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Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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Today, I want to give you a brief history of showtime chronicles: history of musical theater unveiled. Musical theater is one of my favorite genres to teach to theater students.  It’s fascinating!

Honestly, I  shouldn’t be surprised by my love of musical theater.  It’s in the family genes. Permit me to explain.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Musical Theater Talent is in the Genes

My grandparents were missionaries in Japan in the 1900s to late 1930s.  My mother was born and raised there.  At that time,  there were few Americans living in Japan.  Additionally, my grandparent’s presence was always in the public eye. My grandfather was a minister; my grandmother created the very first kindergarten in Japan.  Consequently, the Japanese government was familiar with them.

When my mother was eleven years old, she was invited to sing the Japanese national anthem at a prestigious ceremony for Emperor Hirohito. I’m sure it was an amazing experience for everyone, including my grandparents.  However, throughout my mother’s life, she had many regrets for her performance. She should have basked in the once in a lifetime experience as a fond memory.

Unfortunately,  she forgot the words to the anthem. Sadly, that’s all she remembered about the experience. Did I mention she was singing in Japanese? That was a big ask of a little shy girl to sing for important people and the public. She had a lovely voice.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Musical Theater is Our Family’s Jam

My elementary music teacher, who also a member of our church, noticed my singing voice when I was about the same age. She planned for me to sing “Oh Holy Night” for a Christmas service. As you’d expect, I was ecstatic about this opportunity and hugely disappointed when it didn’t occur.  Looking back, I wasn’t ready to sing solos publicly.  It took me more than six years before I felt comfortable singing solos in choir and musicals.

However, to this day I enjoy singing in large groups but I especially enjoy singing in musicals. Once I was confident, I never looked back! (Above I am playing the role of Nancy in Oliver! with Columbia Entertainment Company.)

Not surprisingly, my own daughters have performed in several musicals.  One is a professional actress and continues to perform.  (Below, she is performing in Man of La Mancha at Musical Theatre Heritage.)

Looking for emergency sub plans which are unique, creative and engaging?  Check out the Broadway Musical Composers Bundle. 

Drama in Song: The Story of Musical Theater

In the grand tapestry of performing arts, few genres have captivated audiences and transcended cultural boundaries quite like musical theater. From the magical notes of Broadway to the charming tunes of the West End, the history of musical theater is a vibrant journey that intertwines with the evolution of society.  In addition, it demonstrates the resilience of human creativity. Let’s embark on a melodious voyage through the fascinating history of musical theater.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Act 1: The Birth of a Genre

“The Black Crook” (1866): Often considered the first American musical, The Black Crook combined elements of a French ballet with a melodramatic plot. This groundbreaking production set the stage for the integration of music, dance, and drama.

Show Boat (1927): Adapted from Edna Ferber’s novel, this musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II tackled serious themes such as racial prejudice and spousal abuse. Most importantly, Show Boat is recognized for its innovation in storytelling and integration of music and plot.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Act 2: The Golden Age of Broadway

Carousel (1945): A collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Carousel delved into deeper and more complex themes than its predecessor, Oklahoma! The musical explored issues of love, redemption, and second chances.

The Sound of Music (1959):** Another masterpiece by Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music became one of the most beloved musicals of all times, telling the heartwarming story of the von Trapp family against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Austria. Looking for a Broadway musical unit to teach of Sound of Music?  Check out– Sound of Music.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Act 3: Evolution and Experimentation

Rent (1996):This rock musical by Jonathan Larson was a modern reimagining of Puccini’s opera La Bohème. Rent addressed contemporary issues such as AIDS, poverty, and the struggle for artistic expression, marking a departure from traditional musical theater themes.

Wicked(2003): With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked offered a fresh perspective on the classic story of “The Wizard of Oz.” Interestingly, it explored the untold backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, challenging perceptions of good and evil. Pick up my four day unit for Wicked, the Broadway Musical.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Act 4: Diversity and Inclusion

In the Heights (2008): Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights celebrates the vibrant culture of the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City. With a fusion of hip-hop, salsa, and traditional musical styles, the show highlighted the dreams and struggles of a diverse community. Pick up my unit of it here. 

Fun Home (2013): Based on Alison Bechdel‘s graphic memoir, Fun Home marked a shift towards more personal and introspective storytelling. It explores themes of family, sexuality, and self-discovery, receiving acclaim for its emotional depth and authenticity. Looking for a Broadway unit for Fun Home?  Check out–Fun Home

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

Six Reasons Students Should Study the History of Musical Theater:

Studying the history of musical theater is not just a journey through captivating stories and enchanting melodies. It can be a transformative experience for some students. Obviously, theater and music students benefit the most.   Here are six reasons why delving into this rich history is a must for aspiring performers, directors, and creators:

1. Cultural Insight: The evolution of musical theater mirrors the cultural shifts of different eras. Understanding this history provides students with insights into the societal norms, values, and challenges that influenced the creation of iconic productions.

2. Artistic Evolution: The history of musical theater showcases the ever-changing landscape of artistic expression. Because there is a plethora of them, students can witness the evolution of musical styles and storytelling techniques. Reviewing the traditional melodies of the Golden Age to the experimental sounds of contemporary productions is simply fascinating! 

3. Innovation and Experimentation: Aspiring theater professionals can draw inspiration from the innovative spirit of past musicals. For example, when students explore groundbreaking productions like Rent and Wicked they are encouraged to push boundaries, experiment with new forms, and challenge the status quo in their own creative endeavors.

4. Social Commentary: Many musicals serve as powerful tools for social commentary. When examining works like West Side Story and Fun Home, students can gain a deeper understanding of how musical theater addresses and challenges societal issues.  Additionally, it  fosters a sense of responsibility in using their art. The musicals themes provoke thought and discussion.

5. Collaboration and Teamwork: The collaborative nature of musical theater is a unique aspect that sets it apart from other art forms. More over, studying the history of successful collaborations between composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers, and performers emphasizes the importance of teamwork in creating memorable and impactful productions. Looking for a bundle’s worth of unique lessons?   Pick up:  Year Long Theater Curriculum

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6. Diversity and Representation: The recent emphasis on diversity and inclusion in musical theater opens up new narratives and perspectives. Consequently, students exploring productions like In the Heights can appreciate the importance of representing diverse voices on stage and the potential for musical theater to be a platform for social change.

Musical Theater and Its Evolution

In conclusion, I say safely say that the study of musical theater history is not just a journey. It’s a vibrant tapestry reflecting society’s evolution and the unstoppable force of creative expression. The show goes on, my friends, with new influences and stories captivating audiences worldwide.

Have you considered teaching your students about Juke Box Musicals?  Check out this blog post  Exploring the Magic of Jukebox Musicals: When Hits Shape the Stage

I wonder what musical will next be created. What musical do your students enjoy the most?  I’d love to hear about it.  Feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Deborah Baldwin, Dramamommaspeaks

 

 

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

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Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

Today, I want to chat with you about discovering melodrama: a theatrical adventure for students.  I know from my own experience it is so much fun.  There used to be a melodrama in Cripple Creek, CO and Dodge City, KS which my parents and I attended.  As I was only starting my journey in theater, I was tickled by it. It was so over the top and the corny jokes kept us laughing.  We knew it was bad theater, but we just didn’t care.  It was fun and that’s what a good melodrama should be.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

In the realm of performing arts, this genre stands out for its vivid portrayal of heightened emotions, intense conflicts, and larger-than-life characters – melodrama. As you might expect, I’ve performed and directed several melodramas. If you are like me, you just can’t help yourself and enjoy them, too.  If you’d like to learn more about my directing experiences, check out Eighteen Ways To Make Your Directing Experience Less Stressful, Part One

The history of melodrama is a captivating journey through the evolution of theater.  It  reflects societal changes, artistic innovation, and the eternal fascination with exaggerated emotions. Your students would enjoy learning about them and even performing them.

The Origins: Setting the Stage

If you’ve wondered, the term “melodrama” finds its roots in Greek, where “melos” means music, and “drama” means action or play. Its history traces back to the 18th century, where it emerged as a blend of spoken word and music, primarily in operas and stage productions. These performances often used music to underscore the emotions of the characters, creating a heightened sense of drama.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

Little Mary Sunshine Musical

One of my favorite melodramas to direct is Little Mary Sunshine.  Are you familiar with it? From Concord Theatricals, ” This hugely successful off-Broadway show played for almost three years at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, winning an Obie award as the Best of the Season. Billed as “a new musical about an old operetta,” Little Mary Sunshine gently spoofs such old-time favorites as Rose Marie and Naughty Marietta, but has a personality all its own.

The plot is a little bit of everything: Colorado Rangers led by stalwart Captain Jim; the lovely Mary Sunshine and her “naughty” maid Nancy; a chorus of giggling schoolgirls; and the ominous but benevolent Indian chief. Hearts are won and lost and won again in this delightful, laugh-filled and charming show.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

The Rise of Theatrical Melodrama

The melodrama we all think of did not gain traction until the  19th century, especially in Europe and America. However, once it caught on, it became a prominent form of entertainment. It’s big draw! It  captured the attention of a burgeoning middle-class audience.  Because of the The Industrial Revolution and the societal changes it brought, the themes of melodramas were significantly influenced.  Plus, the growing divide between social classes made for excellent story lines.

Melodrama and Characterization

Students enjoy melodramas because of the stark contrasts between good and evil, virtue and vice. Characters were often portrayed in an exaggerated manner, allowing the audience to clearly identify with the hero’s unwavering goodness or the villain’s diabolical intentions. The narratives are often simplistic, so there’s a big plus.

It also emphasizes moral dilemmas and the triumph of virtue over vice. Many of our super heroes movies, although usually considered science fiction, follow the same pattern.  Being familiar with super hero plot lines, students have an easy time understanding and portraying the characters in a melodrama. Speaking of super heroes.  Check out my blog post:Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

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Theatrical Elements of Melodrama

One thing you can always depend upon in a melodrama is its emphasis on spectacle. Elaborate stage designs, dramatic lighting, and exaggerated gestures added to the overall effect, intensifying the emotional experience for the audience. Generally, music plays a pivotal role, heightening the tension and emotions of key moments.

Furthermore, stock characters (the mean villain, the sensitive hero, the persecuted heroine, the simpleton, the faithful friend and the villain’s sidekick)  became a hallmark of melodrama. These characters were archetypes that the audience can easily recognize and of which they can relate.

As most of our theater teachers will tell you, our student actors need permission to exaggerate. You wouldn’t think so, but it’s much easier to clown around in class than to actually do so on the stage.  Students aren’t willing to step out and be vulnerable when everyone is watching them.  Producing a  melodrama allows them to cut their acting teeth,  so to speak, while giving them time to adapt to the stage in general.

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

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

My Suggestion of Melodramas

If you are considering directing a melodrama, here are a few I’d suggest considering one of these plays.

Only an Orphan Girl(5 F 3M)

The Orphan Girl is a long-suffering young lady who seems destined not only to lose her lover but her life as well. The familiar characters of old-time melodrama here play their roles up to the hilt. The most thrilling scene is that in which dynamite (planted by the villain) is about to blow all the good characters to eternity. Just in time, however, Lucy picks up the dynamite and throws it out the door. On reflection, though, it seems that the thrill just described is actually topped by the even more exciting scene in the sawmill, where Nellie, tied to a log, is approaching the circular saw which in a moment will tear her to pieces. The hero, who has been tied by the villain, is freed just in time to thrust aside the latter who draws a pistol on him and threatens to kill him if he dares touch the lever that will save Nellie. The villain fires. The hero is wounded. And, at this very instant, a friend opportunely appears to snare the villain, and Nellie is safe in the arms of her hero.

A Fate Worse Than Death–(7F 5 M) “Gadzooks! What a beautiful night for a murder!” hisses the villain. Yes, there’s plenty of dirty work going on at the crossroads as that fiendish scoundrel, Cassius Carstairs, pursues the pure Carlotta Flower, the persecuted heroine who is more sinned against than sinning. This wildly funny melodrama gives the audience every chance to hiss the villain and applaud the hero and heroine, and to have the time of their lives. With tongue in cheek it incorporates all of the surefire situations used in the old time melodramas and the result is a wonderfully happy piece of nonsense with laughs tumbling over each other in rapid succession.

Two More Suggestions

The Curse of an Aching Heart— (3 F 9 M) This modern treatment of an old melodrama will have folks hissing, booing and applauding. The sweet heroine is Melody Lane, a self educated and lovely orphan who falls into the hands of scoundrel Windermere Hightower. After Melody and the villain are married, he tells her that he expects her to carry out his criminal schemes. Revolted, she flees a wife in name only. Several months later she is at the None Such ranch where she falls in love with stalwart Lucius Goodenough. When Windermere appears at the ranch, Melody is appalled. He tries to force his attentions on her and Lucius knocks him down. For revenge, Winderemere steals money and plants it on Lucius. His dirty work is discovered and he is unmasked but he gets away and returns to the ranch disguised as a peddler. And once again the virtuous heroine is rescued by guess who?
Yellow Iris–(2 F 7 M) An Agatha Christie gem! A distressed phone call from a mystery woman brings Hercule Poirot to the hotel Jardin des Cygnes, where a man commemorates the four-year anniversary of his wife’s sudden death – a death under very suspicious circumstances that Poirot himself witnessed. Gathered is everyone present on that fateful night and now Poirot must find a killer in the midst, before they strike again.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

The Enduring Allure

Audiences enjoy melodramas because they feel familiar. Have you ever seen a melodrama when you were visiting an old western town?  Yup.  They are everywhere.   The everlasting appeal of melodrama lies in its ability to heighten emotions, captivate audiences, and offer a form of escapism. The genre remains a testament to the timeless allure of storytelling through the portrayal of intense emotions and moral conflicts. I don’t plan to direct anymore, although I honestly would re-consider if someone asked me to direct a melodrama. Now, that would be fun!

Have you ever wondered about juke box musicals?  Check out this post:  Exploring the Magic of Jukebox Musicals: When Hits Shape the Stage

This has me so enthused about melodramas, I decided to create a unit for students to study and write their own melodrama.  Now, how’s that?

Here it is!  Pick it up here. 

A 7 day unit concerning playwriting and creating your own Melodrama

Do you follow me on Instagram?  If not, please do.

Pick up a free warm up collection here. Drama Warm-Ups Collection

Are you a teacherspayteachers.com member?  You can follow me here.

What experiences do you have with melodrama?  I’d love to hear about them.  Please feel free to email me here or at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Dramamommaspeaks Blog Author Deborah Baldwin

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

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Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

At this time of year, many newly employed teachers are perusing the internet for lessons for their classes.  Today I’m going to discuss unlocking the secrets of elementary theater class: a comprehensive guide.

A little history about me–My first job was as an English teacher in a junior high school.  Bear in mind that I was certified to teach English, but had never taught it or even experienced teaching it as a student teacher. My student teaching was in theater which in the 1970s was almost unheard of in the mid-west.

Anyway,  I remember they gave me this HUGE book with all of the benchmarks or objectives I was to reach.  It was so full of jargon, I had to sit and translate it into layman’s English.  Finally, I got the hang of it.

My Teaching Journey

When I began teaching middle school theater in the mid 90s (yikes), no one seemed to be clear on what they wanted me to cover.  I came into the position with twenty years of teaching and directing experience outside the classroom, so I knew what to do in those circumstances. Continuing in this position for thirteen years, we then moved to Estes Park, CO which was a dream we never thought would occur.  We loved it!

While in Colorado for six years,  I taught a creative dramatics class to second through fifth  grade students in a home school enrichment program called Apex Home School Enrichment.   The classes were fifty-five minutes in length, once a week.  I saw around 175 students a week over three days. Because I came to the position with so much teaching experience, it was very easy for me to create a curriculum , because I knew what worked and what didn’t.  I hope I can pass along some of this experience to you now.

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

To be frank, there are good and not-so-good parts of being the only theater teacher in a school.  The good is that you can make your own decisions as to the content you teach without having to go through a department chair for their approval.  The greatest challenge I believe is that because you are alone in teaching the subject, you don’t have anyone to bounce ideas off of who truly understands what you are teaching.

I know what that’s like.  Having taught for over thirty-eight years, I’ve felt alone many times in my career.  Plus, when you are just starting out its easy to become overwhelmed by all the necessary details.  You probably say to yourself, do I have to create all these lessons all by myself.  The answer is no.

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

Where can I find creative dramatics lessons?

You can join some fancy membership website and spend a lot of money buying lessons you may ever need. Maybe you purchase the membership at the beginning of the year because it sounded like a really good deal.  And maybe it is.  Perhaps you discover after assessing your students for a week or so that this website doesn’t offer what you need. You feel stuck because you paid your money and well, the lessons will suffice.

There is nothing worse than the nagging feeling that you are not doing something especially useful for your students. I’ve been there and I understand.  I bet deep in your soul you know these are not the lessons your students need and really, you need to work ala carte! You want to pick and choose what you cover with your students, planning a month or two at a time.  Check out my latest article in One Classroom Over magazine.

Many times when teaching elementary students, in my opinion, there is too much emphasis placed on the wrong aspects of theater. The secret to unlocking curriculum is go right to ala carte! 

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

Here are some things you do not need to cover:

  1.  Scene study
  2.  Monologues
  3.  Writing a play
  4.  A comprehensive study of the history of theater
  5.  Memorizing large quantities of lines
  6.  Performing in a play longer than fifteen minutes
  7.  Performing in a musical longer than 30 minutes
  8.  Stock characters–Greek and Roman theater helped flesh out stock characters as a concept, but many of the ones we have now would  not originate until much, much later.

When I taught these creative dramatics  lessons in this particular order I began with the easiest concepts and progressed to the most challenging. This was a pass/fail course.  I gave a daily participation grade as well.

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

Here are some concepts they do need to study:

  1. Tableau (1 day)–Tableau is a staple of theater and a non-threatening concept which beginning theater students can learn. Students learn how to make stage pictures (which is one of the basic of directing as well), however they don’t have to say anything. You can find my tableau lessons here:
  2. . Chanting (1 day)–Chanting, (in my TPT store) or a repeated word or phrase used to illicit an effect is the second component I teach novices. Got some questions about teaching middle school? You can also find it in my Made by Teachers store at: Chanting
  3. Movement (2 days)–Just like tableau, students enjoy creative movement because there is no speaking.  Plus, it does a great job of giving students some physical exercise which they sorely need.
  4. Storytelling–(3 days) To learn to tell a story with all of its parts (beginning, middle and end, etc.) is an important skill. You can also find it in my Payhip store at: Storytelling Unit 
  5.  Parts of the stage–(1 day) Students have a difficult time understanding these labels unless they are learned right along with performing. So, keep that in mind.
  6. Improvisation (2 days)–Some advice for you: never begin your year by throwing students into improvisation.  It’s terribly difficult for the novice actor or those who are reluctant about the class.  Build up their trust for at least a month. Take it in baby steps. Try this drama circle for Halloween!
  7. Mask making (2 days)–Students enjoy creating masks and using them in movement pieces or to create a character. My advice?  Use animal masks which are premade or they can create their own.
  8. Costume Design (2 days)–Who doesn’t like costume design?  Depending upon the time of year, I like to teach about costume design with a thematic approach. In this case, it’s Halloween characters or teach with fairy tale characters.
  9. Components of a Stage (1 day) –It’s best to teach these positions as students study set design so they can apply the information you give them.
  10. Set Design (2 days)– Teaching how to draw a rendering of a set is super useful and fun!
  11. Stage Properties (4 days)–Creating and making a stage prop is a magnet for student engagement.  Maybe you can make a prop which is used in the class play, such as snowflakes for a play, Ojisan and the Grateful Statues which is set in winter.
  12. Performance (1 week) You can choose to direct your students in a short one act class play, readers theater or a radio theater play-I liked to switch it up every now and then using something different.   Word of caution–don’t have one class performing a play while the others are studying radio theater.  You will make yourself crazy.
  13. Audience etiquette (weekly)–You can teach how to be a good audience member every day if you like.  Reminding students of what a quiet, attentive audience looks like goes a long way with them.
  14. Warm up Exercises–You can never go wrong with a good warm-up exercise.  Here is one which always works–Firecracker Freeze Tag

If you’d like you can purchase a bundle of them at a discounted cost right here: Theater Arts Lessons for Grades 3 to 5

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

In 2018, I opened my store on Teacherspayteachers.com.  My plan was to recoup the pension I lost by staying home with our daughters when they were very young.  I understood that I would lose half of my pension at the time of my retirement, but to this day I have no regrets.  This was a real privilege and I’m aware that many educators don’t have the luxury to do the same.  To this day, I know our daughters almost as well as they do themselves because I was with them when they were young. I treasure that. The aforementioned words in blue are links to my resources which you are welcome to use in your classroom.

If you need defenses for your lessons, check out National Core Arts Standards: A Conceptual Framework for Arts Learning

Do you have any questions?  One feature of my business is that I am available for any teacher who needs a bit of advice or direction for their theater class, no matter the grade level.  You can find me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Unlocking the Secrets of Elementary Theater Class: A Comprehensive Guide

 

 

 

 

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

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Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater is one of those subjects you figure anyone who has acted at least once will know. Not so. This is a two part post.  Next time, I’ll give you the rest of it, ok?

Lately, I’ve read several posts from newbie teachers with no idea about the steps of the rehearsal process for a play or musical.  That seems odd to me, but maybe they are teachers whose focus is Language Arts, Social Studies? I know that sometimes the administration will ask to direct the school play or supervise the drama club, so that could be the reason for the unfamiliarity.

Regardless, I will take you through the process for both a play and musical.  You can depend upon this process to prepare your young actors because I’m an expert in directing youth theater.  Having directed over 350 plays and musicals with both adults and children, I know the process like the back of my hand.

Ten Steps in the Play or Musical Rehearsal in Youth Theater

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

I’m assuming you have the funds to mount your production.  If not here are a few ideas for you:  Turn Your Theater Department Fundraising Into A High Performing Machine

Step One: Selecting the Script

Before you, the director, do anything you of course must read several scripts and decide upon the one you like the most. I suggest you check out: Dramatic Publishing Company or  Dramatists Play Service. but there are many more just as good.  Keep in mind the number of characters, scenes, props and costumes.  All that will matter when you begin to mount the production.  I could write a whole post just about how to select a play or musical, but instead check out: Critical Steps in Selecting a Play or Musical: Casting

After you’ve chosen the play, you may want to announce it to your students.  When?  It depends upon when you plan to announce it and when the production is to be performed.  Me?  I announce a month ahead of the auditions and no sooner.  I don’t like for students to focus on the show too much ahead of time.  Before you know it, they’ve precast the whole show, purchased their own copy of it and maybe memorized lines.  Oh, no, no, no!

Step Two:  Auditions

Auditions will take a few days:

Day 1 and 2 Auditions

Day 3  Call backs

Day 4  Cast Announced

You may think this is a short time, but that’s what we are going for here.  Do your best not to drag out the audition process–the outcome becomes too important to the students.

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

Advice:  If you have an auditions and allow students to watch one another audition, then you may consider announcing to them something along the lines of, “From now on until the show is cast your behavior and attitude matter to me.  No distractions are tolerated by me. I expect you to be quiet and attentive. No phones may be out.  If someone happens to record another student’s audition and posts it publicly, the guilty party will be denied a role in the play.  This is an unbending rule.”

Casting Tips

I also remind them that, “Although at the present moment it may feel like this is the only play in the world in which you could be cast, this isn’t true.  This isn’t the be all, end all.  Check around the city and see if anyone else is producing a show you could audition for and participate elsewhere.”

Post the cast list either on a Friday afternoon  (when you can leave the school or theater for the weekend and give students time to unruffle their disappointed feathers) or post on-line on your website. Handling emails from parents on Monday is another blog post….someday.

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

Ten Steps to the Play or Musical Rehearsal Process in Youth Theater
First rehearsal of Mulan, Jr.

Step Three:  Cast and Crew Read-Through

I’m old school, so I still call this meeting the “read-through.”  Some people now call it a table read (I always thought that was only used for television or movies), but no matter. At this read-through, I ask the cast and crew to introduce themselves and the role or position they are filling.

Next, it’s time to share my concept for the production.  I might have a collage of photos, textures, colors or I might just talk about my thoughts.  Personally, I think a collage is the best because then everyone knows what you consider the color blood red, for example.

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

We read through the show.  If I have a stage manager, they read aloud the stage directions.  This is to give the cast a feel for the play not that we are going to use these directions.  Not everyone knows that the stage directions that are printed in the script are honoring the first cast to have ever performed the play.  It is not required that you use the directions.

The stage manager hands out a rehearsal schedule. I make it clear to the cast and the crew that their attendance matters.  They all ready know the absence policy because I gave it to them at the auditions.

Ten Steps in a Play or Musical Rehearsal Process in Youth Theater

Step Four:  Blocking Rehearsals

In the coming days, we begin blocking the play.  If I am able to do so, I tape the stage giving the cast an idea of the size of the set, where stairs and doors are located, etc.  Usually, I use folding chairs in place of the furniture.  Everyone is aware that the chairs signify particular pieces of furniture.

Depending upon the length of the play, I usually block about 5 to 8 pages at the first rehearsal.  Why not many?  Because the cast is adapting to the script, plus the stage and my direction. Some young students need to write down their blocking before they even step on the stage.  That’s your call.

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

Advice:  You will not find that novice actors having a sense of blocking and staging.  They can not block themselves nor frankly should they.  You are teaching them about acting in a play–that’s part of the responsibility of someone directing youth theater.

Ten Steps in a Play or Musical Rehearsal Process in Youth Theater

The Blocking Process

I use a building block process when directing. Usually, I have two hour rehearsals with one ten minute break at half.

Day 1 block pages 1 to 8

Day 2 block pages 9 to 15 (or when there is a change in the mood or rhythm of the play) If a character enters the stage for the first time, they will change the dynamics of the play–I promise you. The playwright writes the scene this way on purpose.  So, block to the entrance of the character. (When a character enters or exits the stage it is called a French scene.)

Day 3 block pages 16 to 20, review blocking 1 to 8.  Less new pages to block, more time to spend on reviewing the first day’s blocking.

Day 4 block pages 21 to 26, review blocking 9 to 15 and so forth

Day 5 block pages 27 to 30, review Day 3 and Day 4 blocking.

Blocking Rehearsal

This part of rehearsal would continue until the play is completely blocked–a few new pages, several pages of review, until I am finished.

If you have a difficult scene (such as the dinner scene in The Miracle Worker between Helen and Annie), I take an entire rehearsal to block it.

Do I expect everyone to attend each rehearsal?  No, I’d rather they did not.  It’s just more students for me to be responsible for, more chances for talking and whatever else might bug me that day.  🙂

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal Process in Youth Theater

If you are interested in your students producing a play themselves, check out: How to Teach Play Production to Your Students

Ten Steps in the Play or Musical Rehearsal in Youth Theater

Step Five:  Working and Developing Rehearsals and Off Book

Let’s say I have everything blocked by Day 10.  Next we go into working and developing rehearsals.  Working rehearsal are just that–we work through the play a few pages at the time (probably using two days of blocking at a time) and fix any problem areas or give the students more opportunities to practice together. Developing is just a fancy name for giving the play “air” as I call it.  I give the cast a chance to settle into the play, adding their ideas here and there.

Advice:  I expect students to practice on their own time–reviewing their blocking and memorizing their lines.  I do not use rehearsals for line memorization. Those days can be excruciating for all of us as we listen to someone struggling with their lines.  Frankly, it makes everyone listening anxious. Even though we trust the actor will have his lines down pat by opening night, it is still a bit nerve wracking.  Wondered about tips to getting off book?  Check out this fascinating video:  How to Memorize Lines

Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater

Students should be off book for act one by Day 10 and act two by Day 15. Here is a blog post with three proven methods for memorizing lines: Three Ways to Memorize Lines for a Play or Musical I’m strict about this. What is off book?  It is the day when the actors rehearse without a script in their hands. They can call for lines, but if it’s obvious they have not memorized their lines, I make them practice with their script as to not bring the mood of the rehearsal down.

Want your students to design their own costume?  Theater Arts Unit Costume Design High School Level

After we have worked through the entire play, we have polishing rehearsals.  I’ll talk about those in the next post. Your students would appreciate this: Watch Splashy Rehearsal

Or maybe you just want to teach all things technical?  Here’s a bundle you may want to pick up for this purpose.

So there you have it–Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater. How do you run your rehearsals?  It’s always nice to hear from you.  You can contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or reply here. Here are more directing tips: Eighteen Ways To Make Your Directing Experience Less Stressful, Part One

Are you needing a FREE lesson?  Pick up this one: Lin Manuel Miranda Famous Theater Biography

 

Ten Steps in the Play or Musical Rehearsal in Youth Theater

 

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

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Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

I thought it was time to talk of the seven facts about teachers’ wishlists that’ll keep you up at night. Two weeks ago, I experienced something I wasn’t aware was a big problem, but it is my friend.

As a former teacher myself, I remember the materials I purchased which I asked my admin to pay for.  Sometimes these materials may have seemed extravagant (such as the Cirque De Soleil book on Costumes) or merely for fun (such as the video of the live version of Come From Away) but they were not.

Theater teachers have an unusual skill set–we must be familiar with directing, acting, sing, dancing, music, set, costumes, props, lights, sound, box office, front of house and much more.  Because of this, we need different materials than some.

As I mentioned previously, I had an eye opening moment when I found out a business I am involved in was willing to fulfill some teacher’s wishlists for their classroom.  Hooray! Knowing this, I jumped on Facebook and posted that I had this resource for teachers needing materials for their classroom.  Within an hour, thirteen teachers had contacted me!  Thirteen!!! Plus, there were several more that I had to turn away–that killed me.

Luckily, I was able to fulfill these wishlists for these teachers or at least get them partially fulfilled.  It was very gratifying and of course they were all very appreciative as I expected they would be.

Our teachers are using their own hard earned money to purchase materials for their classrooms.

Now, I knew some of this occurred with most teachers because teachers are always on the search for materials which will engage their students and make it easier for them to learn.

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

Here are the facts

  1. The average teacher is spending about $560 out of pocket on their classrooms this year; up from $511 last year. CJOnline.com
  2. Just under half of teachers told us that supply lists provided to parents include items specifically for classrooms, but only one-quarter of teachers get most of what they need. Of course, parents are also dealing with higher school supply costs, and many of them may have been negatively impacted by the expiration of expanded child tax credits, which expired in December 2021. Savings.com
  3. Nearly one in four teachers say they’ll spend more than $750 of their own money during the 2022-23 school year.
  4. On average, elementary school teachers receive about $11 per student from their schools’ budgets, but they spend an additional $33 out of pocket on each student. And get this: one in four teachers said their schools didn’t allocate any funds for classroom items this year.
  5. In Kansas (for example where I live), public school teacher salaries increased by 16.6% but that’s misleading.
  6. In general teachers are bringing home on average $2,179 less per year than they did a decade ago, when adjusted for inflation. NEA.org
  7. Despite the fact that most people agree teachers are underpaid, they are still expected to dig into their own household budgets to provide items necessary for classroom instruction. And these costs are going up, slightly higher than the overall rate of inflation. ( I don’t know about you, but I bet business executives aren’t expected to bring their own tissues to their office.)

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

Why is this occurring?

According to an article in https://www.businessinsider.com:

“Teachers will often purchase supplemental materials to help students struggling to grasp the curriculum. These additional resources are not always subsidized by schools. Although they follow a curriculum, and create their own lesson plans,  for some students, this is not enough for them to truly grasp the material.

Supplemental materials don’t just include supplemental lessons. Sometimes tactile activities are needed to help kids learn lessons, or, in the case of kindergarten and preschool classrooms, learn motor skills.”

How can we help our teachers?

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

As a former teacher myself, I remember the materials my administrated purchased for me. Sometimes these materials  seemed extravagant (such as the Cirque De Soleil book on Costumes) or merely for fun (such as the video of the live version of Come From Away) but they were not.

Theater teachers have an unusual skill set–we must be familiar with directing, acting, sing, dancing, music, set, costumes, props, lights, sound, box office, front of house and much more.  Because of this, we need different materials than some.

As I mentioned previously, I had an eye opening moment when I found out a business I am a part of was willing to fulfill some teacher’s wishlists for their classroom.  Knowing this, I jumped on Facebook and posted that I had this resource for teachers needing materials for their classroom.  Within an hour, thirteen teachers had contacted me!  13!!!

Luckily, I was able to fulfill these wishlists for these teachers or at least get them partially fulfilled.  It was very gratifying and of course they were all very appreciative as I expected they would be.

This got me to thinking–we should make teaching easier for our teachers not lop on financial constraints on them. Looking for fundraising ideas for your next production? Check out Turn Your Theater Department Fundraising Into A High Performing Machine

I looked around the internet and was surprised to find several organizations which offer financial support to teachers.

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

1. Classful

Classful is a website designed to allow teachers to collect funding and donations for their classrooms (as well as a little extra for being fantastic educators!). The site places emphasis on the importance of the teaching profession and aims to empower and thank teachers for doing what is often under-appreciated work.

2. Apple

K-12 educators (and those in higher education) can get as much as $150 in Apple gift cards for purchasing certain models of iPads, MacBooks, and iMacs.

3. Target

Kindergarten through grade 12 and homeschool teachers can get a 15 percent discount on school supplies at Target through Sept. 10.

4. Michaels

Educators with a valid school ID can get 15 percent off their purchase at Michaels.

5. Association of American Educators classroom grant

Apply by October 8 for a $500 grant which can be used to purchase books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, lab materials, and more.

6. AdoptAClassroom.org Spotlight Fund grants

This organization offers grants in several categories for educators. STEM teachers, art teachers, and teachers of color can apply for unique grants, as well as teachers who need support to make their classrooms more inclusive for students of all types.

7. Funds for Teachers

Funds for Teachers aims to invest in teachers’ professional development and growth with a view to boosting student success rates, improving teacher practice, and generally strengthening schools and their communities.

Funds for Teachers allows users to write grant applications according to a template tailored for a specific state’s professional development requirements, as well as requirements for supplies or new technologies. Teachers can even take a look at successful grant proposals for inspiration.

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

8. National Endowment of the Humanities

If you work within a humanities discipline, the National Endowment of the Humanities could provide opportunities for you to travel in order to broaden your horizons and learn new things. Trips can be taken domestically or abroad and all expenses will be paid (including accommodation, air travel, daily meals, and excursions). Making the most of this opportunity could help to develop your teaching practice by opening you up to new ideas and cultures.

9. The National Endowment for the Arts

Are you an art teacher with some ideas for a new project to involve your students in? The National Endowment for the Arts could be a great place to seek funding. The organization offers a selection of fellowships and grants for people that teach arts-related subjects such as English, art, or creative writing.

10. GetEdFunding

GetEdFunding is an invaluable site that helps educators and schools identify the kinds of funding they need when finances get tight through a special grant-finding search tool. The site hosts thousands of grants for educational purposes including awards for outstanding educators, grants for teachers in need, opportunities for an array of public and private schools, grants for administrators, and special educational programs.

Teachers can also develop themselves professionally by browsing the site’s scholarly articles and selection of free webinars and videos. There is are also online communities that teachers can visit for support and a virtual teacher’s lounge to enjoy during a few minutes of precious downtime.

11. The National Education Association Foundation

Not to be confused with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation is a public charity that was founded by teachers and for teachers to boost the caliber of public education for students across the country.

The organization offers grants to teachers,including teachers wishlists regardless of whether they are members of the NEA or not. Over the past decade or so, they have awarded over $7 million in funding to almost 4,500 public school teachers in order to enhance the quality of their teaching. The NEA also provides free scholarly resources and professional development advice online.

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night
 

12. Teach.com

Teach.com is an online database offering teachers an array of helpful resources covering topics such as professional development and improving student attainment. It also offers a helpful guide to ways that teachers wishlists can source funding to improve their teaching practice and help students.

13. The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers grants to small groups of teachers to attend intensive professional development courses that will allow them to bolster student achievement in their schools.

14.  Donors Choose

Donors Choose is a site founded by Charles Best, a history teacher who channeled much of his salary into funding classroom supplies. He set the website up in the year 2000 with the aim of helping teachers to collect donations to fund their classrooms. In 2003, Oprah Winfrey plugged the site on her television show, and it attained instant popularity, with around $250,000 going straight to educators.

The site itself is very easy to use. Teachers can post projects that they feel their schools need such as field trips, extra classroom supplies, or new software. Users can then donate as much as they are able to the project. Donors Choose will then order the necessary supplies and ship them directly to the school.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

In case you aren’t aware, I am an idea person.  Hence, I want to take this a step further for theater teachers but similar to Charles Best.

Part of my DramaMommaSpeaks business mission is to make theater user-friendly in the classroom while maintaining the integrity of the subject.  To my mind, this idea would be an extension of that mission.

I’m thinking about establishing a not-for-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide funds for United States’ theater teachers wishlists in the classroom. (And if you don’t know me, if I think it and say it,  I usually do it!)

In the past, I’ve submitted and been granted not-for-profit status for a youth theater company in Columbia, Missouri called Performing Arts in Children’s Education. During that time, I allocated funds for students seeking scholarships to participate in our company. In addition, I also have seven years of experience writing program grants for a community theater, Columbia Entertainment Company.

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

My idea is to set up a website for teachers’ wishlists much like Donor’s Choose but only theater teachers may ask for donations for their classroom. I would publicize this website in social media and here on the blog.  Initially, I would foot the bill of creating the website. Of course, I’d have to find out any legal policies in administrating something like this, but that doesn’t deter me since I have past experience with both sides of the donor process-both as an administrator of a company and as a representative for a company seeking funds.

Like Donors Choose, a theater teacher could submit to this website an itemized teachers wishlist of their needs, a short description of the reasons for requiring help, their location, their school’s population, etc. This teacher could be teaching at any grade level and those who also teach musical theater classes could apply as well.

What do you think of my idea?  I’m pretty excited about it.  I can plan this idea out in the next few months and build the website in December.  Anyone want to help me or be involved?  If you’ve never checked out how theatre saved me, go to: About MeContact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

 

 

 

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

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The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

I’m a member of several Facebook groups for theater teachers.  Other than enjoying reading their posts (which are hysterical sometimes), I am touched by their many questions and how they help each other. During this time of year teachers are looking for plays for young actors–youth theater plays to produce with their students or study in a class.

I can feel their frustration with selecting or even finding a script. Who better to receive advice from than those who has been in their shoes?  That’s me. Here’s the best advice you could ever get about new plays for youth theater

We theater teachers are a different bunch.  Selecting a play for students to read which appeals to most of them is a real challenge. A lot of theater teachers have students dropped on to their rosters who are not interested in theater and that’s another issue. Or a teacher finds a script but it’s juvenile or too mature.  Or they lack merit, or quite frankly, they are just plain stupid. Plus, reading a play written for adults isn’t always the most appropriate for students. And…not everyone wants to read Shakespeare which seems to be a go-to when a teacher/director just can not think what else to do.  That’s an entirely different blog post for another time.

My Background

Since I taught and directed for over thirty-eight years, I’ve had plenty of experience with this problem.  If you want to see my employment resume, go to: Teaching Resume. When I began directing and teaching in the late 1980s, I couldn’t find plays for young actors. I’d pad scripts with extra characters to give students a line or two.  Was it copyright infringement?  Probably, but the play catalogues didn’t carry youth theater scripts at all. If I’m guilty of anything it’s guilty of trying to educate our youth. I rest my case!

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

Finally, out of sheer desperation, I co-developed a national playwriting contest for youth theater plays in 1988.  You can read more about it here: Start a Playwriting Contest Using 20 Questions (part one) and Start a Playwriting Contest Using 20 Questions (part two).

It is my opinion that the youth theater play market became popular in the mid 1990s when Music Theater International unveiled its junior musical category.  Suddenly, theater and vocal music teachers had musicals to perform instead of having to use full length musicals written primarily for adults. With the rise of MTI’s junior musicals popularity, playwrights could see a reason to create scripts for our youth. Now we have many playwrights writing for our youth.

Having taught and directed for all those years and experienced this issue firsthand, I have a good finger on the pulse of what our theater teachers need or require. I know what works and what doesn’t.

I’m so pleased with the number of people who read my blog each day keeping my little blog in the top 5 of the most popular in theater education.  As I’ve mentioned before, I’m here to help.

What’s My Advice?

Although it may easiest just to produce a play you’ve directed in the past, my advice is to try a new playwright.  Be daring and select something that is best for your students even if the community isn’t familiar with it.  That’s the only way people can learn about–you be the first!

When we began our playwriting contest I mentioned above, we didn’t have many playwrights interested in participating.  After several years, the word got out and many plays were entered in the contest.  We’d bring the winner to Columbia, MO and they’d have an opportunity to see their new script performed by our theater school. It was a wonderful way for our community to experience new works and help the playwrights as well.

Consequently, I thought it would be useful to give some playwrights a platform in which to share their scripts.  Here are several plays which I suggest you give a look and perhaps you will want to produce them:

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

The Losers’ Club

The Losers’ Club, published by Eldridge Publishing by Jonathan Turner Smith

One Act (High School Level)

Duration: 40 minutes

Cast: 8 m, 6 w

A group of outcast high sclhool students in a small Texas town have formed “The Losers’ Club.” On homecoming evening, these 12 students kidnap the star football player, Joe Taylor, and homecoming queen nominee, Tawny Harris, who have ignored, bullied, and ridiculed members of the club for years. Lead by Trenton, a 17-year-old Goth, the club members put the condescending Joe and Tawny on trial for “crimes committed against their fellow students.”

Each member of the “jury” details how he or she has been harassed by Joe, Tawny, and their friends, and how their lives have been affected by the abuse. What is revealed in the testimonies and the result of the trial is a surprise to all. An excellent play to serve as a catalyst for realistic discussions about bullying in schools across America.

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

Back to the 80s!

Back to the 80s! published by Playscripts.com publishing by Dean O’Carroll

Parody  (High School and above)
Duration: 60 – 70 minutes
15 W, 7 M,  (11-116 actors possible: 5-99 W, 1-111 M)
Set: Flexible.
(65 productions)

Hold on to your hoverboards, we’re taking a trip Back to the 80s! When modern teen Mary Fitzfry gets sent back in time by an eccentric professor, she finds herself in the middle of a totally tubular cavalcade of 80s pop culture. There’s a lot of familiar faces, from the teens in breakfast-time detention to the guys chasing ghosts and dancing zombies, but the biggest surprise of all is Mary’s own protective mom as a teen. Turns out she’s actually kind of rad – but thanks to Mary’s time travel, she’s in trouble.

Can Mary make things right? This adventure takes you from the mall where everything happens, to a suburban sitcom street, to a cave under the high school – and you can choose who to feature from a flexible throng of characters to bring your audience maximum nostalgia. A hilarious parody to make all ages cheer “I love the 80s!”

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

The Kingdom of Academia

The Kingdom of Academia published by Brookly Publishers by Autumn Owens

Type: One Act (Middle School and up)
Genres: Comedy, Ensemble Cast
Themes: Science & Math, Personifications, Royalty
Duration: 30 minutes
Speaking Cast: 2 females, 1 male, 14 either (17 total cast)
Flexibility: 0-20 extras, gender flexible
All is well in The Kingdom of Academia – a royal land ruled by the much-loved King and Queen and inhabited by loyal subjects like Art, Geography, History, and Philosophy. But when the Board of Education sends Math to become a new subject of Academia, the Kingdom’s peace and unity are threatened as subjects riot against this new addition. The King and Queen, having failed their own math classes as young students, turn a deaf ear to Math’s pleas to join the Kingdom.
It’s up to Math and his newfound friends, Science and the Princess, to convince Academia that Math isn’t so boring and confusing after all. Just when it seems that Academia might have a change of heart, the notorious Board of Education arrives on the scene, offering to take Math back. Will the King and Queen seize the opportunity to send Math home, or can Math persuade the Kingdom that he counts after all?
The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Selecting Plays For Youth Theater

It’s Her Say

Published by Stage Partners

Type:  Drama/Comedy (Middle School and up)

Short Play Collection.

Durations:  Each play is 10-20 minutes.

 Speaking Cast:  10-20 actors, flexible casting

It’s Her Say, a collection of short plays that focus on the female experience, can be used in the classroom for scene study or licensed for production. Ranging from historical fictionto social consciousness to shifting friendships to horror comedy, each play is written by a female-identifying theatre teacher who knows exactly what young performers are capable of and what kind of work they are eager to perform. This collection includes the following short plays:

Some Things Never Changeby Jane Best
I Said Run.by Rachel Bublitz
The Women’s Land Armyby Stephanie Buckley
Beauty Kweenzby Diana Burbano
Talk to Me About Homeby Eugenie Carabatsos
The Bootby Emily Hageman
Angela and Angie and Cynthiaby Patty MacMullen
The Stakeout by K. Alexa Mavromatis
The Un-Help Desk by Emily McClain
Girl, Period by Stephanie Shearer

(These plays can be licensed together or separately. If you license the whole collection, you have permission to pick and choose which plays to perform.)

I hope you take my advice and check out these plays in the near future.  This has been such a successful experience that I plan to blog again about this subject suggesting other plays suitable for our students!  Make sure you are following me so you’ll know when I’ve blogged again. Join here:

What is one of your favorite youth theater plays?  I’d love to discuss it with you.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks