Calling All Theatre Teachers: I’m the only drama teacher at my school. Where do I start?

Welcome to our video series, Calling All Theatre Teachers! In this series we’re going to answer questions that drama teachers have about stepping into a theatre program.

This series is hosted by Lindsay Price and Laramie Dean. Lindsay has been in theatre education for 30 years, writing plays and classroom resources specifically for middle and high school through Theatrefolk (Check out Lindsay and Laramie’s The Ultimate Classroom Playwriting Resource and co-creating the Drama Teacher Academy.

Laramie has been teaching theatre since 2003 and writing since he could first wrap his fingers around a pencil. (Check out Laramie’s Theatrefolk plays! Currently he’s the theatre director at Hellgate High School in Missoula, Montana, where he’s worked for the last 12 years.

QUESTION: I’m the only drama teacher at my school. Where do I start?

Watch the video of our discussion of this question — Laramie himself is the only drama teacher at his school — or read the transcript.

Click the button below for a worksheet to help you organize your thoughts on reaching out to your community, a list of resources, and a reflection: What makes you a good teacher? What’s your starting point?

Where do YOU think is the place to start for a solo drama teacher at their school?