TIOSM: Elements of Theatre Education
TIOSM: Elements of Theatre Education
Theatre in Our Schools Month: Elements of Theatre Education
By Rylee Vogel
March is Theatre in Our Schools Month! For the next four weeks, we will discuss the
importance and impact of theatre education. Performing arts in education play a critical role in developing well-rounded and fully equipped individuals. The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) recognizes four national theatre standards for artistic processes: creating, performing, responding, and connecting. To read more about the standards, click here.
To achieve these standards, theatre curricula includes dramaturgy, designing,
producing/directing, writing, and acting. Below is a brief overview of each:
Dramaturgy
Theatre is a way to tell stories, and dramaturgy makes sure those stories are told accurately. A dramaturge is the historical and cultural consultant on a production team. Their full job is to thoroughly research and understand linguistic, historical, and cultural contexts of the show, assisting the director and actors’ interpretation of the work. This role is often present but underappreciated. However, having a rich understanding of the material is critical for creating impactful art.
Teaching dramaturgical skills is important for students beyond preparation for a career in theatre. Understanding how to accurately research time periods, languages, and cultures gives students a well-rounded worldview and strengthens critical thinking skills. It helps students become invested in the world they are creating and builds a deeper understanding of history and the humanities.
Design
Theatre design encompasses multiple elements, including props, sound, lighting, sets, and costumes. Each of these areas has a designer and, depending on the size of the school or production company, may have an entire team. Designers collaborate with the director and producer to decide on a vision and design, then bring it to life in their respective areas.
Learning these skills teaches students problem solving and collaboration. These skills can be applied to any career. Students also gain practical skills that can be applied in the work force, such as technical design, construction, and costume design.
Production/Directing
Producing/directing a show can be one of the more diZicult tasks in theatre. However, it is important to teach these roles because they develop creativity, leadership, and time management skills. The director is responsible for the vision of the show. They then collaborate with the designers to make their vision come to life. This requires compromise and teaches the importance of creativity with budget/theater constraints.
The director also casts the show and creates the blocking (where each actor is at every moment in every scene). This job requires patience, strategic thinking, and proper time management. Learning these skills is incredibly beneficial for students, as leadership abilities translates to every profession.
Writing
Writing is where the production begins. Writers create the scripts, monologues, and
dialogues and build the characters seen onstage. They craft compelling stories full of
creativity and depth.
Teaching students how to write these stories sparks their creativity, critical thinking, and linguistic development. It also builds a passion for storytelling. Strong writing skills have many applications in various careers, from corporate roles to creative industries. It also promotes analytical skills, helping students become well-rounded adults.
Acting
Actors are the face of the production. It is their responsibility to take the direction of the production team and make different characters come to life in front of an audience. Their work requires quick adaptability and confidence. Performing on stage can enhance students’ public speaking skills and boosts their confidence.
Acting also promotes empathy. Connecting with different characters shows an actor
different perspectives. It allows students to connect on a deep level with the story and
each other. Acting promotes teamwork. A scene is dependent on multiple actors, and it is only by teamwork that the scene can play. These skills are adaptable to any future career. The ability to take direction, speak in front of others, and empathize are essential skills that extend beyond the stage.
It's Showtime!
We are very excited to launch our “In the Wings” blog at Wenger. Of course, you’ve known Wenger since you stepped foot on the theatre stage or sang your heart out standing on the choral risers. Now as an performing arts professional, you’re molding and guiding performers every day, and we’d love to help. You can subscribe, or follow us on social channels so you never miss a post.
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