Becoming a Drama Teacher
June 23, 2017 5:48 PM Subscribe
I am seeking advice and possible support on how to become a great teacher of drama, (for bi-lingual youngsters aged between 11 and 17.) I would appreciate book recommendations, internet forum recommendations, web sites, anything really that is sincere and aimed at excellence.
I was actually a student of drama many years ago at uni, I did a joint honors degree in English and Drama after failing to get into drama school. At that time in my life I lacked self-discipline and motivation, so although I got my BA I was kind of aimless right afterwards. I wanted to be an actor but couldn't take the endless rejections. After a year or two of unemployment and despair I came to hate the whole thing, just dabbling in amateur productions because I still liked acting and performing. I still remember some wonderful teachers who inspired me when I was young, but have only vague memories of the classes, the exercises, the ways they had of putting a show together. I myself have never actually taught drama, or directed a show. I have made my living by teaching ESL in China for many years, and I have just been offered a great job at a school that is hoping I can teach drama and put on shows. I really really want to do a great job for them, and for the kids, but I am worrying every day if I can really do it. I am going to work hard to do a good job, but I kind of feel I need to relearn everything and start all over. So I'm reaching out... hope you can help.
I was actually a student of drama many years ago at uni, I did a joint honors degree in English and Drama after failing to get into drama school. At that time in my life I lacked self-discipline and motivation, so although I got my BA I was kind of aimless right afterwards. I wanted to be an actor but couldn't take the endless rejections. After a year or two of unemployment and despair I came to hate the whole thing, just dabbling in amateur productions because I still liked acting and performing. I still remember some wonderful teachers who inspired me when I was young, but have only vague memories of the classes, the exercises, the ways they had of putting a show together. I myself have never actually taught drama, or directed a show. I have made my living by teaching ESL in China for many years, and I have just been offered a great job at a school that is hoping I can teach drama and put on shows. I really really want to do a great job for them, and for the kids, but I am worrying every day if I can really do it. I am going to work hard to do a good job, but I kind of feel I need to relearn everything and start all over. So I'm reaching out... hope you can help.
Ohhhhh one of my favorite topics: All of Viola Spolin. The Hodge directing book. Michael Rohd's "Hope is Vital." Any Patsy Rosenberg. Also general teaching must read authors: Paolo Freire, bell hooks, Parker Palmer. Read all of August Boal. (I taught acting and directed shows at a university for a decade. Memail me if you need a boost in the midst of production.)
posted by songs_about_rainbows at 6:58 PM on June 23, 2017
posted by songs_about_rainbows at 6:58 PM on June 23, 2017
Impro by Keith Johnstone. Passionately written book on drama teaching with great depth. Replete with many examples of putting the art of drama teaching into action. Highly recommended.
posted by jacobean at 2:20 AM on June 24, 2017
posted by jacobean at 2:20 AM on June 24, 2017
Seconding the recommendation to read Boal.
posted by fairlynearlyready at 7:16 AM on June 24, 2017
posted by fairlynearlyready at 7:16 AM on June 24, 2017
Response by poster: I'm hugely grateful for these suggestions, most of these authors and books are new to me, and I am looking forward to getting to know them better. I just bought a few of them from Google to study on my tablet, I will be looking at all of them in due course.
Oh and songs_about_rainbows, a big thank you for the memail suggestion, really! I will certainly do that when I need you!
posted by Atom Collection at 9:45 PM on June 24, 2017
Oh and songs_about_rainbows, a big thank you for the memail suggestion, really! I will certainly do that when I need you!
posted by Atom Collection at 9:45 PM on June 24, 2017
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 6:08 PM on June 23, 2017