About the Book:

A reference for high school theatre teachers covering both curricular and extracurricular problems – everything from how to craft a syllabus for a theatre class to what to say to parents about a student's participation in a school play.

High school theatre programs are vigorous and growing, but many theatre teachers – drawn from English, speech, or other departments – lack degrees in theatre. For them, as well as for the seasoned teaching veteran, Raina Ames provides an indispensable companion. The High School Theatre Teacher's Survival Guide is a handy reference for high school theatre teachers covering both curricular and extracurricular problems – everything from how to craft a syllabus for a theatre class to what to say to parents about a student's participation in a school play.

In ten concise chapters, Raina Ames lays out a range of issues and situations, and offers practical suggestions for handling them professionally and humanely. This book covers both specific questions about structuring classes, the text of overheads or PowerPoint for classroom instruction, and useful suggestions – such as a 'contract' between student and the theatre program – for building students' confidence and sense of responsibility within the group effort. With an eye both on the classroom and the rehearsal room, The High School Theatre Teacher's Survival Guide will be a welcome aid to high school teachers wherever theatre is taught.

About the Author:

Raina S. Ames is Director of Theatre Education for the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of New Hampshire. She has also taught high school theater, speech, and English.