Inside this collection, you’ll find practical guidance on how to direct a school play, including playful auditions, choosing the right play for your school, and rehearsal strategies that help student actors grow quickly. You’ll also learn how to create a respectful theatre culture with videos on audience etiquette, backstage etiquette, and classroom and rehearsal etiquette—so students know what’s expected and rehearsals run smoothly.

These videos are designed for real schools and real schedules. Whether you’re directing an elementary production, a middle school musical, or a high school play, you’ll get clear, teacher-friendly support you can use immediately. Press play when you’re planning auditions, prepping a rehearsal, or troubleshooting behavior—and leave with a calmer process and a stronger show.

How to Direct a School Play

(For Teachers)

Step into the director’s chair with confidence! This engaging video breaks down the directing process into simple, achievable steps. Learn how to cast effectively, rehearse with purpose, manage young performers, and bring a script to life—while keeping the experience fun and stress-free. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create a successful, joyful production from day one.

One Prop, One Piece

(For Teachers)

This short video shares how to keep your classroom drama productions simple, and stress-free. Perfect for busy educators who want big impact with minimal hassle.

Playful Auditions

(For Teachers)

This video shows directors how to create low-stress auditions that are playful and provide you with the information you need to cast your show. Learn specific strategies that will transform auditions from nerve-wracking to inspiring for everyone involved.

Tips for Choosing a School Play

(For Teachers)

This practical video introduces key factors in selecting the right performance piece. Learn to pick a play that’s both manageable and memorable for your entire school community.

Open Mode

(For Teachers)

This video introduces the idea of staying in “open mode” throughout rehearsals- This strategy will foster collaboration, spark spontaneous creativity, and bring out the best in your cast while keeping the process dynamic and fun.

Audience Etiquette

(For Teachers and Students)

This video teaches students how to be respectful, attentive, and engaged audience members when attending a performance or observing in class.

Backstage Etiquette

(For Teachers and Students)

This video teaches student actors and crew how to navigate the backstage environment with confidence and professionalism. From moving quietly and respecting cues to helping each other and staying focused, students learn the essential skills to support a smooth, successful production while keeping the energy positive and organized.

Classroom & Rehearsal Etiquette

(For Teachers and Students)

Share this video with your drama students to learn the traditions and rules we all need to follow so everyone can have a positive experience in class or rehearsal. Discover simple, engaging ways to embody the focus, courtesy, and teamwork that are essential in the theatre.

Why Subscribe?

DN Why Subscribe to Drama Notebook Inside Drama Notebook, you will find a huge collection of well-organized lesson plans, scripts for kids, drama activities, 50 drama games on video and more! Join today and dramatically reduce your planning time while delivering fresh, innovative drama lessons to your students! If you are new to teaching drama, this site will be a Godsend! You will immediately feel confident about teaching drama like an expert. The site guides you step-by-step and provides you with materials that you can use right away with your students.

If you have been teaching for years, Drama Notebook will inspire you with a fresh new approach and innovative ideas!

The site is packed with original, innovative lessons and activities that you will not find anywhere else—and new materials are added monthly.

Inside Drama Notebook, you will find a huge collection of well-organized lesson plans, scripts for kids, drama activities, 50 drama games on video and more! Join today and dramatically reduce your planning time while delivering fresh, innovative drama lessons to your students! If you are new to teaching drama, this site will be a Godsend! You will immediately feel confident about teaching drama like an expert. The site guides you step-by-step and provides you with materials that you can use right away with your students.

If you have been teaching for years, Drama Notebook will inspire you with a fresh new approach and innovative ideas!

The site is packed with original, innovative lessons and activities that you will not find anywhere else—and new materials are added monthly.

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