Open Forum

If you are interested in contributing and learning about the heroes of middle school Theatre teaching, come join us. The Common Core, National Standards, 21st Century Skills, Mapping, Inquiry-Based Learning, Alternative Assessment, Project-Based Learning…we know about these. What we need is a think tank of our collective minds addressing the needs for curriculum, programming, and opportunities for theatre educators and students. By connective with you—the experts in the field—this sharing session will help us as educators, our students, and our programs. Bring information on best practices and opportunities which have advanced your teaching, your evolving classroom, and your students. A community will be established for those who attend. Your Philosophy of Teaching Middle School Theatre Classroom Management Curriculum *Wheel Inclusion, One Semester, One Year Performance Opportunities and Sources for Scripts *Alternative audiences-various audiences for performances *Choosing scripts: Talent: Paying Royalties: Appropriate Material(in the eye of the beholder); Students relate to: Stretches performers; Fractured Fairytale Discussion: More girls than boys: Simple technical aspects: Director likes it *Middle School Auditions *Rehearsal and Performance Expectations Dealing with Parents The Middle School Student as Advocate Honoring the Middle School Student Theatre resources for Middle School Educator * Implementing Technology Articulating with High School Theatre Programs *Engaging high school students as assistants * Including best practices from workshop participants Gai Jones is on the California State Thespians Board, a member of the EdTA Hall of Fame (and many others!), and is currently guest teaching grades 5-8; Marydell Merrill is the State Chapter Director for the Connecticut Thespians as well as both the HS and Junior Troupe Director at Classical Magnet School in Hartford; Ben Stuart is the Junior Thespian coordinator on the Washington State Thespian Board and a Middle School Theatre Arts Teacher for Seattle Public Schools.