How Will High School Theatre Teachers Set the Tone for This Coming School Year?
Robert M. and Janet L. Archer Auditorium in Ashland, Ohio
As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, high school theatre teachers everywhere are preparing to welcome students back into rehearsal rooms, workshops, and stages. After the challenges of recent years and the shifting landscapes of education and the arts, one question stands front and center:
How will you set the tone for your theatre program this year?
The first moments in any classroom or rehearsal space are critical. They lay the foundation for everything that follows — the creative energy, the sense of safety, the collaboration, and the excitement for storytelling. For theatre teachers, this means more than just teaching lines or blocking scenes; it means building a community that can thrive.
Will you emphasize connection and trust after so much time apart?
Many students may be returning with uncertainty or heightened anxieties. Theatre teachers have a unique role as both educators and mentors, guiding young artists to express themselves, work as a team, and find confidence on stage. How do you plan to nurture that environment from day one? What exercises, conversations, or rituals will help students feel safe enough to take creative risks?
Are you focusing on inclusivity and making space for every voice?
Theatre is at its best when it reflects the full diversity of its participants. Will your program intentionally uplift marginalized perspectives and ensure all students feel welcome? How will you weave that commitment into your teaching style, casting choices, and production selection?
What traditions will you revive, and what new rituals will you create?
Whether it’s the first read-through, a warm-up exercise, or a pre-show ritual, traditions help anchor students in a shared experience. But new challenges call for new approaches. Are you introducing fresh activities that reflect today’s world and your students’ needs? How will you balance honoring the past with evolving your program for the future?
How will you balance artistic ambition with emotional care?
High school theatre can be exhilarating but also demanding. Setting expectations around work ethic, rehearsal attendance, and respect — balanced with empathy and flexibility — is an art in itself. What strategies will you use to keep that balance healthy? How do you plan to support students facing challenges outside of theatre that affect their performance and engagement?
If you’re a theatre teacher reading this, we want to hear from you:
What’s your vision for your program this year? How will you set the tone — for yourself, your students, and your community?
Whether it’s a mantra you live by, a new teaching method, or a guiding principle, your insights can inspire others navigating the same journey. Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly — let’s start a conversation about how to make this school year one of growth, creativity, and connection.
Theatre teachers, you are shaping more than performances. You are shaping resilience, empathy, and voices that will carry far beyond the stage. How will you set that powerful tone?
Write to us at onstageblog@gmail.com and we’ll post your responses(anonymously as well!)