Open Forum

Hi everyone! Relatively new theatre director and teacher here.

I had a student ask me if she could take acting lessons from me. I know that many students at my school currently take vocal lessons, so acting lessons make sense.

Do any of you give acting lessons? If so, do you have some sort of guide? Do you tailor it to the student? I'm not quite sure what I should offer in acting lessons. And, if I do offer acting lessons, do I charge for them like vocal coaches do?

Guidance is much appreciated.

Thank you!

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Jessica Palmquist
English/Drama Teacher; Theatre Director
Waverly High School
NE
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I think you are getting into dicey territory if you take money from a current student for individual coaching. If that student is then cast as the lead in your show or gets an A in your class, it could be perceived badly. I have done private coaching with former students, but I wouldn't do it with current students. 

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Jennifer Bennett
Markham Woods Middle School
FL
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Check with your admin about policies regarding charging for lessons. Some districts like mine will not allow faculty to charge for lessons to current students. But if the vocal coaches at your school are school employees and charge, then I would charge at least something, even if it's nominal. That way no one gets upset if Ms. Palmquist doesn't charge for her lessons, but we have to pay Ms. So-and-so for voice lessons. Basically, follow district policy, but try not to upset the apple cart too much. As for content, I tailor lessons first based on student interest, but meeting them at their ability level. For example, if a student wants to be a great Shakespearean actor (I wish!), but they can't memorize a Dr. Seuss line, then I wouldn't give them Hamlet right off the bat. I usually start with a diagnostic by giving them a monologue as a cold read just to see what they can do with it on their own without any direction first, then based on that level of ability, I go from there. I always want to challenge the student, but not overwhelm. You're basically providing the most individualized instruction possible during that time. If you have other questions, I'm happy to help! 

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Brandon Shoemaker
Director of Theatre
Texas High School
TX
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Thank you all for your replies so far! I have checked with my admin and am waiting a concrete answer on what school policy allows. I appreciate all of the insight!

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Jessica Palmquist
English/Drama Teacher; Theatre Director
Waverly High School
NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-29-2025 17:45
From: Brandon Shoemaker
Subject: Acting Lessons

Check with your admin about policies regarding charging for lessons. Some districts like mine will not allow faculty to charge for lessons to current students. But if the vocal coaches at your school are school employees and charge, then I would charge at least something, even if it's nominal. That way no one gets upset if Ms. Palmquist doesn't charge for her lessons, but we have to pay Ms. So-and-so for voice lessons. Basically, follow district policy, but try not to upset the apple cart too much. As for content, I tailor lessons first based on student interest, but meeting them at their ability level. For example, if a student wants to be a great Shakespearean actor (I wish!), but they can't memorize a Dr. Seuss line, then I wouldn't give them Hamlet right off the bat. I usually start with a diagnostic by giving them a monologue as a cold read just to see what they can do with it on their own without any direction first, then based on that level of ability, I go from there. I always want to challenge the student, but not overwhelm. You're basically providing the most individualized instruction possible during that time. If you have other questions, I'm happy to help! 

------------------------------
Brandon Shoemaker
Director of Theatre
Texas High School
TX
------------------------------