349 stories by "Kerry Hishon"
When I'm doing my pre-rehearsal preparations for a new show I'm directing, the first thing I do is an initial scan of the script. This is a useful way to start getting your primary though…
This improv game is inspired by The "What If" Game but takes it to a bigger, more ridiculous scale. This version of the game combines brainstorming, improvisation, risk-taking, thinking on y…
Fear of failure is a huge concern in drama class. Nobody wants to fail " it's not a good feeling, and students are hyper-aware of not only their own feelings, but their perceptions of what o…
Students nowadays are more connected, aware, and tech-savvy than ever before. Yet, with all that connection and knowledge, students are hyper-aware of their insecurities, their desires not o…
The title of this post is a bit of a misnomer because, truthfully, you can never have enough ideas! While you may not need every idea you've ever had at this very moment, the ideas you come …
We reached out to you, our amazing community, through social media to ask, What are your biggest props/costume challenges for your productions or upcoming show?.Turns out, there are lots of …
In the drama classroom and rehearsal space, drama teachers work with students to express themselves in a variety of ways. We encourage our students to push their boundaries, to explore new t…
As theatre educators and do-it-all directors, we frequently feel the tell-tale signs of burnout. There is so much that must be done " lesson planning and preparation, marking, staff meetings…
The backstage area can be chaotic enough without having to worry about all the props for the show. Help to reduce backstage stress by using these seven tips to help keep your props area neat…
Having a master props list makes everyone's life easier when it comes to knowing exactly what props are needed for your show, how each item is being acquired, and if a certain prop actually …
Full disclosure " lighting design is NOT my forte. I am in awe of those wonderful people with skills in creating atmosphere with just the right shade of lighting gel, an artfully angled inst…
Lights, sound, special effects " these are the cherries on top of the sundae of your already amazing production. And for each fabulous effect that you add to your show, you'll need an equall…
When working on a musical with your students, you will need to decide whether you will use a live band or backing (karaoke) tracks for the music. Whether you use a live band or backing track…
That is the question…and it is yet another decision you must make while producing your upcoming school show. Yes, your students are making smart character choices and acting their hearts o…
One of the stage manager's most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book " sometimes known as the "show bible" " which is a master copy of the script and contains everything…
As we all know, the role of the stage manager is a large and challenging one. And, while the stage manager is an amazing person, it's always useful to have help. Enter the assistant stage ma…
The role of the stage manager is a vital one in the theatrical process. Stage managers truly make the show happen. Without a great stage manager, rehearsals go awry, cues don't happen, and t…
"The show must go on" is a common phrase in the theatre world, and a stage manager is one of the crucial people who ensures that the show does go on. The stage manager works side by side wit…
Do you consider yourself a theatrical specialist with one definite focus? Or are you more the multi-passionate type? I certainly don't ascribe to the "jack of all trades, master of none" tra…
Giving students the opportunity to direct is a great thing " it helps them to develop their leadership skills and creative thinking abilities, challenges them in a new theatrical medium, and…
This is one of my absolute favourite theatre games. I always use it in my early drama classes because, not only is it a fun way to approach the basics of tableau, it's a good way for student…
Congratulations " you are directing your first musical! You and your students will definitely face some challenges, especially if you normally direct plays. This is not to say that directing…
First impressions matter! Getting your first day of drama class started on the right foot is so important for setting the tone for the rest of the semester. No matter whether you have a clas…
Costumes, whether fabulously extravagant, simple and functional, ragged and threadbare, or anything in between, are lots of fun. Costumes help to tell the story of the show visually, and rea…
Teachers, the following list of dos and don'ts is a great way to introduce costume care etiquette to your students. Whether your students are beginning actors or seasoned drama department pr…
