Created by Steven Stack
Directing youth theatre can be one of the most thrilling, rewarding, and exhausting jobs there is – because it’s not just about staging a play. It’s about creating an environment that fosters hard work, dedication, trust, and the willingness to take chances, to “play without fear.”
As a writer/teacher/director of youth theatre for over 15 years, I have developed tools and strategies that enable my students and me to focus on the process of creating theatre while fostering an environment that leads to creative freedom and a cohesive groups that doesn't act as individual “stars,” but as a community of one.
In this course, I will share with you these tips and strategies, along with the ways to implement them in your theatre environment.
11 Modules
1 hours, 42 minutes
3 Credit Hours
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National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr4.1.HSI.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
TH:Pr4.1.HSII.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Advanced
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
TH:Cr3.1.6.a - Articulate and examine choices to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 6
TH:Pr6.1.6.a - Adapt a drama/theatre work and present it informally for an audience.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 6
TH:Re9.1.6.c - Identify a specific audience or purpose for a drama/theatre work.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Re9.1.8.c - Assess the impact of a drama/theatre work on a specific audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr6.1.HSI.a - Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
TH:Re9.1.HSII.c - Verify how a drama/theatre work communicates for a specific purpose and audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.912.S.1.1 - Describe the interactive effect of audience members and actors on performances.
TH.912.S.1.6 - Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
TH.912.S.2.4 - Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
TH.912.S.2.8 - Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
TH.912.S.3.3 - Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr4.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr4.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.a - Receive and incorporate feedback to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
6.TH:Pr6 - Adapt a piece of literature and present it for an audience.
6.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
6.TH.Re9.b - Identify a specific audience or purpose for a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
7.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
8.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
8.TH.Re9.b - Assess the impact of a drama/theatre work on a specific audience.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted short drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Prof.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Acc.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Acc.TH.Re9.b - Justify how a drama/theatre work communicates for a specific purpose and audience.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Common Core
Reading: Literature
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Performing
Grade 7 - Performing
Grade 8 - Performing
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Present
B.PR.2.1 - Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Respond
Advanced High School Create
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Analysis
P.A.1.2 - Distinguish the evolution of written texts to theatrical performances.
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Advanced High School Standards - Aesthetics
A.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs for a specific audience.
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.G - create improvised scenes that include setting, character, and plot.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
Speech Drama 30
Acting Drama 20
1 - analyze a script for explicit character clues
10 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
12 - analyze script for clues to create antecedent action
13 - create antecedent action for character
7 - demonstrate the ability to play a character from the character’s point of view
Acting Drama 30
19 - create a character’s life that extends beyond, but is consistent with, the script
22 - display appropriate character relationships with all other characters in a scene
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with disciplines that enhance dramatic process
Junior Orientation
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
Speech Level I - Beginning
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
9 - use volume, articulation and projection to achieve clarity
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
10 - use essential story elements in spontaneous and planned scenes
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
17 - select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
19 - discover how feelings affect a character
20 - enter and exit in character
21 - sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene
23 - demonstrate understanding of character motivation
24 - recognize that relationships exist between characters in given situations
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level 1 - Beginning (performance analysis)
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
1 - recognize the basic terminology associated with the component being studied
Senior Goal I Objectives
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
Develop and refine ideas and technical skills to improve the quality of performance pieces
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create dramatic works with an intended audience in mind
Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts
Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies
Explore dramatic works through presentation or performance
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create dramatic works for an intended audience
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Develop dramatic works for an intended audience
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Our parent company Theatrefolk offers a fantastic selection of plays written specifically for high school and middle school students.
Whether for performances or class study, there's something for everyone: relevant & relatable themes, simple sets & costumes, flexible casting options and much more - a perfect addition to any drama program!