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THED Talks Blog

June 30, 2024

Shining the Spotlight: Strategies for Increasing Faculty and Staff Attendance at School Productions

School productions are a culmination of students' hard work and dedication, and having faculty and staff support adds tremendous value to the overall experience. However, engaging faculty and staff members in attending school productions can sometim…

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June 23, 2024

Tackling Sensitive Conversations: Addressing Body Odor Issues in Theatre Class and Productions

As theatre teachers, creating a safe and respectful environment is paramount. However, addressing sensitive topics like body odor can be challenging. While body odor is a natural occurrence, it can impact the experiences of both the individual and t…

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June 16, 2024

Behind the Curtain: The Unseen Effort of Theatre Teachers Who Make It Look Easy

In the world of theatre education, there are some teachers who effortlessly command the stage, making their job seem easy and seamless. However, behind their seemingly effortless performances lies a vast amount of planning, preparation, and dedicati…

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June 9, 2024

Navigating Casting Concerns: Strategies for Theatre Teachers Dealing with Upset Parents

As theatre teachers, casting decisions can be challenging, and it's not uncommon to encounter upset parents who disagree with the choices made for school productions. Handling these situations with grace, empathy, and effective communication is esse…

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June 2, 2024

Supporting the Unsung Heroes: Ensuring Technical Theatre Students Thrive in School Theatre Programs

In school theatre programs, the spotlight often shines brightly on actors, while the contributions of technical theatre students can sometimes go unnoticed or underappreciated. As theatre teachers, it is crucial to create an inclusive and supportive…

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May 26, 2024

The Power of Play: The Critical Role of Playing in School Theatre Programs

School theatre programs provide students with a unique platform for creative expression, personal growth, and artistic exploration. At the heart of these programs lies the transformative power of play. In this blog post, we will delve into the criti…

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May 19, 2024

Unlocking the Curtain: How Theatre Teachers Can Develop Technical Skills to Enhance School Theatre Programs

As theatre teachers, we wear many hats, and our responsibilities often extend beyond the realm of performance and into technical aspects of theatre production. While some teachers may feel limited in their technical theatre skills, it is essential t…

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May 12, 2024

Empowering Voices: The Relevance of Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed in School Theatre Programs

Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed has long been recognized as a powerful and transformative approach to theatre that engages participants in dialogue, critical reflection, and collective action. In 2023, the principles and methods of Theatre o…

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May 5, 2024

The Drama of Competitions: Pros and Cons for School Theatre Programs

The world of school theatre is filled with opportunities for students to showcase their talents and grow as performers. One such avenue is theatre competitions, where schools come together to demonstrate their theatrical prowess. While participation…

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April 28, 2024

Examining the Role: Parent Booster Clubs in School Theatre Programs

Parent booster clubs can be valuable assets for school theatre programs, offering support, resources, and fundraising opportunities. However, like any organizational structure, there are pros and cons to consider. In this blog post, we will explore …

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April 21, 2024

The Art of Intimacy: Enlisting the Support of an Intimacy Director in Theatre Productions

Creating powerful and authentic moments of intimacy in theatre productions requires careful navigation and the prioritization of the well-being and safety of the performers. In recent years, the role of intimacy directors has gained recognition as a…

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April 14, 2024

Exploring Ethics: Augusto Boal's Invisible Theatre Technique in 2024

Augusto Boal's Invisible Theatre technique has been a powerful tool for social change, challenging societal norms and engaging audiences in thought-provoking ways. However, as we navigate the evolving landscape of ethics and consent in the 21st cent…

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April 7, 2024

Building Bridges, Not Barriers: The Importance of Unity in School Theatre Programs

In school theatre programs, it is crucial for theatre teachers to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among all students, including both performers and technical theatre students. Unfortunately, an "us vs them" mentality can sometimes develop,…

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March 31, 2024

Investing in Creativity: The Importance of Avoiding Personal Funding as a Theatre Teacher

Theatre teachers are often driven by their passion for the arts and the desire to create memorable experiences for their students. However, there may be instances where teachers feel compelled to dip into their own pockets to fund a production at th…

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March 24, 2024

Unleashing Creativity: The Power of Devised Theatre in School Theatre Programs

In school theatre programs, the stage becomes a canvas for students to explore their creativity, express their unique voices, and collaborate with their peers. Devised theatre, a form of collaborative performance creation, holds immense power in emp…

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March 17, 2024

Unleashing Authenticity: The Importance of Theatre Teachers Finding Their Unique Voice and Teacher Persona

As theatre teachers, we have the incredible opportunity to inspire, guide, and shape the next generation of performers and artists. In this transformative role, it is crucial for us to find and embrace our authentic voice and teacher persona. By dis…

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March 10, 2024

Creating an Inclusive Stage: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Theatre Class and Productions

Theatre is known for its ability to tell stories that reflect the diversity of the human experience. As theatre teachers, it is our responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment where all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+,…

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March 3, 2024

Embracing Collaboration: How Theatre Teachers Can Move from Control to Empowerment

Theatre teachers have a unique role in nurturing creativity, guiding performances, and shaping young minds. However, some teachers may struggle with a tendency to be control freaks, seeking to maintain tight control over every aspect of the producti…

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Feb. 25, 2024

Nurturing the Caregiver: Theatre Teachers and the Importance of Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma

As theatre teachers, we invest our hearts and souls in supporting our students' artistic growth and emotional well-being. While our role is incredibly rewarding, it can also expose us to the challenges and struggles our students face. Over time, thi…

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Feb. 25, 2024

Shaping the Stage: The Importance of Community Norms in Show Selection for School Theatre Programs

Selecting the right shows for school theatre programs is a significant responsibility that requires careful consideration. As educators, we have a unique opportunity to shape the stage and provide meaningful experiences for our students and communit…

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Feb. 18, 2024

Nurturing the Flame: Tips for Avoiding Burnout as a Theatre Teacher

As a theatre teacher, your passion for the arts drives you to inspire and empower your students. However, the demands of the role can sometimes lead to burnout, affecting your well-being and effectiveness. To ensure the longevity and joy in your car…

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Feb. 11, 2024

Creating an Inclusive Stage: Supporting Transgender Students in Theatre

Theatre has long served as a platform for exploring identity and promoting inclusivity. As theatre teachers, it is our responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, including transgender individuals. By understanding t…

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Feb. 4, 2024

Striking the Balance: The Importance of Friendly Theatre Teachers without Crossing Boundaries

The relationship between a theatre teacher and their students is unique and multifaceted. While it is essential to establish a friendly and supportive atmosphere, it is equally important to maintain professional boundaries. Theatre teachers play a p…

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Jan. 28, 2024

Nurturing Harmony: Fostering Collaboration Between Theatre Teachers and Churches in Shared School Auditoriums

For many theatre teachers, working in school auditoriums shared with churches can present a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The need to navigate the logistical and cultural considerations that arise from sharing space with religious orga…

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