349 stories by "Kerry Hishon"
Distance learning using video conferencing software is full of surprises and challenges. Some days, connecting and running your class goes off without a hitch. Other days, it seems like anyt…
It's not unusual to feel slightly disconnected from students while teaching virtually (and we don't mean when the internet stops working!). Drama classes are all about human connection and t…
When teaching virtually to students with their cameras on, teachers get to witness all sorts of interesting student antics " students tuning in from strange locations (their closet, their fa…
Let's not mince words " distance learning is challenging. Teachers and students alike are missing out on that "real life" connection that in-person drama class provides, it's hard to bond wh…
Our world has become increasingly dependent on digital means to work, play, and learn, and school is no exception. More and more students are participating in distance learning for their cla…
When students are acting on camera " like when they are participating in a virtual drama class, or doing an online performance " their playing space is the rectangular area visible in their …
The following exercise, Lipdub, brings together observation, critical thinking, scene writing, and vocal performance. As well, it's a lot of fun! Lipdubs are commonly seen on YouTube as musi…
Here's a playwriting prompt exercise that takes advantage of something that's frequently around us: advertisements! Ads are everywhere, and their main purpose is to sell us stuff. But we're …
Are your students feeling overwhelmed with possibilities for writing a new monologue? Do they need help focusing on one idea? Or are you simply looking for a way to get your students writing…
The core tenet of improvisation is "Yes, and…" To keep the scene going, each participant must agree with any suggestion that is brought forward, and add something on. It's a balance of giv…
Keeping students focused and engaged is challenging enough in the drama classroom. It can be just as challenging trying to deal with disruptions in the virtual classroom, because you're not …
It can be difficult to get students to really feel committed to distance learning. It's so easy for students to check out when they're not physically present in a classroom. They may struggl…
We've talked at length on the Theatrefolk blog about how studying drama can benefit students outside the drama classroom and how students can learn and develop soft skills from working on…
Here's a warm-up game that is a lot of fun and gets students' energy up. It's a plus if you and your students are studying puppetry, but it's not necessary to have done so. This is a great w…
This warm-up game helps students work on a variety of skills: improvising, listening, observing, and working as a team. At the same time, it's pretty silly and good for a laugh! This game re…
The mirror game is one of the most common exercises in the drama classroom. Students are grouped into pairs, facing each other. One student is the leader and moves their face and body in slo…
This warm-up exercise is perfect for days when your students are feeling stressed, frustrated, or unfocused. You can use it at the start of class to help students clear their brains, or mid-…
This improv warm-up game helps students think quickly and creatively, listen to their peers, and choose their words with care. It can be done in person in the drama classroom (with physical …
One of the biggest challenges and disappointments of the current pandemic situation is the loss of live theatre production opportunities. Shows have been cancelled and postponed and we don't…
Drama isn't always the easiest subject to adapt to distance learning. So much of what makes drama fun and worthwhile involves human interaction. Seeing students engage with one another, crea…
At the beginning of a new term of drama classes, you need to inform students about classroom rules and expectations to start on a positive note. However, when teaching drama via distance lea…
There are many things to think about when it comes to designing your virtual classroom. Background When teaching classes via video conferencing, it's good to think about what's going on behi…
Keeping students actively engaged while teaching via distance learning can be frustrating at times. It can be more difficult for students to focus in a distance learning situation than in a …
Casting a show, or even a class reading, is a tricky business. It takes care and thought to find just the right person to fill each role. As the song "I Hope I Get It" from A Chorus Line say…
In this multi-part exercise, students will write monologues based on the concept of an "I want/I wish" song, which is used by a character to share their heart's desire. It is primarily a wri…
