Start Smart: A Practical Guide for First-Year Theatre Teachers

Welcome to the Club

So… you’re the new theatre teacher. Now what?

Whether you walked into this job with a degree in theatre education or got handed the keys to the auditorium because you "did drama once in college," you’re here now. And the truth is the theatre program needs you. But more importantly, your students need you.

This guide is here to help you start strong without burning out. Let's build backward from your goals, focus on what matters, and make your first year a foundation, not a fire drill.

Clarify Your Role & Resources

First things first: I hope you’re excited. I hope you love this idea of creating with a group of unfocussed energy balls who are nothing but chaos and noise. It is absolutely the best place to start. But what exactly are you being asked to do? Lets clarify your role.

• Are you teaching classes? Directing productions? Both?

• What budget (if any) do you have?

• What space is yours, and what do you share?

Those are important questions that aren’t always asked upfront. If you are teaching theater as a class, what does the school expect you to do with that class? Are you expected to produce a show, using class time as rehearsal? Do they need you to keep the unplaceable kids (they will be your favorites) occupied for an hour during the day? Get clear on what they are looking for so you know what resources you will need to leverage to make it happen and keep your sanity.

If you are managing an after school group or seasonal production, find out if there is an expected structure. Musical? Comedy? Does it have to tie into the curriculum? All incredibly important questions to ask before you pick your first production.

If you’re expected to both, take a deep breath. It is not impossible, but you will want to rally all your wagons right now, because it will be a glorious, joyous, pothole laden bumpy ride.

Whatcha Got in the Closet?

Make a list of your resources:

• Inventory your costume and props. Take photos and make a database. Google sheets work great for this and there are many templates available.

• Ask for past programs or syllabi. If you don’t have a past program to draw on, visit theater groups, call local schools, and use the network around you to get ideas. You do not have to start from scratch.

• Find your key allies: the custodian, the secretary, the IT person. They’re your stage crew behind the scenes. Seriously. The secretaries and the custodians run your building. Other key people to make sure you know and appreciate: your local fire marshal, your school resource officer, and your building or district electricians. Find out who they are, introduce yourself, and let them know up front that you want things to run smoothly and safely. They will appreciate you for it and be there when you need help.

Start with What You Have

I repeat, you do not need to reinvent the wheel this year. Start with:

One show you feel confident producing.

So we do things differently in our district. We do not announce shows and then audition to the show. We have open auditions and then find shows that those kids will be successful performing, challenge them a little, and feel right for our community. Not everyone has that luxury, but honestly, I think it's the best way to go. If you’re going at this for the first time, shoes a show that brings you joy. You will need that joy during the process.

One class routine that gives students structure.

Kids need structure. Lay it out right away. If that’s a “good things first”, warm ups, a ritual to get phones out of their hands, start it on day one and keep it.

One system for communication (like a Google Classroom or Student Square).

Avoid texts unless they are in a school approved messenger system. It sucks, but it will save you headaches down the road. Pick one system and use that so everyone, parents and students, know where to look for the messages.

Remember: Simple isn’t lazy. Simple is sustainable.

Communicate Like a Pro

And speaking of communication, get in front of questions before they become problems. Send an intro email to parents, students and admin with:

Your background, why are you in this role and what YOU want to accomplish. Be honest and let your excitement come through. We start the year with a cast/crew/adult meeting so we can connect directly with families. Once the year gets rolling, there isn’t a lot of time to do that.

What to expect from your class or shows. Lay down the expectation BEFORE day one.

How they can support you, the students and the program. You will need a small army. Get families and admin on board early. Last minute requests make everyone cranky.

Prioritize Connection Over Perfection

Your students won’t remember if the curtain opened late. They’ll remember if they felt seen, heard, and safe. I have said it a million times and written about it in papers and blogs, Process over Product. We are here to build and create and that starts with the community around you. Take time to build that community. Celebrate the process, the discovery, the successes and the mistakes that lead to learning. And let them see you’re learning too. I learn something on every show. Even after a lifetime of doing this.

Your First Year Is a Draft

Just like the blocking in your show or the design you start with, you’re going to revise. That means you’re doing it right. Ask for help. Borrow shamelessly (without copying). Give yourself the grace you’d give your students.

You’re not just putting on a show. You’re creating a home for creative, brave humans.

Do you need a little extra support? Join us on Facebook at Backstage AIC! Need to know how to build it? Check out plans at BackstageAIC.com