How to Be Drama Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 14, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Drama Teacher is to nurture students creativity, emotional and social development. Through instruction in acting, improvisation, and script analysis, Drama Teachers expose students to the fundamentals of stagecraft and theatre production. This helps students to develop self-confidence, as well as the ability to think critically and work collaboratively.

By exploring character through improvisation and interpretation of scripts, students are also able to develop their communication and language skills. As a result, students who have been exposed to Drama Teacher instruction have been found to have improved academic performance, social skills, and a greater sense of self-awareness.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a drama teacher, the first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in drama or theater arts. Many schools offer these degree programs in which students learn about acting, directing, and producing plays, as well as the history of theater.
Obtain a Teaching Credential. After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring drama teachers must obtain a teaching credential to prove they are qualified to teach in their state. Credentials typically involve passing a series of exams and teaching demonstrations.
Gain Professional Experience. Working professionally in the field of theater can be a great way to gain experience and build your resume. Actors, directors, and stage managers can all find jobs in local theaters, summer stock companies, and community theater productions.
Continue Education. Many states now require teachers to obtain a master's degree within a certain number of years of receiving their teaching credential. A master's degree in education or theater arts may be beneficial for those looking to teach drama at the high school or college level.
Obtain a Job. Once all of the educational requirements have been met, aspiring drama teachers can begin looking for jobs teaching drama. They may find openings in public or private schools, community theaters, universities, or other educational institutions.

Having a reliable and qualified drama teacher is essential for students to succeed in the field of drama. A good teacher provides guidance, support, and a safe environment for students to explore new ideas. With their expertise and experience, they are able to give constructive feedback and help students to overcome any obstacles.

Furthermore, they can foster creativity in students by introducing new concepts and exercises. As a result, students become more confident and willing to take risks which leads to improved performance and greater success.

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Job Description

Develop and implement curriculum for Drama classes
Prepare and assign lessons to students
Lead workshops and rehearsals
Provide constructive feedback to students on their performances
Guide students in understanding theatrical concepts and advancing technical skills
Select scripts, stage designs, and costumes for student productions
Supervise student performances and provide direction
Develop and direct student showcases and plays
Maintain a safe and positive learning environment
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators to promote the Arts

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of drama theory and techniques
Understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication
Ability to evaluate student performances
Ability to create engaging and stimulating lesson plans
Knowledge of theatrical production processes
Knowledge of theatre history and current trends
Ability to direct and choreograph performances
Knowledge of different acting methods
Ability to work with a variety of ages, cultures, and skill levels
Strong organizational skills
Effective classroom management skills
Ability to motivate students
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
Proficiency in using technology for teaching purposes

Being a successful drama teacher requires many skills, but the most important skill is the ability to motivate and inspire students. A drama teacher must create an atmosphere of acceptance and support, and foster a sense of respect and trust. They must also be able to communicate effectively and provide constructive feedback to their students.

In order to do this, the teacher must be able to lead by example and demonstrate how to achieve success. Another important skill is being organized and prepared. This means having lesson plans and activities prepared in advance, as well as having a clear understanding of how to run a class.

Finally, it is essential for a drama teacher to have an understanding of their students' needs and interests in order to create a stimulating learning environment. Without these skills, it is difficult for a drama teacher to be successful and engage their students in the learning process.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your teaching style?
What experience do you have teaching drama?
What strategies do you use to engage your students in the learning process?
How do you adjust your teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles?
How do you ensure that classroom activities and assignments are challenging yet achievable for all students?
How do you create an environment of trust and respect in the classroom?
What techniques do you use to encourage healthy competition among students?
What ways do you incorporate technology and modern teaching tools into your lessons?
How do you assess student learning and evaluate their progress?
What challenges have you faced as a drama teacher, and how have you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Playwriting Software. Software designed to help writers create and format plays, such as Final Draft and Celtx (e. g. Final Draft).
Professional Networking. Platforms that allow teachers to connect with other professionals in the field, such as LinkedIn and TeachConnect (e. g. LinkedIn).
Theater Supplies. Tools and materials used in the theater, such as soundboards, lighting equipment, props, and costumes (e. g. soundboard).
Video Editing Software. Software that allows users to create, edit, and manipulate video clips, such as Adobe Premiere Pro (e. g. Adobe Premiere Pro).
Classroom Management Software. Programs that help teachers track students progress and organize assignments, such as ClassDojo and Schoology (e. g. ClassDojo).
Digital Storytelling Platforms. Programs that allow teachers to create interactive stories with images, text, audio, and video, such as Storyboard That and MyStoryMaker (e. g. Storyboard That).
Performance Evaluation Software. Software that allows teachers to evaluate student performance on stage, such as E-Scoring ( e. g. E-Scoring).
Online Teaching Platforms. Platforms that allow teachers to host virtual classes and lessons, such as Zoom and Google Classroom (e. g. Zoom).

Professional Organizations to Know

Actor's Equity Association
American Alliance for Theatre and Education
Association for Theatre in Higher Education
National Association of Schools of Theatre
Screen Actors Guild
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
United Scenic Artists
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Theatre Communications Group
International Thespian Society

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Common Important Terms

Acting. A form of performing in which an actor presents a character to an audience through speaking, movement, and gestures.
Characterization. The process of creating a character or person in a story or play. It includes physical, emotional, and mental attributes of a character.
Improvisation. The act of performing without preparation or rehearsal. It is often used in drama classes to explore characters and situations.
Monologue. A long speech delivered by one character in a play or story. It is used to give the audience insight into the character's inner thoughts and emotions.
Stage Directions. Instructions written into a script that describe the movements, actions, and positioning of the actors on stage.
Scene. A section of a play that takes place in one location and usually involves a single conflict.
Dialogue. A conversation between two or more characters. It is used to move the plot forward and to reveal important information about the characters.
Genre. A type or category of literature or film, such as comedy, tragedy, or melodrama.
Character Arc. The trajectory of a character's development throughout a story. It is often used to create suspense and tension.
Blocking. The positioning of actors on stage to make the most effective use of the space and to create the desired effect for the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications do you need to be a Drama Teacher? A1: To be a Drama Teacher, you need a Bachelor's Degree in Drama, Theatre Arts, or Education, and in some cases, a teaching license. Q2: How many students does a Drama Teacher typically teach? A2: A Drama Teacher typically teaches between 15 and 25 students in a class. Q3: What types of activities do Drama Teachers lead? A3: Drama Teachers lead activities such as script writing, improvisation, scene work, and theatre games. Q4: What other responsibilities does a Drama Teacher have? A4: Other responsibilities for a Drama Teacher include evaluating student work and performances, creating lesson plans, and maintaining classroom discipline. Q5: What is the average salary for a Drama Teacher? A5: The average salary for a Drama Teacher ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 a year.