As a first-year drama teacher or someone seeking advice to enhance their teaching prowess, the world of theatre education can appear both thrilling and overwhelming. The spotlight is on you to inspire, educate, and guide young minds through the captivating world of theatre. If you are overwhelmed, fear not; we’ve compiled the Theatre Teacher’s Survival Guide to help you survive and thrive in this creative and dynamic role.

1. Forge Bonds with the Unseen Stars: The School Custodians – Behind the scenes, custodians play a vital role in the smooth functioning of your theatrical endeavors. Take the time to build relationships, remember their names, and offer treats as tokens of appreciation. A harmonious relationship with custodial staff (and other employees at your school) can work wonders for your productions.

2. Embrace Support from All – Teaching, like theatre, is collaborative. Don’t shy away from seeking help from parents, fellow teachers, school administration, friends, and even family members. Their unique insights and experiences can offer fresh perspectives and solutions to the challenges you may encounter.

3. The Power of Saying No: Setting Boundaries – While your passion for theatre may know no bounds, setting boundaries is crucial. Learn to say no when necessary and prioritize your well-being. This prevents burnout and forms a valuable example for your students. Effective boundaries are most successful when established early in a relationship. As educators, it’s vital to strategize this process thoughtfully. Clearly define expectations for students, faculty, and parents by articulating precisely what is anticipated of them and asking for their expectations! Utilizing positive language while expressing your boundaries is highly effective and necessary to build a strong foundation.

4. Advocate for Yourself – Just as you advocate for the importance of the arts for your students, remember to advocate for yourself. Don’t hesitate to voice your needs, whether for resources, professional development opportunities, or a conducive teaching environment.

5. Time Management – Balancing lesson planning, rehearsals, workshops, and personal time requires adept time management skills. Create a schedule that accommodates all your responsibilities and don’t forget to allocate time for self-care.

6. Consistency Breeds Creativity: Students thrive on routine, so establish consistent classroom routines and rehearsal schedules. This provides stability and nurtures their creativity within a structured framework.

7. Nurturing Safe Creative Havens: Your classroom is more than a physical space; it’s a haven for budding artists. Foster a safe environment where students can freely explore characters, ideas, and artistic impulses. This nurtures their creativity and imparts valuable lessons in boundaries and collaboration. Like many of us, the theatre classroom was where we spent all our free time, including lunch. There are many ways to explore how to create a safe haven for your students. To start, ask your students to respond to the following questions:

• What are your expectations from me to create a safe space for you?
• Are you comfortable in the classroom? Tell me why or why not.
• What are the things you need to feel comfortable?
• What does a safe haven mean to you?

8. Handling Casting Conundrum – Casting can be a sensitive subject. Be prepared for challenges by having a transparent casting process that emphasizes growth and showcases each student’s strengths.

9. Lifelong Learning and Professional Development – Stay hungry for knowledge by making the time to attend theatre workshops and conferences whenever possible. These events are treasure troves of ideas, strategies, and wonderful networking opportunities.

10. Celebrating Constructive Criticism – Accepting feedback graciously is a hallmark of a great theatre teacher. Constructive criticism helps you refine your methods and grow as an educator. However, it is essential to remember that you should not let any criticism define who you are as a teacher. Let constructive criticism guide you to make changes where necessary, grow, and move on!

11. Harmony in Collaboration: Collaborate With Fellow Teachers – Learning from their expertise can offer innovative teaching approaches and inspire cross-disciplinary projects. We recommend developing cross-curricular projects that involve multiple subjects. For instance, you can collaborate with the history teacher to encourage students to be dramaturges for your school performances or ask the robotics team to help build a prop. The opportunities are endless!

12. Allies in the Spotlight – Unite with fellow theatre enthusiasts within your school and district who share your passion. Building a supportive network can offer valuable mentorship, and access to resources, and foster a sense of camaraderie. Initiate conversations by sharing the Theatre Teacher’s Survival Guide with colleagues in your network, igniting an open and insightful discussion.

13. Tailoring Education to the Individual: Every Student is Unique! – As a theatre teacher, one of your most significant challenges and privileges is working with diverse students, each with their own talents, experiences, and aspirations. To truly ignite their passion for theatre and facilitate their growth as artists, it’s essential to tailor your education to the individual. Recognize that every student is different and value their presence in your classroom!

14. Celebrate Every Act of Creativity – From small breakthroughs to grand performances, celebrate all forms of creative expression. Show your students that their artistic journey is a cause for celebration.

15. Applause for Self-Care – Remember that you’re not just a teacher but a human being. Take personal days when needed and engage in activities that rejuvenate your spirit. Tap into the 3 R’s to support your emotional well-being.

16. Classroom Rules – Involve your students in creating classroom rules. This collaborative approach empowers them, promotes ownership, and establishes a culture of mutual respect.

17. Resourcefulness: The Show Must Go On! – Be innovative with what you have. Theatre is about creativity, and resourcefulness is a valuable lesson in itself.

18. Sharing the Stage: Student Ownership – Allow your students to take ownership of certain aspects of productions. This cultivates responsibility, leadership skills, and a sense of pride.

19. Applaud Yourself: Progress Over Perfection – Acknowledge your big and small achievements. Teaching is a journey, and celebrating your progress is as vital as celebrating your students’ successes.

Embarking on a career as a theatre teacher is a thrilling adventure requiring equal passion, resilience, and compassion. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and continue to nurture the artistic flames within your students. With this Theatre Teacher’s survival guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to light up the stage of education with creativity and inspiration.