How to start a theater program
Six steps to bringing drama to your child’s school.
By GreatSchools Staff
Dramatic findings
In the era of high stakes testing on academic subjects and dwindling budgets, hatchet-wielding finance warriors may regard theater programs as a good first line of attack. But for anyone who has ever watched theater's ability to teach core intellectual skills such as public speaking, textual analysis and collaboration, killing a drama department is an educational tragedy in the making.
"Drama and theater teach skills that are hugely important for kids," says Lisa Barker, founder of Flying TreeHouse Children's Repertory Theatre Company, a Stanford University-based program that offers workshops and performances in local schools. "They learn to listen attentively, make confident choices, and use their body, mind, and voice to convey ideas."
Though many theatre programs across the nation are hanging in the balance, there’s still hope to write your own happy ending. Follow these six steps to starting a drama program at your child’s school.
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