Middle school

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

September 27, 2023 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

In this blog post, let’s discuss How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom. First, I want to share a little memory of mine…When I was in my teens, my father, mother and I traveled to Mexico driving from Kansas. Needless to say, it was an amazing trip full of wrong turns, teen angst and hilarity.

The Language Barrier Gone Amok

Anyway, we hadn’t studied the Mexican language prior to traveling there. Consequently, communicating with the Mexican people was difficult for us. One day, somehow, we ended up in the middle of a car race. My father turned a corner too tightly and put our travel trailer up on a curb where we were stuck for several hours. The racing cars had to slow down because of us.

When the policeman scolded my dad, I remember my mother (who was raised in Japan) and my father (who fought in WWII) began speaking in Japanese and German to him. Of course, he became even more furious. Needless to say, it was embarrassing and humiliating to poor little fourteen-year-old me. Remember being fourteen?

Fortunately, we were lucky enough to see the Folklorico Ballet of Mexico one evening. As you would expect, it was absolutely amazing! For me, it was the highlight of the entire trip. That, and the really cute boys hanging out on the Matzatland beach.

Our Family Trip to Mexico

Accordingly, we returned home and that was the end of my education about the Mexican culture. I studied French in high school, never once considering I might enjoy learning to speak Spanish. At the time, social studies classes didn’t study different cultures. Surprisingly, I believe we only studied the United States. Talk about living in a bubble!

However, you and your students can celebrate different cultures right in your drama classroom. Let’s begin with Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. When I began researching this subject, I was pleasantly surprised by the volume of resources available for this celebratory month. Plus, there are many sources in theater for this celebration. Therefore, not only do you have an opportunity to study a different culture, albeit briefly, you also can integrate drama (or vice versa) into your class.

National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month’s Beginnings

The year was 1970 only two years after President Johnson proclaimed a week-long celebration of Hispanic people and their culture. However President Reagan expanded the week to a month in 1988 and it was titled National Hispanic Heritage month!

If you are unfamiliar with National Hispanic and Latino Heritage month it is a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. September 15 to October 15 gives a teacher an excellent opportunity to engage their students in a diverse and immersive experience within a drama class. I think you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to celebrate the culture through your drama curriculum. Additionally, you can foster cultural awareness, appreciation, and creativity in your students. Want to learn more about this subject? Check out another blog post, Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Your Drama Classroom Tomorrow

Seven Ways to Celebrate National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

Exploring Hispanic Playwrights and Theater

One of the best ways to immerse your drama class in Hispanic culture is by introducing them to renowned Hispanic playwrights and their works. Discussing plays by writers such as Lin Manuel Miranda opens up conversations about the Hispanic experience, identity, and history. If you teach middle school students, you can study Lin Manuel Miranda through these two resources: Newspaper Article or pick up this free lesson here. Or pick up a biography lesson and one pager assignment concerning Anthony Ramos here.

Performing Hispanic Plays

Organize a class performance of a Hispanic play or scene. You can select a one-act play or adapt a scene from a famous Hispanic playwright’s work. This hands-on experience will not only deepen your students’ understanding of Hispanic culture but also enhance their acting skills. I suggest purchasing a copy of Esperanza Rising play to use as a read aloud. Want to know more about the theater? Check out: The Seven Reasons I Recommend Plays for New Audiences Scripts

Guest Speakers and Workshops

If possible, I’d suggest inviting guest speaker or theater professionals with a Hispanic heritage to share their experiences and insights with your drama class. They can discuss their journey in the theater world, the importance of representation, and the cultural significance of their work. Workshops on Latinx theater techniques, dance, or music can also add a dynamic dimension to your drama curriculum. Or maybe you want to show your students what is possible for them if they are of Hispanic descent and interested in a professional career. Use this video clip to teach about Hispanic American Theatre Want to know other ways to use video in your classroom? Check out: Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

More Celebration Ideas

Research and Presentations

Another idea is to assign students to complete a short research project focused on a prominent Hispanic actor, director, or playwright. They can explore their contributions to the theater world and the impact of their work on Hispanic culture. Require your students to make a presentation of it. However, if your students don’t have time to study anyone in depth, check out: Designing Broadway: On Your Feet! Costume Designer Emilio Sosa.

Bilingual Performances

Although this is a little difficult to do, it would be very interesting for your students to perform a scene or monologue in both English and Spanish. This exercise not only improves their language skills but also allows them to connect with the material on a deeper level.

Most importantly, it emphasizes the importance of language as a bridge between cultures. Here are some you could use: Quiara Alegría Hudes: Barrio Girl. Dramatic Publishing. Luis Alfaro. Black Butterfly, Jaguar Girl, Piñata Woman and Other Superhero Girls, Like Me. Playscripts, Coleman A. Jennings: Nine plays by José Cruz González (anthology). Dramatic Publishing. or Karen Zacarías: Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans. How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accent. Looking for Roberto Clemente. Magical Piñata. Frida Libre. Dramatic Publishing.

Cultural Immersion

To truly celebrate Hispanic culture, consider organizing a cultural immersion day. This could include a screening of a Hispanic film, a salsa dancing lesson or perform a readers theater script. Any of these activities will engage your students. By immersing students in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hispanic culture can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. Check out these units: The Magic Lake (Peruvian Legend), The Legend of the Poinsettia (Mexican Legend) or In the Heights Broadway Musical Unit (Latino culture).

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

Collaborative Projects

Lastly, students enjoy learning with a partner. Additionally, they enjoy costume design. How about assigning students to design costumes for a Hispanic version of the story of Cinderella in play form using Vogue magazine fashion design sketching app.? Or creating a stage property with a Latin theme using an app. like Tinkercard.com?

The Hispanic Culture and Heritage is Deserves Our Respect

I’ve only scratched the surface as far as the resources available to use when celebrating this terrific culture. Just remember that celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage month in drama class is not only educational but also a celebration of the rich tapestry of American culture. Lastly, I hope you embrace this month as an occasion to broaden horizons, encourage empathy, and promote the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of theater. Because as I always say…there’s no better place to learn than through theater!

What celebrations do you have planned for your students? I’d love to hear about them. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com and we’ll chat!

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

August 30, 2023 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

As a child, I loved to read. However, I had one bad habit– reading the end of the book far before I’d read the rest of the book. My mother called it shameful at the time. I admit, I still imbibe in this activity from time to time. Not with plays, however. I’m proud to say that never have I ever read the end of the play ahead of time. Never. Today I want to talk about the eight benefits for students when reading plays.

As educators, we constantly seek fresh and unique ways to engage our students and foster a genuine love for learning. While traditional reading materials hold their place, have you ever considered the profound impact of introducing plays into your curriculum? Beyond the spotlight and stage, the world of plays offers a wealth of opportunities for students to explore, learn, and grow. In this post, let’s delve into why incorporating plays into your teaching toolkit can be a game-changer.

#1 Spark Empathy and Understanding by Reading Plays

Perhaps one of the most important reasons to read plays is the swift speed a playwright‘s uses to engage the audience right from the first word. Consequently, the play immediately piques our interest. Let’s admit something here. Our students want everything fast, because the world has become so quick moving thanks to technology. No one wants to be patient or wait around for anything. Everyone, especially our students, want a quick fix.

Unlike reading novels, the old adage that “you should read the number of pages equal to your age before you decide if you enjoy the story or not” doesn’t hold true here. Plays must get to the point early on in the production or else the audience will make a quick exit for the theater door. Consequently, most plays are under 150 pages. They hold your attention to the end, because playwrights want the audience to be enthralled through curtain call. Check out my post about The Most Important Play I’ve Directed in My 38 Year Career.

Usually, narration is kept to a minimum. In most plays, if deftly written, the characters can narrate the story through their lines. Every character in a play has a unique story to tell, emotions to share, and challenges to overcome. When students step into the shoes of these characters through reading, they cultivate empathy and gain insights into different perspectives. This newfound empathy transcends the classroom, nurturing a more compassionate and understanding generation. When someone demonstrates how a person feels at a particular moment in a story, they visualize the moment playing out right in front of them. That is powerful.

#2 Nurturing Critical Thinkers

Plays are intricate puzzles waiting to be unraveled. The layers of dialogue, symbolism, and character development offer an intellectual banquet for students. Even our youngest students can read a play and pick out the elements of literature--setting, conflict, plot and character, etc. Encourage them to dissect the text, identify underlying themes, and analyze character motivations. This process hones critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the realm of literature.

Language Proficiency Beyond the Ordinary

Plays are a linguistic treasure trove, showcasing diverse forms of language from various eras and cultures. By exposing students to the rich tapestry of language found in plays, you’re fostering students to build a versatile vocabulary. Through the acquisition of new words and expressions students’ hone their communication skills which better equips them to communicate their thoughts and feelings.

#3 Plays and Time Travel through Text

History books offer facts; plays transport students back in time. Through the lens of playwrights’ words, students can experience different time periods, cultures, and societal norms. This immersive experience makes history come alive, encouraging students to appreciate the nuances of different eras. Plays have been written about many historical moments in history, science, art, music and so forth. After 911, there were several plays written from the viewpoint of the firemen who survived the tragedy. One is The Guys. The Guys tells a story about a New York City journalist who helps a local fire captain write memorial speeches for his men who died in the World Trade Center crisis bowed starring Sigourney Weaver and Bill Murray in January 2002.

#4 Reading Plays Provokes Dynamic Class Discussions

The themes explored in plays are the stuff of thought-provoking conversations. From social issues to questions about morality, plays provide a perfect platform for discussing complex topics. By reading a play, students can articulate their opinions, learn from diverse viewpoints, and develop the art of respectful discourse. For example, The Laramie Project play is set in and around Laramie, Wyoming, in the aftermath of the murder of twenty-one -year-old Matthew Shepard. The Laramie Project is known for its powerful portrayal of the complexities of a community’s response to a hate crime, and it has been widely performed and studied to shed light on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, hate crimes, and social justice.

#5 Play Reading Bridges Generations

Incorporating both classic and contemporary plays bridges the literary gap between generations. Students connect with the enduring themes of the past while appreciating the evolving narratives of the present. She Stoops to Conquer was written in 1773 and is just as relevant today as when it was first produced. The overriding theme of She Stoops to Conquer is how reality is often distorted by social status. Sound familiar?

A recent column in Esquire magazine states, “Sometimes the Truly Rich lose their bearings about how money works for other people. While they have that joyful privilege of viewing money through the filter of what it can do for them, other people see cash as that wad of paper that can get them through the next two weeks.” In She Stoops To Conquer, a rigid English social system effectively encourages people to be someone other than who they really are.

She Stoops to Conquer is a comedy of manners that explores social class, one’s place in society, both socially and economically, and its importance in 18th century England. The characters and their conceptions of these absurd societal rules lead them on a humorous journey in their relationships, by exposing our students to plays which are nearly 250 years old, students learn to appreciate the continuity of human thought and storytelling across time.

#6 Students Skills for Life’s Journey

When students engage with plays, they acquire skills that are essential beyond graduation. The ability to analyze, interpret, and empathize with different perspectives equips them to thrive in diverse environments. They become lifelong learners who approach challenges with a multidimensional outlook.

#7 Cultivating Creativity

The act of reading plays demands visualization – imagining characters, scenes, and emotions. A good example of this is the play War Horse. The horse puppet that represents Joey is operated by three puppeteers each night: one at the head, one at the heart, and one at the hind. But this is no ordinary panto horse: when at full flight, the 30-kilogram, life-sized contraption is an imposing force, galloping across the stage. The scenes of Joey fighting in war are magnificent! This visualization of a living breathing horse demands of us to use our creativity thereby encouraging students to actively participate in crafting the narrative in their minds. They become co-creators of the story, enriching their imaginative capacities. If you are looking for a lesson concerning The War Horse play, check out: War Horse Resource

#8 Transformative Journey Through Reading Plays

I cannot stress enough that incorporating plays into your curriculum is not just about reading; it’s about opening doors to creativity, empathy, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. By introducing students to the world of plays, you’re guiding them on a transformative journey that goes beyond textbooks. You’re instilling a lifelong appreciation for literature, broadening their horizons, and empowering them to embrace the complexities of the world with confidence. I bet you’ll discover more of your students will become involved in their school play productions after they’ve read a few. They are a perfect bridge. Have your students read any radio theater plays? Check out these blog posts for reasons to read them. Creative Dramatics Lesson Plans: Nine Reasons to Teach Radio Theater or Top Reasons Teachers Succeed When Teaching With Radio Theater

Let’s embrace the world of plays and witness the magic unfold within our classrooms. Your students’ journey into the realm of drama might just be the most enlightening adventure they embark upon.

What plays have your students read? I’d love to hear from you about them. Let’s chat! Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

May 2, 2023 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

There’s an amazing play written by Playwight Aurand Harris that most theater teachers never produce. It’s name? Orphan Train. Busy theater teachers/directors have no time to consider plays other than those from their past successes. They simply don’t have the brain space left to do so. That’s where I come in.

The Orphan Train published by Dramatic Publishing.

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

Synopsis

The play tells the story of nine orphans on an “orphan train” that left New York City on May 28, 1914. The train travels to Midwestern towns in search of homes, any homes, anywhere for the orphaned and unwanted children. There’s Mary, Evie, spunky Pegeen, Annie and Little Lucy, a quiet one.

Other orphans include Frank (who later becomes Frankie, a small girl), Raymond, Lucky and Danny the song-and-dance boy. And there are the men and women hoping for children. The lonesome whistle wails as the train chugs between encounters of anxiety, laughter, wistfulness, rejection and acceptance. Eight stories unfold, each a memorable surprise. Cast size: 6m., 7w., 6 boys, 6 girls, or 11 (1m., 1w., 3 boys, 6 girls) with doubling.

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

Probably the first reason a teacher/director might not consider The Orphan Train is the size of the cast–13. There is a way around this issue. Have you ever double cast a production? Although it appears as extra work for you, long term it is a Godsend. Usually, one of the two actors double cast in a role will always be in attendance so you can progress through your rehearsal calendar as planned. Also, if you are short on males, a female can portray one of the male characters. Or vice versa.

If you’d like more information about double casting, check out: Double Casting a Show? Here’s Advice

or help with directing– Ten Important Elements to Consider When Directing a Youth Theater Production.

Technical Requirements of The Orphan Train

I directed The Orphan Train with middle school students. One reason I selected it is that there is no need for a set. We legged several platforms and placed them together making different levels. Stage pieces consisted of black boxes and several wooden chairs.

The necessary stage properties are minimal as I recall. That’s another plus to selecting this production for your season.

Costume Design for The Orphan Train

Usually, I designed the costumes for my middle school plays partly because I have an intense interest in costume design. However, I took a chance with this play and did something completely different–I asked the students to find their own costumes. My budget paid for those students who could not afford it.

My color palette for the production was black and white hopefully denoting a black and white photograph. To this end, I asked the students to bring in costume pieces for their character of either black, white or even gray. I guessed that most of the students could find what they needed quite easily and I was correct. It worked great! When they created a tableaux at the end of the show, they looked like a vintage photograph.

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

(We used this photo as a template for our show tee shirts! )

Light Design for The Orphan Train

I was fortunate. My principal at the time was very supportive of the arts (in fact, all of the principals I worked for were supportive of the arts), and purchased lighting equipment for us. Lighting the show was fairly simple–I used the stage lights (on little dimmers if you can imagine) and then our light board, trees and several ellipsoidal and fresnel.

Sound Design for The Orphan Train

My husband and I are avid music lovers. We listen to all types of music. Consequently, we knew of music which would be perfect for pre-show, intermission and post show. We used period music such as Popular Roaring 1920s Music from the Year 1926. The sound of trains was another thing we used between scenes–steam engines puffing, rolling around, train whistles, etc.

Historical Significance of The Orphan Train

When I began researching the play, I found this entry in Wikipedia.com, “The Orphan Train Movement was a supervised welfare program that transported children from crowded Eastern cities of the United States to foster homes located largely in rural areas of the Midwest. The orphan trains operated between 1854 and 1929, relocating from about 200,000 children.

The co-founders of the Orphan Train movement claimed that these children were orphaned, abandoned, abused, or homeless, but this was not always true. They were mostly the children of new immigrants and the children of the poor and destitute families living in these cities. Criticisms of the program include ineffective screening of caretakers, insufficient follow-ups on placements, and that many children were used as strictly slave farm labor.

Charitable Institutions Aid to Orphans

Three charitable institutions, Children’s Village (founded 1851 by 24 philanthropists ), the Children’s Aid Society (established 1853 by Charles Loring Brace) and later, New York Foundling Hospital, endeavored to help these children. The institutions were supported by wealthy donors and operated by professional staff. The three institutions developed a program that placed homeless, orphaned, and abandoned city children, who numbered an estimated 30,000 in New York City alone in the 1850s, in foster homes throughout the country.

The children were transported to their new homes on trains that were labeled “orphan trains” or “baby trains”. This relocation of children ended in 1930 due to decreased need for farm labor in the Midwest. The phrase “orphan train” was first used in 1854 to describe the transportation of children from their home area via the railroad. However, the term “Orphan Train” was not widely used until long after the Orphan Train program had ended.

Interviewing An Orphan

We lived in Missouri at the time in which I directed the play. We’d heard there were several people still alive who rode the Orphan train many years prior. With a little extra work, a parent volunteer found one of the children (now adult) who was an orphan and traveled by Orphan Train.

This lovely lady came and spoke to our cast about what it was like to ride the train. Although that was many years ago, I recall she said that the family she ended up with were not very nice to her but she grew up with them.

You always want a story like this to have a happy ending, don’t you? However, it’s important that our students see life as it can be sometimes, especially in a case such as this one.

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

Maybe you found this blog because you are interested in integrating drama into your core class. I found a terrific site with plenty of information and teaching suggestions–The Orphan Train. Start here to build your unit around The Orphan Train.

Additionally, you could purchase a class set of this play to use as a read aloud. (Make sure you check it out before you purchase for your entire class–you don’t just want to take my word for it. I remember there are several swear words which you may want to switch out with others not as flowery.)

Use the script to study set or costume design. This particular lesson would be helpful to you if you study costume design accompanying the play. Or use this unit to study set design to accompany the play.

Have I convinced you to check out The Orphan Train play? If hope so. If you have any questions about directing this play or any other questions, please feel free to email me. I receive emails every week from teachers needing a veteran teacher to give them advice. That’s what I’m here for. Want a FREE lesson great for middle grade students? Go here: Lin Manuel Miranda

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

March 16, 2023 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

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

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

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

It seemed simple enough, right?

Three ELL Drama Club Problems to Overcome

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

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

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

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

Readers Theater Resources on the Internet

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

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

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

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

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

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

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

No one attended.

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

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

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

My Advice

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

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

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

Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class

October 5, 2022 By dhcbaldwin 1 Comment

At least once a week, I read of a teacher asking help with, “My beginning theater class is open to all students in the school. However, it has become a dumping ground with students completely disinterested in theater and the study of it. At the same time, I have students who are sincerely interested in the subject in the same class. What do I do?” Today, I’m going to talk about Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class.

I know this challenge all too well myself. Several times in my career, I had students placed in my classroom because the administration thought I demonstrated skill in reaching all students and could reach these students as well.

Do you have any idea how heavy the weight of responsibility for teaching to reluctant students is? Teaching is difficult enough and a theater class poses its own challenges that not everyone is aware of. For instance, when one acts they must share their feelings, real feelings. That’s can be scary for even the most ardent theater student.

Simply put, you need to outsmart your reluctant students. Remember, you are the professional here. You’ve got what it takes to be successful (albeit tiring). Wonder how I got to where I am today? Check out: How Theatre Saved My Life

Teach Reluctant Students

You need to survey each and every class to discover whether they are interested in theater or not. This is true of anyone who teaches any electives from industrial education to art as well as theater. By surveying the students (through a questionnaire on-line or hard copy) you’ll find out their interest level (because you will ask it) and what they hope to learn in the class.
After you’ve studied the students’ questionnaire, you can now shape your lessons accordingly. Does this take more time than what you would usually do? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes! It is better to know your audience (because that’s what they are, essentially) than not and spend most of the year frustrated with their lack of engagement.
Use a game as a warm-up. Most students love a game so I recommend playing one at the beginning of each class. For some students, it is the delight of their day (although they may never share this with you) and it lifts the burden for you always having to teach a concept. Let the game teach them. Also, playing a game makes class fun no matter the outcome. Start with something simple like the Ball Game (Don’t know it? pick it up here). The Ball Game can be played with students of any grade level. Games give students an opportunity to get to know one another without the stress of a face to face conversation. As the quarter progresses the games you can select games which are more difficult. By the last month of the semester, you should have no problem using an improvisation exercise as a warm-up.
Minimize your students’ worries. Through the questionnaire, you should have a better grasp about what they think theater is as opposed to what it actually is. They may think theater is standing on a stage, wearing a costume (the student may dislike), wearing makeup (even the boys), memorizing gobs of lines and speaking at a volume for the entire class to hear.

Let’s not start there if that’s the case. Let’s do some theater appreciation instead. Show them video clips of theaters around the world and either have a class discussion of each theater or give them questions to answer. Here is what I mean: Theaters Around the World.

Teaching Reluctant Students

Study technical theater with them--set, sound, stage properties, stage makeup or costume design. Many students just need a backdoor into the subject. Technical theater is nonthreatening. Most assignments are meant to be completed individually and not with a group. This helps those students who do not speak English as their first language, especially. I really enjoy teaching technical theater. Through its study, I usually find a student who no one knew very well that turns out to be a fabulous artist! Their creativity and talent can shine in technical theater and suddenly the other student take note of them. It’s awesome. Here are a few technical theater units which may help you: Technical Theater Units or begin with Set Design, the Rendering
Reader’s theater is a good choice for your class. Readers theater is successful in a class with various levels of interest, because there is no line memorization, no costumes, etc. Everyone sits together on the stage, so there’s that “safety in numbers” thing. Plus, if you wait until near the end of the second quarter, readers theater should not be difficult for your reluctant ones. (Read my article in One Classroom Over about reader’s theater) You’ve given them plenty of time to adjust to the class. Here’s a funny script for them: The Brave Little Tailor Unit. Great for grades 5 to 7.
Radio theater is a super choice, too. Personally, I think radio theater has everything a play does! That’s the reason I suggest it to teachers. Radio theater is highly imaginative from the many character voices actors create to the sound effects. Plus, it is a super tool for strengthening reading skills! It is easy to keep everyone involved, because they are on the stage the entire length of the piece. It can be as simple or as theatrical as you like. And yet again–no line memorization! This is another unit I would teach near the end of the semester or year. If you are interested in radio theater, check out: Radio Theater Units and Lessons Don’t know how to direct one? Go here and pick up all of the training you need: How to Direct Radio Theater
Use movement exercises instead of acting ones. Movement takes no sound and no verbal reaction. Students like the physical activity, too. The Magic Circle is a good exercise to use for movement. (Don’t know it? Pick it up here)
Turn down your classroom lights. You won’t believe how dimming the lights will ease students’ anxieties. You just want the classroom light to be dim–light enough you can everyone but no so dark you can’t keep an eye out for any inappropriate behavior.
Play some classical music in the background. Classical music works because there are no lyrics for the students to notice. It can express mood without anyone saying anything. I think of it like a comforting blanket. In those awkward moments in a game, acting exercise or lesson they can help ease any anxiety that rears its ugly head.

Want some additional tips from me? Check out Doub le Casting a Show? Here’s Advice

Advice for the Core Subject Teachers

Many of the suggestions I’ve made above work strictly in a theater classroom. Some of them will work for you as well.

Here are a couple of other suggestions for you:

Sometimes our students just need space away from others. Offer that space in your classroom if a student needs it. You want them to feel safe and accepted in your classroom. I say as long as they are focused on their work, this is acceptable.

Giving students choices is always a great idea, too. Remember you have worked out the choices ahead of time so you are comfortable with whether they select once choice over another. Choice Boards are super for this. Here are some of mine as an example. This bundle is very popular with teachers: Choice Boards

You can even pick up a sample of them right here.

Or pick up a technical theater unit for high school students here: Technical Theater Units, High School

So, there you have it! Teaching is a wonderful profession when everyone is treated with respect. Even the reluctant students can learn that respecting your art form is possible and believe it or not–enjoyable! I discovered that once my students knew I had their back and understood them feigning disinterest in theater, I could work with them. Lots of times, it’s just noise on their part. Remember that–it’s just noise.

I’d love to know what you’ve found is successful with reluctant students in your classroom? Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

August 10, 2022 By dhcbaldwin 2 Comments

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

One of the things I appreciate about the subject I teach is its varied subjects within it. However as we know, not all students think the same way as I. I thought you might appreciate the five reasons your students will love set design–or at least that’s my hope.

If you are teaching theater and have reluctant students, I’d suggest teaching them about set design. I’ve yet to find a group of students who did not enjoy learning about it.

Many students love theater, but they are unwilling to perform and consequently they quit studying it and take another class instead. The reason? They just can’t find a place for themselves within it. Technical theater is a wonderful place for inclusion!

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

Truthfully, I think teaching set design is crucial for a student’s studies in theater arts. Let’s face it–a set design can make or break a production. Understanding its value and encouraging your students to appreciate it too will not only enrich their learning, but make them a more rounded arts person.

Think about it. The audience sits and looks at the set for the entire performance. Sometimes the set doesn’t change. That’s a loooong time to imagine the place.

I could wax poetic about my love for teaching set design. I am that much of a cheerleader for it. But here are some reasons your middle and high school students will love set design:

It’s highly creative–The sky is the limit when one is learning about set design.
It’s immediately gratifying–When you design a set and create a model of it (either with paper or through a set design software app.) you can watch your idea take shape right in front of you
Themes and motifs can be explored effortlessly–your ELA teacher will appreciate that you teach these concepts to your students
It’s a great way to learn cooperatively–If you have your students work in pair or teams, the design process is eye opening to them. As in life, everyone has an idea. They should all be heard and incorporated into the design if at all possible. Students learn to listen, adjust their opinions and consider others.
Set design skills can carry over into other subjects such as math or social studies. What a terrific way to apply what you learn. Design a set, measuring, ratios, etc. come into use. Researching a local such as France for a set design can be a super integration for a social studies or geography class.

The Challenges of Set Design

For Your Gifted Students

I used to challenge my students who needed something more difficult to design their set using a turntable in the center. Wow, that’s a great challenge! Not only is it tough to build, but will it work sufficiently?

Or what about a staircase? Students quickly learn that designing a staircase to scale is much more complex than just label a rectangle a set of stairs. Once a model is built the student sees the error of their measurements and that’s helpful, too.

How about a bridge? Again, it’s easy to design but difficult to execute.

A Little Trivia Break

Did you know Judy Dench wanted to be a set designer when she was young?
Or that Maurice Sendak (author of Where the Wild Things Are) became a set designer after his career as an author? (Me neither!)
How about the fact that real-life historical locations provided inspiration for the Hamilton musical set design? While the set isn’t literal, it draws inspiration from actual places. “One of the cool things about Hamilton is almost every single location is one that you can research and find actual visual support for, whether it’s on the internet or in history books, or if the actual location still exists,” says David Korins, the set designer. “We did a lot of research in my office, getting everything from what the Schuyler Home actually looked like to what it looked like in New York City in 1781 and 1776. And we put it all up on a big huge board on a wall in my office, and we picked and chose.”
If you want more information about the history of set design, check out this blog post, Past Present and Future Set Design

Teaching students that “less is more” can be easily demonstrated through set design. In the photo above, you see a simple set from the 2018 revival of Carousel. It contains a cyclorama with a cloudy night sky projected upon it and four miniature sail boats are part of the ground row. The rest of the set is wood pallets. Students understand this concept that’s why it’s one of the five reasons students love set design. Isn’t it effective? If you are need advice concerning selecting a production, check out this blog post: Critical Steps in Selecting a Play or Musical: Budget & Royalties

Permit me to brag a little

This is Brandon Davis. He was a student of mine when he was in middle school. He’s really made a great name for himself as a set designer. When I had Brandon in my drama class in sixth grade, he was quiet, creative and loved theater. You can see his work below and at www.brandonptdavis.com

If you aren’t aware, I have a store with Teacherspayteachers.com. In it, I sell drama education resources. In this particular case, let’s discuss my set design unit.

There are two–one for middle school and another a bundle of technical theater units for high school.

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

Here is my middle school design unit description:

During this eight-day unit over set design students learn about the history of set design, famous designers, develop a critical eye about what makes up an award- winning set design, create a ground plan for a fairy tale story of their choosing and draw a rendering. If you’d like a free lesson concerning set design, click here. Set Design, the Rendering

Here’s a added benefit–the students must work with ratios and measuring. (Hello math class!) The first two assignments are completed individually, but then the fun begins! The students are paired up to create a model working together towards the goal. There is even room for parents to celebrate the end of the unit with your students.

Included in the unit:

An overview of the unit for the teacher
Rationale for teaching design
History of scenic design
Set designer’s responsibilities
Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
Warm-up for day one
Procedures for each day (8)
Lecture notes including links
Information about the message color conveys
Rendering examples
Stage curtain sheets for rendering–one vertical, one horizontal
Step-by-step directions for model building including photo examples
Cheat sheet for various set pieces
Assignment sheet for each step of the design process
Exit slip prompts for 4 days
Grade sheet EDITABLE in a separate folder
Source page

High School Set Design and Others

As you would expect, my high school unit is more challenging. It includes studying three styles of theater–modernism, expressionism, surrealism. After reading a play of their choosing, the students select one style and design the set for that production. They build a model of their design or use software to design it in three dimensions.

Additionally if you want to take this idea even further, I have a theater artist biography and one pager assignment available. I have several planned, but for now I can offer you Ming Cho Lee.

If you are looking for advice a production’s design, check out this blog post: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Set Design

In particular, I appreciate this quote from George C. Wolfe, playwright and director of Angels in America: Millenium Approaches who said:

“I love working with a set designer because, in many respects, you meet the set designer before you meet the actors. So it’s a chance for me as a director to figure out what I’m thinking and to explore how the space is going to actually be activated.”

I hope I’ve convinced you to teach design to your students. Maybe your students will become a set designer as mine did!

If you want more advice concerning set design, check out: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Set Design

Need something for a substitute? Check out Exploring Theater Professions Video and Class Discussion Lesson.

What technical theater lessons have your students enjoyed learning? I’d love to know. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

« Previous Page

Middle school

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

The Language Barrier Gone Amok

Our Family Trip to Mexico

National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month’s Beginnings

Seven Ways to Celebrate National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

More Celebration Ideas

The Hispanic Culture and Heritage is Deserves Our Respect

Share this:

Like this:

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

#1 Spark Empathy and Understanding by Reading Plays

#2 Nurturing Critical Thinkers

Language Proficiency Beyond the Ordinary

#3 Plays and Time Travel through Text

#4 Reading Plays Provokes Dynamic Class Discussions

#5 Play Reading Bridges Generations

#6 Students Skills for Life’s Journey

#7 Cultivating Creativity

#8 Transformative Journey Through Reading Plays

Share this:

Like this:

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

Synopsis

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

Technical Requirements of The Orphan Train

Costume Design for The Orphan Train

Light Design for The Orphan Train

Sound Design for The Orphan Train

Historical Significance of The Orphan Train

Charitable Institutions Aid to Orphans

Interviewing An Orphan

An Amazing Play That Most Theater Teachers Never Produce

Share this:

Like this:

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

Readers Theater Resources on the Internet

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

My Advice

Share this:

Like this:

Teach Reluctant Students

Teaching Reluctant Students

Advice for the Core Subject Teachers

Share this:

Like this:

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

The Challenges of Set Design

For Your Gifted Students

A Little Trivia Break

Permit me to brag a little

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

High School Set Design and Others

Share this:

Like this:

Footer

Follow Us

FOLLOW US

Goodreads: read