In theatre, as in life, we don’t always get to be in the spotlight. Good thing there are plenty of important roles to be played-and skills to be applied-behind the scenes! Theatre teachers know this dilemma well: You’ve chosen your show. It’s edgy, exciting, and presents a good challenge for…

Not everyone who loves theatre is meant to act! In this three-part series, we’ll explore other production roles that students can take on — plus, how theatre educators can help nurture their creativity and encourage individualized growth off the main drama department path. First up: Student Directors. Our goal as…

As theatre educators, it’s easy to focus upon the acting aspects of drama education. After all, it is the main draw. But lighting, set design, sound effects, makeup, costuming, and other technical functions of production can be great opportunities for students to grow and develop key skills for theatre and…

In part one of the Growing Young Theatre Makers series, we looked at ways that theatre educators can nurture the talent and curiosity of Student Directors. But what’s a Director without a script? In this installment we’ll discuss best practices, curricular recommendations, and example exercises for working with students to…

As summer and nicer weather approaches, so do the possibilities of getting back to something resembling normal. Depending on your local safety restrictions, outdoor theatre, streamed or video-on-demand performances, and hybrid socially-distanced events are great ways to get your performers in front of an audience. But in our new normal…

As a director, dealing with prejudice and injustices from the African American perspective isn’t easy. While these issues are very prevalent, it’s often hidden or not addressed on stage. These plays highlight those perspectives and experiences, showcasing actors of color and the works of African American playwrights in an effort…

For school theatre educators, securing a portion of the school’s operating budget can be challenging. As arts funding is frequently reduced in favor of other initiatives, how can busy drama teachers like you convince their administrators that On The Stage is worth considering? …

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it wasn’t enough to simply hang posters and rely on word of mouth promotion for your play. Audience’s spend an increasing amount of time online DAILY , and you have to meet your people where they are. …

Kids are at home and learning over the internet. Teachers are scrambling to adjust in real time. And, in many communities, the arts are getting lost in the shuffle. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Whether you’re a theatre educator interested in online streaming for school productions, or…