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May 19, 2024

Unlocking the Curtain: How Theatre Teachers Can Develop Technical Skills to Enhance School Theatre Programs

As theatre teachers, we wear many hats, and our responsibilities often extend beyond the realm of performance and into technical aspects of theatre production. While some teachers may feel limited in their technical theatre skills, it is essential to recognize that learning and developing these skills can significantly enhance the quality and scope of school theatre programs. In this blog post, we will explore practical strategies and resources to help theatre teachers with limited technical skills expand their knowledge and confidently navigate the technical aspects of theatre production.

  1. Embrace a Growth Mindset:

   - Recognize that acquiring technical theatre skills is a journey, and it is normal to start with limited knowledge.

   - Embrace a growth mindset, believing that with dedication, practice, and continuous learning, you can develop your technical proficiency.

  1. Seek Professional Development Opportunities:

   - Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences that specifically focus on technical theatre.

   - Look for organizations, educational institutions, or theatre companies that offer training programs tailored to educators.

  1. Collaborate with Colleagues and Experts:

   - Network with experienced technical theatre professionals and colleagues within the theatre community.

   - Seek mentorship or collaborate on productions with individuals who have expertise in technical theatre to learn hands-on from their experience.

  1. Utilize Online Resources:

   - Take advantage of online resources such as tutorial videos, webinars, and online courses.

   - Websites, forums, and social media platforms dedicated to technical theatre can offer valuable insights and guidance.

  1. Connect with Local Theatres and Professionals:

   - Reach out to local theatres, community theatre groups, or professional technicians in your area.

   - Ask if you can shadow them during their work on productions or inquire about any workshops or apprenticeship opportunities they offer.

  1. Engage in Hands-On Learning:

   - Experiment and practice with technical equipment, such as lighting, sound, and set design, within your school's resources.

   - Encourage students to take an active role in technical aspects, providing opportunities for them to learn alongside you.

  1. Collaborate with Students and Parent Volunteers:

   - Foster a sense of collaboration by involving students and parent volunteers who may have technical skills or interests.

   - Create a supportive team environment where everyone can learn and grow together.

  1. Gradual Integration of New Skills:

   - Start by focusing on one aspect of technical theatre at a time, such as lighting or sound design.

   - Gradually incorporate new skills into your productions, allowing yourself and your students to learn and adapt as you go.

  1. Invest in Basic Equipment:

   - Consider investing in essential technical theatre equipment that can support your teaching and production needs.

   - Start with basic lighting and sound equipment that can be used for various productions.

  1. Leverage Professional Support:

    - If your school's budget allows, consider hiring or consulting professional technicians for specific productions or technical training sessions.

    - Collaborating with experts can help ensure the technical aspects of your productions are executed effectively.

Technical theatre skills are a valuable asset for theatre teachers, allowing us to create more immersive and impactful experiences for our students. By embracing a growth mindset, seeking professional development opportunities, collaborating with experts and colleagues, and utilizing online resources, we can enhance our technical theatre knowledge and proficiency. Engaging in hands-on learning, collaborating with students and parent volunteers, and gradually integrating new skills into productions can further support our growth as technical theatre practitioners. With dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn, theatre teachers with limited technical skills can expand their expertise and provide their students with a more comprehensive and rewarding theatre experience. Let us embrace the challenge, unlock the curtain, and step confidently into the realm of technical theatre, enriching our school theatre programs and inspiring our students to explore the full spectrum of the theatrical arts.

Copyright, 2024, James Chrismon, All Rights Reserved

Jimmy Chrismon, EdD Profile Photo

Jimmy Chrismon, EdD

Creator and Host

Dr. Jimmy Chrismon is a theatre educator with 17 years of experience in the public schools of North and South Carolina. He currently teaches full time as an Associate Professor of Theatre Teacher Education at Illinois State University. He was an adjunct theatre faculty member at Winthrop University and Central Piedmont Community College. He has acted, directed, designed, and produced professionally for 25 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He received his Master of Education Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He received his Doctor of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University. He has also worked for The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and The Lake Norman School of the Arts. He received the 2022 Johnny Saldana Award for Outstanding Professor of Theatre Education from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. He has published articles in notable journals. His research includes effective theatre teachers, intimacy direction, wellness practices for theatre teachers, and trauma-informed practices in theatre education. He is a consent forward artist, an Intimacy Director., workshop leader, and guest speaker He currently resides in Bloomington, Illinois.
Dr. Chrismon’s acting credits include: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Lonely Planet, Doubt: A Parable, Company, The History Boys, Godspell, Shadow Box, The Baltimore Waltz, Tick, tick..Boom… Read More

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