theatre degree. But our students don’t know there is more than performing.

That’s where I come in.

What is Quora?

What is Quora Digest?

I have answered the most questions about musicals.  So, I got to thinking……

Introducing:  Page to Stage Lessons

Page to Stage is a new Dramamommaspeaks product line of lessons concerning Broadway musicals and plays! They are available through my Teacherspayteachers store:  Dramamommaspeaks

This one or two-day lesson can stand alone or be combined with one of my Famous Artist biographies. They are here:  Bundle Famous Artists

Need a quick emergency lesson plan? Or one for a substitute? Everything is provided for the busy teacher.

This Product includes:

  • Letter to Teacher
  • Warm Up–MY Version of a Popular Physical Warm-Up
  • Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
  • Photos from the Broadway Production
  • Plot of the Musical
  • History about the Origination of the Production
  • Information concerning the composer, lyricist and playwright
  • Tony Awards it Received
  • What are the Tony Awards
  • New York City Map with Competing Theatres Labeled
  • Student Note Page
  • Teacher Note Page Key
  • Trivia
  • Quotes from the Musical–Good for Discussions and Assignments
  • Extension Activities–Terrific Suggestions of Ways to Secure the Learning and Enrich the Experience
  • Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show
  • And More!

I have six lessons as of this writing.

Hadestown

The Prom

What is Quora?

Dear Evan Hansen

SQUARE COVER

SpongeBob SquarePants

The Reasons these Shows are my Favorite Broadway Musicals

Wicked

Wicked, the Musical

It is my hope I can shed light on the creative process theatre artists go through when they are developing a new musical.

I want to answer questions such as:

  • Who wrote the music?
  • Where did the script come from?
  • How long did it take to create the show?
  • Did the person who wrote the music also write the lyrics?

In time, I will offer plays, too!  

What is really exciting and fun about these lessons is how timely they can be.  Whatever musical is most popular at the time will be turned into a lesson for students.  No waiting for someone to create a newspaper article or video about it!  I can take care of it for you.

If you aren’t following me, please do so then you can be first to use the newest lesson with your students.

Do you ask questions through Quora?  What is your favorite Broadway musical?

I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me at dhcbalwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Deborah Baldwin