Guide to Becoming a Drama Teacher: Techniques, Tips, and Strategies

Are you passionate about drama and eager to share your love for acting with your students? Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, becoming a drama teacher can be a fulfilling journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to become an effective drama teacher, covering everything from teaching drama to actors of all skill levels to incorporating drama into a curriculum. Read on to learn valuable techniques, tips, and strategies that will help you excel in your new role.

Method 1: Teaching Drama to Actors at Any Skill Level

Whether you're working with professional child actors or beginners, starting with an introductory exercise sets the stage for an engaging and dynamic class. Here are some techniques to help you hit the ground running:

Name and Action Exercise: Have each student introduce themselves while performing an action that reflects their personality. Repeat the names and actions in unison to build group cohesion.

Greet Each Other While Acting: Pair up students and have them greet each other via role-play, using basic greetings like 'How are you today?' This exercise encourages improvisation and interaction.

Characterization: Call out different types of characters for your students to embody, cycling through various scenarios. For example, you might ask them to be 'old bitter enemies who have forgotten why they're enemies'.

Contribute to Course Structure: Early in your course, discuss what your students hope to gain from drama. This helps tailor your sessions to their levels of experience and interests.

Inclusive Pantomime: Divide the class into groups and provide them with prompts to act out silently. This helps students develop non-verbal communication skills.

Dramatic Goodbyes: End the session with each student giving a dramatic goodbye, emphasizing the importance of clear expression and body language.

Method 2: Leading Improvisation Exercises

Improvisation plays a crucial role in drama education, helping students develop confidence, comfort in various roles, and the ability to interact spontaneously with others. Here are some techniques to incorporate improvisation into your lessons:

Feature Improv Lessons: Include a variety of improv exercises throughout your class, shaping them around different themes like voice work, body work, and impromptu interactions.

Improv Rules: Introduce a new rule mid-exercise, such as 'the attack of the blob', ensuring students incorporate it without referring to it verbally.

Sound Conversations: Encourage students to communicate using sounds rather than words, then move to a completely non-auditory form of communication.

Collective Speech: Form small groups and have students collectively create a sentence, learning to read and anticipate each other's expressions.

Method 3: Teaching Drama as Part of an Educational Curriculum

Incorporating drama into your curriculum can enhance students' learning experiences and provide new perspectives on the subject matter. Here are some tips and resources to help you integrate drama effectively:

Recognize the Value of Drama: Highlight how drama can facilitate the learning of lessons that would otherwise be challenging in the classroom setting.

Perform Skits: Engage students in skits that allow them to explore different perspectives on big, multifaceted issues.

Drama Guides: Utilize online resources like state educational departments, Theatre Folk, and the Drama Resource app to find age-specific lesson plans and activities.

Improvements in Teaching: Teaching drama can improve your skills as an educator and increase your enjoyment of acting. Encourage participation while being patient with students.

Method 4: Maintaining Good Behavior in Drama Class

Ensuring a well-behaved class in drama requires specific rules and clear consequences. Here are some strategies to maintain discipline and foster a positive learning environment:

Class Rules: Allow students to participate in making class rules and post them for reference.

Consequences: Specify and consistently enforce consequences for bad behavior. Address misbehavior promptly and creatively.

Motivational Punishments: Use imaginative non-escalatory punishments, such as having a student pantomime their bad behavior or giving a prepared statement.

Becoming a drama teacher is a rewarding endeavor that requires patience, creativity, and a strong passion for the craft. By implementing these techniques and strategies, you can become an effective and engaging drama teacher, inspiring your students to reach their full potential.