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Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

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Every so often, someone reaches out to me and asks if I can help spread the word about an organization that’s making a real difference in theater education. I’m always willing to consider it.  That’s part of my mission statement.  When I see a program that opens doors for students and inspires teachers, I’m always eager to share it. Today’s spotlight is on one of those opportunities: Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters.

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Who is Springboard to Design and Why It Matters

Springboard to Design encourages and mentors high school students from underrepresented populations to explore the process of theatrical collaboration and the many avenues of American Theatre design. Led by renowned members of the contemporary theatre in the heart of NYC, the Springboard to Design curriculum includes workshops, seminars, and access to important work on and off Broadway.

Springboard to Action

Instructors consist of award-winning artists who create a collaborative environment for students, as they explore costume, set, lighting, projection, hair, makeup, and sound design. How wonderful this is for the students! Knowing that someone who the students can relate to because of their background or culture or ethnicity is important.  Such an approach ensures that the program is not all about teaching and learning—it’s about connection.

Springboard to Design is an initiative by Design Action, an intergenerational coalition of BIPOC and white designers working to end racial inequities in North American theatre. The program was incubated in collaboration with the American Theatre Wing in 2021. In the summer of 2025, Springboard to Design was hosted at The Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab housed in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in the heart of Lincoln Center.

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Benefits of Springboard to Design

In case you want to share this information with your students, here’s a quick list of how this program benefits students:

  • Accessibility – Tuition, housing, and program costs are fully covered, making it possible for all students to attend.
  • Representation Matters – Students work with professional designers who reflect diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
  • Professional Mentorship – Award-winning artists guide students through real-world design challenges.
  • Hands-On Training – Workshops let students experiment with costume, set, lighting, projection, hair, makeup, and sound design.
  • Career Exploration – Students discover design pathways beyond acting, expanding their vision of what a future in theatre can be.
  • Community Building – The program fosters collaboration, teamwork, and friendships with peers who share the same passions.
  • Networking in NYC – Students gain exposure to Broadway professionals and experience theatre in the cultural hub of the U.S.
  • Recognition – Being part of a nationally recognized program (Anthem Award winner) adds prestige to a student’s portfolio or college application.

Isn’t this is exciting?  I wish I had students that I could introduce to this program.  If you need an answer to the question, “How is theater useful in the outside world”, read: Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Breaking Barriers for Future Theater Artists

The program includes workshops and mentorship from award-winning artists. Students explore costume, set, lighting, sound, hair, makeup, and projection design in the heart of New York City. Here’s the exciting part—the SB2D program is FREE to all students.

Springboard to Design (SB2D) gives students the chance to dive into the world of theatre design and discover new artistic possibilities, no experience required! With housing available and tuition fully covered, this program is built to remove barriers for the next generation of theatre designers. Thus, students expand their sense of community, collaboration, and imagination.

Springboard to Design is all ready a winner!  The program was recognized by the 2022 and 2023 Anthem Awards as a Bronze Winner for Education, Arts, & Culture – Community Engagement.

Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters

Application Details and Deadlines

The applications for the 2026 program are open from September 15th to December 15th, 2025.

The application will include a few short essays, a brief introduction video, and an original piece of artwork.

There is a $25 application fee. If for any reason you are unable to afford the fee, or if it causes stress on family finances. If so, please contact us to receive a voucher. This application fee goes directly back into the program and helps keep the week-long experience free for students.

The Power of Finding Your Community

I can only speak from personal experience.  When I attended college I finally found people who were just like me with the same interests and goal.  I was much more willing to show up for myself.  Sounds to me like Springboard to Action is the opportunity and growth we’d all like to give our students an opportunity to attain.  For more information about the program, go to Springboard for Action.

I give drama teachers advise nearly weekly.  If you have any questions or need some help, just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

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5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments
Deb building flats for The Giver

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Welcome! If you’ve arrived at my blog because you are building a theater program in your school, I’m glad you did so. Today,  let’s talk about 5 affordable set pieces for theater departments.

Oh, gosh, I’ve been there.  Infact, I’ve created several programs for schools and community theaters in Colorado and Missouri. Check my resume here if you’d like more information about me:  Teaching Resume. Starting a drama program is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming when budgets are small and storage space is limited. The good news? You don’t need elaborate sets or expensive rentals to create engaging productions. With just a handful of versatile set pieces, you can stage nearly any play, rehearse effectively, and stretch your students’ creativity.

Here are five must-have set pieces every beginning drama department can afford, build themselves, and use in countless ways.  Plus, I’ve included a bonus piece borrowed from the ancient Greeks. I’ve built every one of these set pieces several times, so you know I think they are essential.

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

1. Rehearsal Boxes (Stage Cubes)

  • Why: The ultimate multitaskers. Rehearsal cubes can become chairs, tables, steps, beds, or thrones—and they’re indispensable for rehearsals.
  • DIY Factor: Build from plywood or MDF, paint them black for neutral use, and stack for multiple levels.
  • Uses: Furniture, platforms, or even makeshift scenery.

Here’s a Youtube video that demonstrates how to build these gems: Learn to Build Actor Boxes

Scene Shop

2. Folding Flats (Walls That Go Anywhere)

  • Why: A basic flat is the backbone of any set. Just a couple can suggest endless locations.
  • DIY Factor: Create wooden frames covered with muslin or luan. Add hinges so they fold flat for storage.
  • Uses: Interior or exterior walls, doorways, murals, or projection screens.

These flats are made of wood.  Usually, mine are covered with muslin just like we’ve used for many years.  If you want to learn how to build a flat, go to: Stage Flat

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Credit: https://buildersvilla.com

3. Platforms (Add Instant Levels)

  • Why: Theater becomes more dynamic when actors are on different heights. Platforms give depth and variety to any scene.
  • DIY Factor: Build 4×4 or 4×8 framed platforms topped with plywood. Keep them modular so you can reconfigure as needed.
  • Uses: Stairs, balconies, podiums, risers, or stages-within-a-stage.
5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments
Credit:  Buildersvilla.com

4. Freestanding Door Frame

  • Why: Nothing transforms a bare stage like an entrance. A door instantly suggests place and purpose.
  • DIY Factor: Build a sturdy wooden frame and mount a lightweight door. Keep it neutral so it fits multiple shows.
  • Uses:Entrances/exits for comedies, farces, haunted houses, or realistic dramas.

Doors and door frames are gold.  They do have go be built correctly, however.  If they are not, they will always be an issue for you.  If I was going to pay anyone to build something for me, I’d have someone built door frames and hang doors form. 

 

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Versatile Set Pieces: Tables and Chairs for Any Scene

5. Basic Table and Chairs

  • Why: The simplest set pieces are also the most used. A table and chairs can set dozens of scenes.

  • DIY Factor: Thrift store finds work beautifully. Refinish or paint them for versatility.

  • Uses: Dining rooms, courtrooms, offices, cafés, classrooms—the possibilities are endless.

During certain points in my career, I had access to a six feet long wooden table and bentwood chairs.  These are priceless!  You can use them in many ways whether for a dining room scene such as in The Miracle Worker, or the kitchen table in the annex of The Diary of Anne Frank.  Additionally you can use the chairs by themselves for two person scenes, etc.

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Credit: //hstech.org

Bonus: Periaktoi (The Ancient Secret Weapon)

  • Why: Straight from ancient Greek theater, a periaktos is a three-sided flat mounted on a pivot. Spin it, and the scenery changes instantly! Perfect for schools with limited time and budgets.
  • DIY Factor:Construct tall triangular prisms with lightweight lumber and luan. Paint each side with a different setting—brick, sky, wallpaper, forest, etc.
  • Uses:Rotate between three locations in seconds. Ideal for one-acts, student-designed shows, or productions with quick transitions.

Whenever I begin a drama program or summer camp for someone, we always build periaktois.  Most theater groups are unfamiliar with them and they various uses.   They take time to build but are worth their weight in gold.  You can’t go wrong with them!

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

What if I have no carpentry skills and neither do my students?

Sometimes a teacher has the skills to build their own set.  In my case, my wonderful husband builds them for me.  However, sometimes he was unavailable to build, so, I’ve put a word out to parents volunteers to help build our sets. Usually, a group of fathers (and even grandfathers) would show up on a Saturday morning, I’d feed them donuts (that made them smile) and they’d build what I needed.  You can do that, too!

Another way to design the set is by the use of fabric.  When I directed The Giver at the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, I hung various colors of gray fabric from the battens.  It was a super way to pull the focus to the center and give mood.   Check out this blog post if you’d like to know about producing The Giver: The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

5 Affordable Set Pieces for Theater Departments

Teacher Benefits

Here’s some advice:  You simply must defend your program and its need for funds.  Consequently,  you should have a meeting with your administration and department chair.  If you’d like, use this blog post to defend your needs. 

  • Saves Money: Build once, reuse for years.
  • Encourages Creativity:Students learn to think outside the box when transforming simple pieces into new settings.
  • Teachable Moments:  Building these pieces doubles as a tech theater lesson.
  • Space Friendly: Most pieces stack or fold for easy storage.
  • Endlessly Versatile:From Shakespeare to contemporary plays, these pieces adapt to any production.

Last thoughts

To be honest, I think it’s a good thing for our students to see you being creative with what you have in your stock.  Too many times we are a throw away society–but by using these materials over and over in various configures, you are teaching them to be inventive and clever.

Lastly, you don’t need a giant scene shop or a massive budget to produce creative, polished shows. Start with these 5 affordable set pieces for theater departments—rehearsal boxes, flats, platforms, a door, and furniture—and add periaktoi for a touch of theatrical magic. With just these few items, your drama department can bring almost any story to life.

Want more budget-friendly tips for building your drama program? Join my newsletter for free resources, classroom-tested ideas, and exclusive discounts. This one is a free lesson about Audra McDonald!

If you are looking for set design units, check out:  Set Design High School and Set Design Middle School.

Click here:  We’re Live! Radio Theater #101

Deb directing The Miracle Worker
DEB DIRECTING THE MIRACLE WORKER

 

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

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Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

My second year of teaching
School photo of my second year of teaching

Today, let’s talk about easy-to-use middle school drama lessons, volume 1, shall we? I bet you’d agree with me–teachers are conscientious people. We are like a dog with a bone–we just don’t give up.  When I began teaching, my first three years of teaching (English) were exhausting and challenging.  In fact, I had never student taught the subject.  Plus, I was on my own  trying to understand the scope and sequence pacing.

Back then, we did not have mentor teachers. A nice, equally young teacher  gave me a huge tome complete with English department standards with outcomes expected by grade level.  It was filled with jargon which I had to translate into laymen terms before I could even consider teaching them! Talk about overwhelm. However, I never gave up and learned tons from teaching English for those three years.

From Grad School to the Classroom: What Really Works with Middle Schoolers

Time went by and I survived those first years of teaching.  Later, when I began teaching a pre-elective drama class for middle schoolers, I had just finished my M.Ed. in Creative Arts Learning. It was perfect timing—I ended up using so many of those teaching methods in the classroom right away.

What I learned over many years is that middle school students need variety and short bursts of learning.  Of course, it’s good if it’s fun, too.  (Trust me, here.  My students and I laugh a lot in a class period.) Looking for a play to direct? Check out: 8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

My lessons generally followed this pattern:

  • warm up (15 mins.)
  • teacher lesson (10 to 20 mins.)
  • student application (15 mins.)
  • cool down, exit slip, etc. (5-10 mins.)

What’s Inside Volume 1?

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Even though this was a pass/fail class, I had the opportunity to teach as much or as little theater information as I liked. The principal left it up to me which was gratifying to way the least.   Also, I taught them the rudimentary concepts of stage geography, stage positions, blocking positions, acting positions, and movement. Most youth theater and school theater programs focus on the actor.  I knew that the concepts of stage orientation would be needed no matter what program or class they enrolled in next time.

Hooked from the Start: Building Excitement and Ownership in Drama Class

Additionally, students learned about the origin of theater (did it begin through myth or ritual?).  We had  lively debates discussing their opinions.  By establishing the class with this resource, a teacher can put their students in the driver’s seat right off the bat.  They learn that their opinions count!

Always I kept it in mind that I wanted my students to enroll in another drama class after mine.  Most importantly, I wanted them to leave my class so in love with theater arts they couldn’t wait to learn more about it.

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Why Teachers Love It

It is not out of the ordinary for me to receive a positive review.  I’m thrilled that I helped a teacher! 

“My students loved this unit for my theater class.  I have always struggled on how to teach set deisng in this class and your presesntation took me step by step through the procerss! Plus, I was able to modify it for my Behavior Theater class who loved the hands on aspects of this unit. ”

“Thank you for the teacher’s script and details. YOu could easily print and use this in your classroom immediately. SO MUCH DETAILS and SO MANY OPTIONS! I can use it all or in pieces as time allows. Thank you.”

My Favorite Lessons in the Volume

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

One of my favorite units to teach is set design.  Students enjoy it because it’s concrete.  It’s not that scary acting/ emotion stuff! Plus, I focus on fairy tales as the theme.  When I first began teaching this unit, fairy tales hadn’t become as popular as they are at present.  In fact, some students weren’t even familiar with the story of The Three Little Pigs!

However, now that fairy tales are popular in television and film, students nearly jump at the opportunity to create their own set for whatever fairy tale story they choose. The unit includes titles such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood or Jack and the Beanstalk.

Storytelling Japan Student Created Pictures Drama Lesson Kamishibai Drawing

In addition, I enjoy teaching about Kamishibai Storytelling.  If you are unfamiliar with Kamishibai, you’ll enjoy how well it works in the classroom.  Got shy students?  You can encourage to break out of their shell through this unit.  First, you’ll put your students into teams of two to create their stories. They draw their story and finally they perform them in tandem.  Talk about win-win!

How to Use It Throughout the Year

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Have you picked up a copy of my Scope and Sequence resource of drama lessons?  It’s free to you and will give you a comprehensive and organized plan.  You can find it here: Scope and Sequence, Vol. 1.

When you pick up the scope and sequence guide, you’ll notice that I suggest beginning the learning with the basic components of theater.  They include tableaux, movement, sound effects, improvisation, movement, etc.  Furthermore, there is time for designing a set and costumes, too.  I’ve included everything a teacher may need from teacher’s scripts (so you know what to say) to procedures (with time stamps) to warm-up exercises, live video clip links and a rubric or two.

Drama Class Theater Curriculum Middle School Vol. 1 Acting Improvisation Plays

So, there you have it!  I hope you’ll grab Volume 1 here to take the guesswork out of teaching drama! Or…buy Volume 1 and 2 here: Bundle Volume 1 and 2 Middle School

Looking for more?  Check out my new book, We’re Live! Radio Theater #101–all about how to use radio theater to engage students in any classroom.

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Got a question or request?  Just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.  I’d be happy to help you!

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

P.S.  If you all ready own these, check out volume 3!  It’s brand new:  BUNDLE MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM VOLUME 3

Click here:  We’re Live! Radio Theater #101

 

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

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Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

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

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

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

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

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

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

 

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes

1. Limited Ensemble Dynamics

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

2. Individualized Needs

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

3. Risk and Vulnerability

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

4. Building Group Cohesion

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

Solutions & Strategies for Success

Quick Fixes for Small Classes

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

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

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Emily’s Story: Adapting Drama for One Student

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

Inventory the Student’s Interests

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

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Creating a Personalized Curriculum

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

Lesson Plan for a One-Student Drama Class

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

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

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

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Alternative Approaches for Small Classes

Rotating Focus Each Class

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

Creative Drama Exercises for Small Groups

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

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

Unmasking Drama: Engaging Small Classes Effectively

Final Thoughts: Reframing Small Classes as an Opportunity

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

Your Turn!

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

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

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

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The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

I worry about our students.  Specifically, as a drama teacher and working with all things theater, I’m concerned about our students’ creativity.  So let’s consider that today–the power of creativity: nurturing innovation in students. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges, creativity has never been more essential.

Schools are not just places where students learn facts and figures. They are incubators for innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and dreamers. I believe that nurturing creativity in students is not only a vital aspect of their development but also an investment in the future.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

Why Creativity Matters

This is a generality–many people believe they are not creative. One of my friends, who has a beautifully decorated home told me, “I’m not creative like you.”  What? Of course,  I disagree with her. Creativity is not just about art, music, or theater. It is the foundation of critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation. When students learn to think creatively, they develop skills that help them approach problems from new perspectives. They explore unconventional solutions, and express their individuality. Since this is a drama education blog, I’m going to consider creativity from that standpoint.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

Creativity in Action: Building Skills Through the Arts

For example:

  • Problem-Solving: Creativity helps students develop resilience and resourcefulness when facing challenges, fostering a mindset of possibilities rather than obstacles. Set design is an excellent example of problem solving.  Students envision their design, draw and build a model of it.
  • Innovation: Many of today’s most groundbreaking advancements come from those who think outside the box, whether in science, business, or technology. The War Horse play is wildly innovative using life size puppets of horses to tell the story.
  • Emotional Growth: Creativity allows students to express their feelings, build confidence, and develop empathy by exploring diverse narratives and perspectives. Writing a monologue, a form of playwriting, about a Christmas gift a student is given is non-threatening and something they can relate to quite easily.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

Strategies to Cultivate Creativity in the Classroom

  1. Encourage Open-Ended Exploration Let students experiment with ideas and projects without fear of being “wrong.” Open-ended assignments promote originality and allow them to explore their interests. Several times in a semester, I give students an opportunity to improv. a particular theme using tableaux or movement like the Tricicle Theater Company.
  2. Incorporate Arts into the Curriculum Theater, music, visual arts, and creative writing engage students in ways that traditional lectures cannot. These disciplines help students develop a broader range of cognitive and emotional skills. Teaching students about building a mood through sound effects and music is always fun.
  3. Provide Opportunities for Collaboration Group projects encourage students to build on each other’s ideas, learning how to synthesize diverse perspectives into something greater than the sum of its parts. For example, if students create their own juke box musical they must work together to create a dynamic and finished product.
  4. Value the Process Over the Product Celebrating effort and experimentation reduces the pressure to “succeed” and helps students take risks, an essential part of creative growth. Designing a costume and using only newspaper and painter’s tape to secure it nurtures ingenuity.  
  5. Model Creativity Teachers who demonstrate their own creative processes—whether through storytelling, problem-solving, or innovation in teaching methods—instill a sense of curiosity and possibility in their students.  When teaching storytelling, I always model a story for my storytelling unit.
  6. If you’d like to learn about the importance of drama education to a student’s life, check out my Litpick.com article.

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

The Long-Term Impact

Are you a day dreamer? Sometimes I daydream when I’m create new resources such as the Sonologue unit.  According to the American Psychological Association, “Studies indicate that creativity involves the interaction of multiple neural networks. For instance, the default mode network, associated with mind-wandering and spontaneous thinking, collaborates with the executive control network, responsible for focused attention, during creative tasks. This interplay allows individuals to generate original ideas and critically evaluate them.

As a teacher, one of the best things you can do is praise your students when they are creative, no matter the quality of their project.  When creativity is nurtured, students carry these skills far beyond the classroom. They learn at an early age that having creative ideas will pay off for them.  They become innovators in their fields. Additionally, they are compassionate leaders, and individuals who view the world through a lens of possibility. My advice?  Be as free with them as you possibly can and just watch them light up! 
The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students
Here’s a new warm-up exercise which I think will help you and your students greatly as they hone their creativity: Exploration Game
Moreover, creative education helps students develop a lifelong love of learning, which is critical in an ever-changing world. Learn about my former student, Brandon Davis and how he used set design as a student and turned it into a professional career. The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design
The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

The Link Between Personality, Creativity, and Joy

Personality traits such as openness to experience have been consistently linked to higher creativity. Individuals high in this trait tend to be more imaginative.  Additionally they are curious, and open to new experiences.  These quality all contribute to creative thinking. in a recent study sponsored by YouGov which surveyed 700 children, “Creative activities help children recognize their unique talents and develop a deeper belief in their abilities—giving children an incredible sense of joy and accomplishment,” says Cheri Sterman, senior director of education for Crayola. For more information, check out: www.parents.com 

Final Thoughts

I hope my friend re-considers her creativity.  It would be sad to think someone stunted their creativity and imagination just because they don’t think they are capable.  And here’s another thing–creativity has nothing to do with talent! Whoa, that’s a heady thought.  Someone can be talented and not creative.

For instance, your student is a math wizard–that takes analytical thought and problem solving.  That doesn’t necessarily take talent.  Or your teacher is an incredible singer–they are expressive and skilled. Her prowess was probably built through much hard work and practice. I would argue that both people are creative. Do you agree? 

Investing in creativity in education is about more than preparing students for careers—it’s about preparing them for life. When schools make room for creativity, they  enrich students’ academic experiences. Furthermore, they empower them to shape a better future. As educators and mentors, we hold the key to unlocking the potential of the next generation. Let’s use it to inspire a world filled with imagination, innovation, and boundless opportunities.

How do you nurture creativity in your classroom? Share your strategies and success stories in the comments below!

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Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

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 Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

If you are a new drama teacher for middle school, you may find that although the students are excited they have no idea what to expect.  Additionally,  they may be reluctant to participate or even disinterested (how could anyone be disinterested in theater?) because your class could be a pre-elective and everyone takes it.  Or maybe the school counselor plopped them in your class so they get their arts credit completed. I can help you! This post concerns superhero drama: captivating classroom techniques.

This happened to me. Many years ago, when I discovered I had students that fit this aforementioned description, I completely reorganized my lesson plans.  Instead of the traditional lesson you might teach beginners (intro. to theater, breathing exercises, monologues and duets) I  taught with non-threatening and more group exercises. One thing that always worked with them was superheroes.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Superheroes have always fascinated audiences, capturing the imagination of both young and old. Their tales of courage, conflict, and victory make them perfect tools for engaging students in the drama classroom. Simply put, super heroes are a safe subject with them. Using superhero themes can spark students’ creativity.  In addition it can make learning more relatable, and deepen their understanding of dramatic arts. Here’s how you can leverage superheroes to create an engaging drama classroom experience.

The Magnetic Appeal of Superheroes

Superheroes embody themes like good versus evil, identity, and transformation and everyone understands those themes.  Additionally, they  are rich in dramatic potential. By incorporating these familiar and exciting characters into drama lessons, you can immediately capture students’ attention and make learning more engaging.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Super Hero Lesson Number One

Start by analyzing popular superheroes. Discuss their backstories, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. This familiar territory makes character analysis more accessible and exciting for students.  Plus, it  helps them understand the nuances of character development.

The first lesson I teach them is Storytelling with Postcards Super Hero Themed. Students are placed in small groups.  Their challenge is to select five postcard cards at random from a box or hat.  The group creates a story about a super hero integrating the postcards images, words, or themes into the story.  But, the story must be about you as the super hero. Talk about fun! Students enjoy telling the story together–see?  No performing alone.  For more information, check out the lesson here.

Lesson Plan Number Two: Costume Design and Stagecraft

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Designing sets and costumes for superhero-themed performances can enhance the visual appeal of drama and teach students about stagecraft. This hands-on approach can make the learning experience more engaging and memorable. Encouraging students to create their own superheroes taps into their creativity.  It allows them to apply their understanding of character development in a very relaxed manner.  This activity not only engages students but also helps them develop their storytelling abilities. Plus, students can study costume design at the same time. Check out this resource here.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Lesson Number Three:  Playwriting and the Monologue

Superhero stories are rich with conflict and moral dilemmas, perfect for exploring plot development and thematic elements in drama. Discussing these common superhero conflicts can make complex dramatic concepts more accessible and engaging. Another lesson which they enjoy is writing a monologue as themselves as the super hero. You might think this would be too difficult for your students, but if you give them a framework they will be successful.  Check out this resource here.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

 Lesson Number Four: Encouraging Movement and Tableaux

Superhero scenarios are perfect for practicing movement and tableaux–two crucial components in drama. Tableaux is an easy concept for everyone to understand.  There are many ways to demonstrate it through the use of super heroes–maybe a group shows the moment Super Man protects someone from a monster?  Or Wonder Woman holds back the ocean so that a group of boaters aren’t drowned by it?

Students are familiar with super heroes jumps, falls, lunges and spins.  By studying movement using the super hero theme, students yet again feel comfortable moving around the room as they learn various elements of movement.  These scenarios often involve unexpected situations, requiring quick thinking and adaptability, which keeps students on their toes. Using those lessons to lead into studying tableau, makes for effortless studying of tableaux. Check out this lesson here.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Lesson Number Five:  Improvisation

Superhero scenarios are perfect for practicing improvisation, a crucial skill in drama. These scenarios often involve unexpected situations and require quick thinking and adaptability, By doing so, this keeps students on their toes. My favorite way to teach improvisation to novices is through a few warm up exercises.   This exercise is titled “My Three Headed Monster” but it would be just as fun if the monster became a three headed super hero.  Pick it up here (page one) and  here (page two) Again, I have found this is always a successful teaching experience because students sit together on the stage. Although they are speaking spontaneously they must work out answers together.  

Reflective Learning

Make sure that after each activity you  encourage students to reflect on their performances.  Process is everything! Discussing what they learned and how they felt embodying their superheroes can deepen their understanding and appreciation of drama. Grab this bundle which can last over five days Super  here.

‘ Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Super Hero Quotes as Writing Prompts: Lesson Number Six

Using quotes spoken by super heroes for writing prompts is useful in this situation, too. Here are a few I like:

  • “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Uncle Ben in Spider Man
  • “Heroes are made by the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” Iron Man
  • “You are much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.” Super Man
  • “You don’t need to be a super hero.  You just need to be better than you were yesterday.”
  •  “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of her strength, but by the strength of her heart.” Wonder Woman
  • “The woman who follows the crowd will grow no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” Super Woman

Using superhero themes in the drama classroom can transform lessons into engaging, imaginative experiences. It is easy to connect dramatic principles to beloved characters. You can make learning more exciting and relatable for students. So, be courageous!  Embrace your inner hero and lead your students on an epic journey through the world of drama, where creativity and engagement soar.

Have you ever taught using a super hero theme to teach concepts? I’d love to hear about it.  Just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks