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I am a brand new Theatre Teacher! 

Let me be VERY specific.  I am a brand new English Teacher, with ABSOLUTELY NO THEATRE EXPERIENCE, that is now teaching Theatre!  I accepted my position and began teaching English, Theatre 1 & 2, as well as sponsoring my school's Drama Club the last 9 weeks of this school semester.  So I now have 9 weeks of experience... I will just say, I made it through and am looking forward to PLANNING for a successful school year in the fall. 

My school has a great set up for theatre (black box, court yard with a small auditorium, regular auditorium, fully stocked wardrobe room and such).  Unfortunately we have had a bad run with Theatre for one reason or another.  Oh and I use a regular classroom(small) 90 minute blocks but can book our black box or auditorium when I need it... 2-Theatre 1 classes (20-28 students), 1-Theatre 2 (10 students).

This past 9 weeks I have used the books (Stage and the School) that our school has, BYU's database and other internet resources to help me teach them something ... but I would like a solid plan for next year.  I have learned so much already and am willing to take the summer to learn what I need to.  I am volunteering at our Governor's School for the Arts, high school Theatre Camps, going to a Shakespeare in the classroom workshop and.... well that is where I am reaching out to this community.

If anyone would mind sharing what they do for their Theatre classes!  I mean anything and everything. 

I don't even know what the structure of a Theatre class looks like (bell ringer? structured lessons all the time? testing? exit tickets? you can see I am trying to structure like an English class here).

I don't know what the pacing is for Theatre 1 versus Theatre 2.  I have no clue how to pick a one act for the VTLA or begin executing the practices and such.  I have no idea how much time to block for practices!  I have no idea how to help get my drama club to their goal of VTLA competition in the fall, a Shakespeare production at some point (with two other high schools in our district) and a production in the spring. 

I have some knowledgeable students in my drama club but I need help in figuring out how to take this proverbial bull by the horns!

THANK YOU for ANY and ALL help!!

Well, welcome to the madhouse! LOL  We've all been there and some of us go thru it each summer!

Let me suggest you look at Drama Teachers Academy. It's a bit pricey for some people but I have found it invaluable in helping me with my classes and I've been teaching theatre for 17 years. The Improv module is excellent.

  Play Scripts for High Schools & Middle Schools - Theatrefolk

Do you have a regional theatre nearby? Check in with their education program.

Find another nearby theatre teacher to mentor you.

I'm a workshop junkie. For next year check with your local English-Speaking Union branch and see if they sponsor the annual Shakespeare Competition. I think there is a branch in Richmond. Also, find out if they offer BUSS Scholarships (British University Summer School Scholarships). I spent 3 weeks at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, all expenses paid, and worked with the staff of The Globe. If the branch doesn't off a scholarship ask if they will recommend you and you pay for the class. Very pricey but worth it! Might be tax-deductible, too. Also, find a Shakespeare workshop sponsored by the ESU. Call the national office English-Speaking Union of the United States

Hope this helps. I'll try to post more as I think of them.

Thank you!  I am attending the Teaching Shakespeare Workshop in August.  I hope to look into the Globe opportunity for next summer.  I am pursuing all of your other suggestions!  THANK YOU!

Charlotte,

Where are you in Chesapeake?  I didn't know we had any new teachers in that area--I've been trying to get a theatre job there for years.  I am in the area as well.  I'd be glad to give you any ideas or help.  I've been running programs for the last 16 years.  Feel free to email me.   <maskemail>thespisdionysus@...</maskemail>

Well, welcome to the madhouse! LOL  We've all been there and some of us go thru it each summer!

Let me suggest you look at Drama Teachers Academy. It's a bit pricey for some people but I have found it invaluable in helping me with my classes and I've been teaching theatre for 17 years. The Improv module is excellent.

  Play Scripts for High Schools & Middle Schools - Theatrefolk

Do you have a regional theatre nearby? Check in with their education program.

Find another nearby theatre teacher to mentor you.

I'm a workshop junkie. For next year check with your local English-Speaking Union branch and see if they sponsor the annual Shakespeare Competition. I think there is a branch in Richmond. Also, find out if they offer BUSS Scholarships (British University Summer School Scholarships). I spent 3 weeks at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, all expenses paid, and worked with the staff of The Globe. If the branch doesn't off a scholarship ask if they will recommend you and you pay for the class. Very pricey but worth it! Might be tax-deductible, too. Also, find a Shakespeare workshop sponsored by the ESU. Call the national office English-Speaking Union of the United States

Hope this helps. I'll try to post more as I think of them.

I am a brand new Theatre Teacher! 

Let me be VERY specific.  I am a brand new English Teacher, with ABSOLUTELY NO THEATRE EXPERIENCE, that is now teaching Theatre!  I accepted my position and began teaching English, Theatre 1 & 2, as well as sponsoring my school's Drama Club the last 9 weeks of this school semester.  So I now have 9 weeks of experience... I will just say, I made it through and am looking forward to PLANNING for a successful school year in the fall. 

My school has a great set up for theatre (black box, court yard with a small auditorium, regular auditorium, fully stocked wardrobe room and such).  Unfortunately we have had a bad run with Theatre for one reason or another.  Oh and I use a regular classroom(small) 90 minute blocks but can book our black box or auditorium when I need it... 2-Theatre 1 classes (20-28 students), 1-Theatre 2 (10 students).

This past 9 weeks I have used the books (Stage and the School) that our school has, BYU's database and other internet resources to help me teach them something ... but I would like a solid plan for next year.  I have learned so much already and am willing to take the summer to learn what I need to.  I am volunteering at our Governor's School for the Arts, high school Theatre Camps, going to a Shakespeare in the classroom workshop and.... well that is where I am reaching out to this community.

If anyone would mind sharing what they do for their Theatre classes!  I mean anything and everything. 

I don't even know what the structure of a Theatre class looks like (bell ringer? structured lessons all the time? testing? exit tickets? you can see I am trying to structure like an English class here).

I don't know what the pacing is for Theatre 1 versus Theatre 2.  I have no clue how to pick a one act for the VTLA or begin executing the practices and such.  I have no idea how much time to block for practices!  I have no idea how to help get my drama club to their goal of VTLA competition in the fall, a Shakespeare production at some point (with two other high schools in our district) and a production in the spring. 

I have some knowledgeable students in my drama club but I need help in figuring out how to take this proverbial bull by the horns!

THANK YOU for ANY and ALL help!!