the acting teacher's answer
I'm a teacher. I'm an actor. I'm a director. And sometimes a playwright, even....but I'm not a techie! How can I teach my drama students about tech theatre? I never studied it...I helped backstage a bit, but I sure couldn't tell one kind of light from another. Let alone how to design lighting...or a set! Aughhh!
And we need all that for our productions to be wonderful. And for those kids just built and hungry for it. And because it's part of theatre arts....
I need this eBook!!
THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU
BE THE tech expert...
With Teaching Tech You'll Learn:
Basic stage light history, types, design and operation.
Components of a sound system, types of microphones and more.
Stage makeup supplies, techniques and application + handout and quiz.
Props acquisition, inventory and maintenance tactics.
Set construction basics, safety procedures, even design workarounds.
we've worked with these folks:
WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK
When I walked into the theatre for my first drama teaching job, I was told to buy stage lights for the new space. Yikes!! None of my acting or directing experience prepared me for that. I hadn't really anticipated I would now be "the expert" at all things theatre - including doing/teaching building sets, doing sound, costumes, props, makeup and lighting.
So I later added to my MFA in directing all of the technical theatre courses offered. That sure helped, and over the next 35 years I've picked up plenty of tech theatre knowledge.
But I know that there are many many drama teachers out there who started like I did. This book is for them: the one-person-department drama teacher/directors who love acting and directing - and teaching - but are newbies to tech theatre and so reluctant to jump in with a full Theatre Arts curriculum.
This book is written for those without a lot of backstage experience other than acting, but here you are, realizing you really need to have students who know about all the technical stuff. It's an eBook with lots of links to jump you to just what you need when you need it.
It's best for these situations:
You want to incorporate tech stuff into your Theatre Arts 1 class.
You'll be teaching Technical Theatre or a Tech/Acting combo class.
You want to upgrade the technical aspects of your theatre productions.
I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE 3 THINGS TO FOCUS ON:
If you’re a one-person department, you are always overwhelmed. So how can you avoid burning out or being at school both day and night? How can you do it all yourself? Be brave enough to Teach Tech; delegate and supervise; and watch your kids - and your coffers - grow like crazy!
MINDSET
Mindset is #1 because you need the confidence to get outside your comfort zone and teach tech you never learned.
HEALTH
A healthly drama program includes all the hands-on experiences you can provide your students (and that makes a healthier you).
FINANCES
Hiring outside help and renting costumes, lights or sound equipment kills your budget. Teach kids how - and WOW!
other Books talk about all the details
of technical theatre,
but not how to teach it. This one does!
MY PERSONAL GUARANTEE TO YOU...
My guarantee to you is that these lessons, when implemented, will make a difference in your life. I know when you take action, you’ll get results.
These are the same strategies I have used every year, developed over the last 30 years, that have enabled me to stay sane, be productive, and build a large, active theatre community as strong on the tech side as they are with their acting. My students are proud to be "bi-techtual"!
So, if you read this book and really find that it's not helpful to you, let me know (feedback is very valuable), and I'll refund your money. How's that?!
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO GET YOUR COPY. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chip Rome has been a theatre educator for over 35 years. He has taught at small private schools and huge public schools, and directed/produced over 200 shows with his ~3000 students. He has toured shows to state and national conferences, local competitions and to both Off-Broadway and to the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
He has co-authored Real-World Theatre Education; state Standards of Learning; an auditorium safety manual; and a pilot program for new theatre teachers. He also offers a template for drama department websites.
Now retired, he's got the time to reflect and to share his experience with those who don't have the time to learn tons of new stuff - but have to teach it anyway.
"Whether an educator is just beginning or needs a refresher course, this book is a valuable asset, providing an overview of safety protocols, equipment, systems, lesson plans and insightful tips. With the practical (and often humorous) voice of experience, Rome helps theatre educators plan and prepare technical theatre projects, and avoid crucial errors. I wish this had been available when I first started teaching!"
- Zoe Dillard, Real-World Theatre Education
