Full Description
This guide provides actionable advice for leading a successful drama program that builds educational theatre into a thriving creative community. It acknowledges the role of the theatre leader as both educator and business manager, including content on pedagogy, performance, and directing alongside key administrative skills. The structure of this book reflects the realities of a busy program schedule, with chapters designed to be read in 10 minutes or less, allowing you to quickly find solutions, ideas, or even a little inspiration when you need it most. Chapters tackle everything from crafting mission and vision statements to managing communication, empowering student leadership, and making sound programmatic decisions. Each section offers practical strategies for the theatre leader's many touchpoints both in and out of the classroom, including student development, booster organizations, administrative relationships, and program evaluation. Tools such as budgeting templates, rehearsal schedules, SWOT analysis guides also feature throughout. Whether you're leading your program solo or part of a larger team, this book is your companion through the challenging, rewarding, and often unpredictable journey of running a theatre department as both an exceptional educator and a confident CEO.
Contents
Introduction: The Theatre Educator's Balancing Act Part 1: Laying the Foundation 1. Understanding Your Ecosystem 2. Mission and Vision 3. Conducting a SWOT Analysis 4. Building a Theatre Education Community 5. Starting a Program from Scratch, Revitalizing a Program, or Making the Program Your Own Part 2: Building the Business Framework for Your Theatre Program 6. Creating a Budget and Fundraising 7. Creating a 1-3-5-10 Year Business Plan 8. Branding and Marketing Your Program 9. Booster Programs, Parent Involvement, and Volunteer Leadership 10. Safety and Risk Management Part 3: Running A Successful Program 11. Developing Student Leadership 12. Communication 13. Creating a Season 14. Production Management Made Simple 15. Post-Production and Reflection 16. Inclusive Practices in Theatre Education 17. Sensory-Friendly Performances 18. Elementary Preview Performances Part 4: Sustaining and Growing Your Program 19. Building Relationships with Administrators and School Boards 20. Advocacy and Community Outreach 21. Avoiding Burnout 22. Final Thoughts, Your Legacy
