Teacher

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

August 8, 2024 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

Today, I want to blog about why theater education matters: developing key life skills. Recently, I read a Facebook post by a theater teacher who was frantic for help. She taught drama in middle school. Her sixth grade classes were a reasonable size, but that’s where the good news end.

More Typical Scenario Than You Would Think

Her seventh and eighth grade classes had been mixed up, so she no longer had an intermediate (7th) and experienced class (8th). Get this-when she inquired for the reasons for this cluster, her questions weren’t addressed. Unfortunately, she was informed that she would have to do the best she could. She should sharpen up her classroom management skills. And if that’s not enough–her classes were 50 to 60 students in number. What?!?

As I consider this enormous problem for her, I’m struck with a thought. This is one time that it is more important to teach key life skills to her gigantic and potentially unsafe classes than to actually study theater. My suggestion? Focus on life skills through her lessons and though they will still pertaining to theater, the students will feel less threatened.

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills

Theater education is often seen as an extracurricular activity. Some people consider it a hobby for those interested in acting or the arts. However, the benefits of theater education extend far beyond the stage. Engaging in theater can play a crucial role in developing essential life skills. These are skills which are tantamount to success in one’s personal and professional life. Here’s a closer look at why theater education should be an integral part of every student’s learning experience.

1. Enhancing Communication Skills

One of the most apparent benefits of theater education is the improvement of communication skills. Through acting, students learn to express themselves clearly and confidently. They practice articulation, projection, and the importance of non-verbal cues. These skills are not only vital for performing on stage but are also crucial in everyday interactions and professional environments.

By memorizing lines from plays or musicals, student absorb a variety of sentences and phrasing. If they are like me, it carries over into your every day speech. Furthermore, you naturally know how to use a particular phrase or word without even having to think about it. You communicate with ease and confidence. My suggestion: teach students how to memorize a short paragraph from a play.

2. Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration

Theater is inherently a collaborative art form. From rehearsals to performances, students must work closely with their peers, directors, and crew members. This collaboration teaches them how to work effectively in a team. A cast must listen to others’ ideas, and contribute constructively.

I can always tell if students have been directed by a knowledgeable teacher who understands the value of everyone’s talents and abilities. The entire cast and crew carries about them a sense of ownership. They help one another and are willing to sacrifice their ego for the sake of the production. These teamwork skills are highly sought after in almost every career field. My suggestion: Teach set design, having students work with a buddy.

3. Developing Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

By stepping into different characters’ shoes, students gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and emotions. This experience fosters empathy. It allows them to relate better to others’ feelings and experiences. Additionally, theater education helps students develop emotional intelligence by encouraging them to recognize and manage their own emotions, as well as understand and influence the emotions of others.

As we are aware, our students are suffering from bullying not only in the classroom and hallways, but on-line as well. Students who have portrayed villains or down-trodden characters know what that feels like. I do not have any proof to expound here. However, my personal experiences with this issue lead me to believe that your arts students are the least likely students to intimidate anyone. Check out this post-–Drama Student, I Recognize You a Mile Away

Arts students are usually immensely clever and generally have differing viewpoints from the study body as a whole. Consequently, often time they suffer being left out of social circles. Theater gives them a “home” at school. My suggestion? Write a monologue speaking as the animal. (You won’t believe how well this works for students.)

Looking for a bundle of units concerning acting styles? Check out this one: Acting Styles of Stanislawski, Adler, Strasberg and Hagen.

4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Performing in front of an audience can be a daunting task, but it is also an excellent confidence booster. Theater education provides a safe and supportive environment for students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Over time, this process builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Accordingly, confident individuals are more likely to take on leadership roles and tackle challenges head-on.

As adults, we continue to grapple with taking risks in our lives. Some people are so afraid of risk, they become stagnant and don’t grow. I’ve witnessed this in my extended family and it saddens my heart. Their spouse, on the other hand, who studied theater and dealt with self esteem issues as a young person continues to challenge herself in her profession.

I know, without a doubt, it is because she learned from being on stage and facing risks, that she knows how to advocate for herself. My suggestion? Give them a pre-performance and post performance exit slip and ask them to be candid about themselves.

5. Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving

Theater is a creative endeavor that requires thinking outside the box. For example, whether it’s coming up with an innovative set design or interpreting a script in a unique way, students are constantly challenged to be creative. This creative thinking extends to problem-solving skills, as students must navigate unexpected issues that arise during rehearsals and performances. Check out this blog post if you need reasons to include drama integration in your core classes: How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

Through trial and error, students build their problem-solving skills and learn that making mistakes doesn’t mean failure. Mistakes signify that the particular issue wasn’t solved or completed. That is all, period. My suggestion? Teach with my Famous Theater Artists Growth Mindset Unit.

6. Strengthening Academic Performance

Research has shown that students involved in theater tend to perform better academically. Theater education enhances literacy and reading comprehension through script analysis and character study. Also, it improves memory and concentration, which are beneficial across all subjects. Moreover, the discipline and time management skills learned in theater can translate to better study habits and academic success.

In the beginning, novices will try to beat the system and paraphrase their lines. Hence, they never truly learn them. By the time they are in high school, they’ve convinced themselves that, “I can’t learn lines.” I know this is not true. Plus, I know what they need is a system that works.

Once I demonstrate to them the various methods for line memorization, they try again. When they have success using one of those methods, their entire attitude changes. But it still takes self discipline! If you want more information for line memorization, read Three Ways to Memorize Lines for a Play or Musical

7. Preparing for Future Careers

While not all students will pursue careers in theater, the skills gained from theater education are transferable to numerous professions. Additionally, theater education equips students with a versatile skill set that can enhance their career prospects and success.

Here are a few careers where having theater skills are useful:

Public Relations Specialist–Skills Used: Communication, presentation, creativity, adaptability.
How Theater Helps: Understanding audience engagement and crafting compelling narratives.

Event Planner–Skills Used: Organization, time management, creativity, problem-solving.
How Theater Helps: Managing events and performances teaches you how to coordinate logistics and handle unexpected issues.

Marketing Professional–Skills Used: Creativity, communication, storytelling, audience analysis.
How Theater Helps: Developing marketing campaigns requires the same creative storytelling skills used in theater.

Educator/Teacher–Skills Used: Communication, presentation, adaptability, creativity.
How Theater Helps: Theater teaches how to engage and hold the attention of an audience, which is essential in the classroom.

Future Careers Utilizing Theater Skills

Human Resources Manager–Skills Used: Communication, conflict resolution, empathy, teamwork.
How Theater Helps: Theater experiences foster a deep understanding of human behavior and group dynamics.

Sales Professional–Skills Used: Persuasion, communication, presentation, relationship building.
How Theater Helps: Performing helps build confidence and the ability to convey messages effectively.

Lawyer–Skills Used: Argumentation, public speaking, critical thinking, research.
How Theater Helps: Theater provides practice in presenting arguments persuasively and thinking on one’s feet.

Psychologist/Counselor– Skills Used: Empathy, communication, analysis, problem-solving.
How Theater Helps: Understanding characters and motivations in theater aids in understanding and helping real people.

Other Career Examples

Journalist–Skills Used: Research, storytelling, communication, adaptability.
How Theater Helps: Writing and interpreting scripts in theater helps journalists craft compelling stories.

Film and Television Production–Skills Used: Creativity, technical skills, teamwork, problem-solving.
How Theater Helps: The technical and creative aspects of theater production are directly applicable to film and television.

Corporate Trainer–Skills Used: Communication, presentation, adaptability, teaching.
How Theater Helps: Theater training provides techniques for engaging an audience and conveying information effectively.

Nonprofit Manager–Skills Used: Communication, organization, fundraising, storytelling.
How Theater Helps: Effective storytelling and presentation skills are crucial for fundraising and advocacy work.

Entrepreneur–Skills Used: Creativity, risk-taking, problem-solving, adaptability.
How Theater Helps: The improvisational nature of theater helps entrepreneurs navigate the uncertainties of starting and running a business.

See? The list for skills learned in a theater class is immense. If you are a theater teacher and must defend the reasons for keeping your class, quote from this list!

Empowering Students with Creativity, Confidence, and Collaboration

Theater education is much more than learning to act; it’s a comprehensive learning experience that develops critical life skills. By incorporating theater into the curriculum, educators can provide students with invaluable tools. Most importantly, these tools that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Whether a student dreams of a career on Broadway or in a corporate office, the lessons learned in theater education will help them shine in any role they choose to play. Looking for a teacher guidebook to teach you how to boost student engagement? Pick up We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 on Amazon.com

Plus, I’m a featured author in OneClassroomOver magazine this month. Check it out here.

Have you ever defended the need for your class or department? I’d love to learn about it. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

The Art of Teaching: Why Following a Script Matters

April 4, 2024 By dhcbaldwin 3 Comments

Today, I want to blog about the art of teaching: why following a script matters. Do you struggle with what to say to your students as you teach them? This isn’t an uncommon issue for most us, especially with our very first class.

When I began teaching, I was petrified. I was employed in a junior high school in the early 1980s (probably before most of you were even born.) I had never student taught the subject of English. My student teaching was in drama, my major. Truthfully, I only minored in education and psychology because I needed a minor. Plus, my father wanted for me to have something to “fall back upon” if I wasn’t successful as an actress. Once I was out of school and on my own, I quickly realized I wanted a roof over my head and food on the table every month. Finding acting gigs was too uncertain for my personality.

The Art of Teaching: Why Following a Script Matters

Teaching seemed the most practical thing to do. However, if you’d like to see my acting resume, go here: Acting Resume But I was a good teacher–I came from teachers on both sides of my parents. It comes naturally for me.

As I previously mentioned, I was a nervous wreck when I began teaching. Not only was I anxious about teaching English, but worried about my success at doing so. I worried a lot about what I was going to say to begin a lesson. Even though I had a knack at creating lesson plans, the first few moments of class when I engaged the students seemed the most crucial to me. If you’d like a lesson plan, check out: Why is it Important to Create a Lesson Plan?

Recently, one of my email followers wrote to me saying, “Hi Deb. Thank you for all of your great suggestions and tips. My problem is I just don’t know what to say to get us started. Any suggestions?” Certainly.

Once you practice this pattern, you will be able to begin any lesson with confidence and ease. Here are a few things to consider.

The Art of Teaching: Why Following a Script Matters

How long do you want this introduction, or hook to last? 5 minutes? 10 minutes? Make that decision first.
Ask the students a question (You can also use a quote, or a visual aid)
Respond to answers that the students give you. Use their words to discuss your question. For instance, “Susan said that she thinks theater began 2,000 years ago. What do you think?”
To keep all the students’ attention, do not address the next question to any certain student. By doing so, the other students will stop listening because in their minds you weren’t asking them.
From there, you transition into a warm up exercise that supplements the day’s learning.

Five Questions to Ask Students When Teaching

According to a wonderful site I discovered, Peopleleaders.com here are the 5 questions recommended you ask your students (in their case, they are team members) I’ve adapted it for the classroom:

What do you think? Not rocket science is it? This question is best asked after a statement or observation as it allows you to find out very quickly what your students thinking process and focus is. Encouraging your students to voice their opinion in an environment of curiosity and support is a powerful tool of engagement. Once unlocked, will lead to a culture of learning, trust and right action.
What makes you think this? This question helps your students make connections to their ideas and thoughts with information they have actually experienced, seen, researched or heard. This also pushes them to provide more depth and a reason for their answer.
Can you tell me more? Students are used to asking you questions, not answering them, and this will take time and patience on your part to get the answer. It also encourages your students to think more deeply about the issue. The pay-off is a more empowered and skilled students.
What do you think are the next steps? This question rounds off the conversation or interaction with a call to action. Your student considers the idea of what to do and how to do it, and you have a level of comfort knowing what they are going to do.

The Art of Teaching: Why Following a Script Matters

You and I know that teaching is a dynamic and intricate craft. It requires educators to balance structured plans with flexibility to meet the diverse needs of their students. It is a difficult challenge at best. In recent years, there has been a debate over whether teachers should adhere strictly to a script or have more autonomy in their lesson delivery has gained traction. Additionally, some school systems purchase particular textbooks for their students and expect (demand?) the teacher to use the teacher’s edition when teaching…yuck.

To be clear, there are times when teaching spontaneously is not only exciting but energizing! Some argue for the benefits of spontaneity and improvisation in teaching with all subjects, all of the time. However, there are compelling reasons why teaching from a script is important for educators.

Holding Ourselves Accountable: The Importance of Scripted Instruction in Education

Let’s explore why following a script can be a valuable tool in the educator’s toolkit.

1. Consistency: For several years, I taught in a middle school. I taught about the beginning theater to 400 middle school students, every twenty-five days. Couple this action with all the other demands of the job and some days you feel like you are stuck in a canyon somewhere, never able to climb out. You find yourself wondering, “Did I inform the students about X-Y-Z or did I think I did, but haven’t?” If you’d like to learn more about that experience, go to: Striking a Balance with Students in Their Middle School Years

Teaching from a script ensures that every student receives the same information and instruction. If you have a substitute taking your class, a script is monumentally important for them. Consistency is crucial for student learning. By doing so, it provides a stable foundation upon which to build knowledge and skills. When teachers follow a script, they minimize the risk of overlooking key concepts or leaving gaps in understanding among their students.

The Benefits of a Teacher’s Script

2.. Clarity: Scripts provide a clear roadmap for teachers to follow during instruction. They outline learning objectives, essential content, and instructional strategies in a structured format. This clarity helps teachers stay focused and on track. This reduces the likelihood of you veering off course or getting lost in tangents during lessons. And we do get lost, don’t we? For students, clear and organized instruction facilitates comprehension and retention of material.

3. Efficiency: Time is a precious commodity in the classroom. Teaching from a script can help maximize instructional time. By having a predetermined plan in place, teachers can avoid wasting time. There will be less time spent deliberating over what to teach next or how to present information. Instead, they can devote more time to engaging with students, providing individualized support, and facilitating meaningful learning experiences. By the way, did you know that I include a teacher’s script in virtually every one of my products? You can find them here.

The Benefits of Teacher’s Scripts

4. Professional Development: Scripts can serve as valuable resources for both novice and experienced teachers. When I develop a teacher’s scripts for my resources, I enjoy discovering information about the topic which I hadn’t previously considered. For new teachers, following a script can provide a scaffold for developing effective instructional practices. Plus, it’s a terrific way to gain confidence in the classroom. Experienced teachers can use scripts as a springboard for reflection, Or use a script to refine of the one’s teaching strategies. Plus, if a teacher asks for student feedback about the learning, teachers can continuously improve their practice.

5. Equity: Teaching from a script can help promote equity in education. By doing so, all students should have consistent access to high-quality instruction. Scripts provide a baseline standard of teaching that is consistent across classrooms and schools. This is valuable asset! Regardless of factors such as teacher experience or expertise, by following a script a teacher can have confidence that their students are learning. Most importantly, it is the same information as the students study in another school in the district. This consistency helps level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, it ensures that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically.

6. Accountability: Following a script can provide a measure of accountability for teachers and schools. Scripts often align with curriculum standards and learning objectives. This ensures that teachers cover the necessary content within a given timeframe.

Theater Teachers as Trailblazers

Theater teachers are notorious for creating their own scope and sequence, never conferring with other theater teachers in their school district. It can be rare for them to follow state standards, because no one ever addresses them with us. Let’s be honest here. If no one asks for them, why should a teacher address them when they have so many other responsibilities? Plus, not all states have theater arts benchmarks. To be honest, I think we like to make our own path. During my entire teaching career, no one ever held me to benchmarks.

In some districts, we are part of the Language Arts department. In still others, we are part of the Art department. Generally, we are a one person show and you can feel like the bastard child. It can be very lonely. Because we are creative beings, some like to wing it in the classroom. My advice is not to get into that habit, because it’s tough to pull out of when you need to do so. By developing scripts, you have a basic outline of sorts. If something works well this year, you can note that for next year.

Equity in Education: The Role of Scripts in Promoting Fairness

Additionally, scripted programs may include built-in assessments or checkpoints to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions. This accountability fosters transparency. Plus, it helps stakeholders track the effectiveness of teaching practices. So, the day your principal walks into the class to do their impromptu observation, you are ready because you have a script to provide to them which coincides with yours. Easy, peasy.

Teacher’s Script and Criticism of It

Teaching from a script is not without its criticisms. However it is important to recognize the valuable role that scripted instruction can play in supporting effective teaching and student learning. By providing consistency, clarity, efficiency, professional development opportunities, equity, and accountability, scripts empower teachers to deliver high-quality instruction that meets the needs of all learners.

When I think back to those first years, I remember them fondly waxing nostalgic about the good experiences. I probably learned the most about teaching in my first three years. Ultimately, the art of teaching lies in finding the balance. The balance of following a script and incorporating creativity and flexibility to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students. Simply put, they are just another tool to use in your teaching.

Pick up a free lesson concerning Lin Manuel Miranda here. My teacher guidebook, We’re Live! Radio Theater #101 is available on Amazon. Pick up a sample here. Read tonight and teach tomorrow!

Have you ever used a script to teach? I’d love to hear about it. Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Double Casting a Show? Here’s Advice

December 14, 2014 By dhcbaldwin 11 Comments

Double Casting a Show? Here’s Advice

Are you double casting a show? Here’s advice. This is a subject near and dear to my heart.

Willy Wonka, Jr.

I have gobs of experience on this subject having directed mostly successful musicals and plays with adults and children for over thirty-eight years. Trust me when I say, you too can double cast a production and come out of the experience as a sane human being. I really think that double casting youth theater productions is the way to go.

Here’s some advice:

1. You should alert those auditioning that you are considering double casting. That doesn’t mean you are required to double cast, however. You are merely thinking about it. Actors don’t like to be surprised. They spend so much time thinking about the outcome of their audition, it is only polite to warn them. Some people won’t be involved in your production if they don’t know in advance that you are double casting.

2. After you have double cast the show, I strongly suggest you label the casts. This year, I am double casting three roles in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. (Chava, Hodel and Tzeitel). In one of the schools in which I teach, we have so many talented young women, my co-teacher and I thought it was the best way to go this year.

We labeled them cast “A” and “B”–not the most creative labeling we could come up with, but you get the idea. (And as I rethink this, probably refraining from using A and B would be a good idea since in education “A” means excellent.) Frankly, I enjoy labeling the cast with some word from the title of the musical such as “Guys” and “Dolls” or “Alice” and “White Rabbit”, etc. You get the idea.

3. Double casting keeps the egos out of the way, in my opinion. If you divide the strength of the cast between both, you are more likely to have a terrific outcome. I have seen many a talented student who lacks confidence who feels bolstered by the students around him with more experience and so forth. Sometimes that’s all the one who is a little more unsure needs–the other students’ confidence rubs off on him.

4. I don’t worry whether the two actors are the same size when it comes to costuming them. I think that’s costume designer’s problem and no one should be denied a part because she isn’t the same size as another person cast in the role. Some of us just can’t help that we are short or very tall. 🙂

5. Usually, I have the double cast actors observe each other’s rehearsals. Even if I have to review blocking solely for the second cast, that’s my choice. When I stage a musical number, the actors learn the parts at the same time, side by side. The same thing goes for vocal rehearsals. If all goes well, the two actors can rehearse with each other, checking their blocking, going over lines, etc.

6. Usually, we have four performances. I give each cast one performance which will probably have a smaller audience (such as a Thursday night or Saturday afternoon).

7. When the flu season approaches, having a double cast alleviates much of the stress of absenteeism. You know that someone will be there to rehearse. I also make it clear to the students I expect them to work as a team and help each other whether it means running lines with one another or getting all the director’s notes if one person is absent. Again, this keeps the egos at bay.

Sometimes rehearsals get tricky what with two casts, two sets of notes, two sets of problem solving but I promise you it’s worth it. Several times in my career, I have been double cast myself! And look–I’m here to share my experiences with you.

Do you like free resources? Pick up my free guide and ten page lesson here

Or maybe you are wanting to teach how to Create Your Own Musical?

Have you double cast a production? I’ve love to hear about your experiences. Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Need more advice about directing? Check out these links:

https://dramamommaspeaks.com/2016/10/20/eighteen-ways-to-make-your-directing-experience-less-stressful-part-one/

https://dramamommaspeaks.com/2016/10/23/eighteen-ways-to-make-your-directing-experience-less-stressful-part-two/

Tips and Tricks of a Drama Teacher|Drama Tools That Is

August 25, 2013 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Tips and Tricks of a Drama Teacher– Drama Tools, That Is

This is a continuation of my last blog about the tips and tricks of a drama teacher.

Most of us have some form of a work nightmare. You know, you dream when you are at work and everything is crazy. Mine are different! I dream that I am acting in a play and I have learned the wrong lines for the play, I am dressed in the wrong costume and everyone is judging me. I guess my subconscious thinks we need to worry. Whatever.

This year, I am teaching at a fourth school in a different school system. Along with the usual aspects of creating a new program (or one that was limping around), I have memorized new passwords for a grading system, become acquainted with the school’s policies, checked out my classroom, met everyone and planned beginning lessons. If you are like I am, one of the best parts of a school year is ordering materials for the class. I have listed many of my most successful materials.

Drama Curriculum Units & Lessons

(This product will give you lessons and such for around a nine weeks.)

Tips and Tricks of a Drama Teacher– Drama Tools, That Is

Postcards–These are TREMENDOUS little things. They come in black and white and color; they are inexpensive and sturdy. I use them to teach storytelling, tableau, movement, characterization, etc. When ever a student misses school and takes a trip, I ask them to mail a postcard to me.

Nanofictionary--This card game is such fun and upper elementary and middle school students enjoy it. It’s part of my storytelling unit. You can find it through Amazon.com

Plastic ball–I use an inexpensive medium sized ball in many exercises or games. One great exercise is “This is not a ball.” The students take turns coming up with other objects that the ball reminds them of.

CD Player or an MP3 Player–Music plays in my classroom nearly every day. I love music of all kinds and collect movie soundtracks. Also, I try to keep abreast of the most popular music of the year. If it’s appropriate, we create dances and movement pieces to it.

Body Sox–These babies are tremendous! I learned about them in my graduate classes and I’ve used them for about twenty years now. If you want to teach the various parts of movement (definite/indefinite, press/float, light/heavy), I’d suggest purchasing some body sox. They are expensive, but perhaps over time, you could purchase several. Shy students really like them because they can try out certain movements without the other students observing them. Again, you can find these through Amazon.com.

Paper Masks–Obviously, there are many ways to use masks other than just to make them. Usually, we create them for our class plays. I suggest the ones from S&SWorldwide.com

Hopefully, the actor nightmare dreams are over for awhile. I hope these materials help you. I’d love to hear how you have used them, too!

Recently, I bundled forty-three products into one. A year-long theater curriculum!

Bundle: Year-Long Drama Lessons, Units and Plays

Looking for storytelling units?

Check out one of my best at: Storytelling with Student Created Pictures

What are some of your tips and tricks? I’d love to hear about them.

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

Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills