What does a drama teacher do?

What is a Drama Teacher?

Drama teachers help students learn about acting, performing, and how theatre works. They teach students how to understand plays, practice acting skills, and explore different types of theatre. Drama teachers also help students work together, express themselves, and build confidence. In many schools, they direct student plays or lead theatre clubs. Their goal is to make learning about drama fun, creative, and meaningful.

What does a Drama Teacher do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Drama teachers play an important role in keeping theatre traditions alive and helping young people understand the power of storytelling. Here’s what their job usually includes:

• Planning and Teaching Lessons – Create fun and educational lessons about acting, script reading, character building, improvisation, theatre history, and stagecraft.
• Teaching Acting Skills – Show students how to use their voices, bodies, and emotions to perform on stage.
• Directing School Plays – Lead rehearsals and help students get ready for performances like school plays or skits.
• Encouraging Creativity – Inspire students to be creative and express themselves through acting and theatre games.
• Managing the Classroom – Keep a positive and respectful environment where students can focus and work well together.
• Giving Feedback – Watch students perform, give helpful tips, and track their progress in both acting and written work.
• Running Theatre Productions – Take charge of putting on school shows, including picking the play, organizing costumes, sets, and schedules.
• Teaching Backstage Skills – Introduce students to the behind-the-scenes side of theatre like lighting, sound, and set or costume design.
• Promoting Teamwork – Help students learn to work together, share ideas, and support each other in group performances.
• Building Confidence – Help students gain self-confidence, improve public speaking, and understand their emotions.
• Attending Rehearsals and Performances – Guide students through practices and be there to support them during shows.
• Keeping Everyone Safe – Make sure students are safe during rehearsals, especially when moving around the stage or using props.
• Learning New Things – Stay up to date with new teaching methods and theatre trends to keep lessons fresh and interesting.
• Working with Parents and Staff – Talk with parents and school staff to support each student’s growth and address any concerns.

Types of Drama Teachers
Drama teachers can vary depending on the grade level they teach, their area of expertise, or where they work.

• Elementary/Primary School Drama Teachers work with younger children, focusing on introducing the basics of drama, such as storytelling, imaginative play, and simple acting exercises. They may also integrate drama with other subjects to enhance learning.
• Secondary/High School Drama Teachers work with older students, teaching more advanced acting techniques, script analysis, and preparing students for school performances or even competitive theatre. They may also guide students interested in pursuing theatre or drama professionally.
• College/University Drama Professors may specialize in specific areas of theatre, such as directing, playwriting, theatre history, or performance theory. They often work with students preparing for careers in the arts or theatre-related fields.
• Acting Coaches focus solely on helping students improve their acting skills, often working one-on-one or in smaller groups. They teach students how to perform monologues, scenes, and entire plays.
• Theatre Production/Stagecraft Teachers emphasize the technical side of theatre, such as set design, lighting, sound design, costume design, and stage management. They teach students the behind-the-scenes elements necessary to bring a play to life.
• Directing and Theatre Management Teachers specialize in teaching students how to direct a play, manage a production, or work with actors to bring a script to life. They also focus on leadership and organizational skills required to oversee a theatre production.
• Musical Theatre Teachers specialize in teaching students to perform in musicals, combining singing, dancing, and acting. They help students develop skills in both vocal performance and choreography, in addition to traditional acting techniques.
• Improvisation Teachers focus on teaching the art of improvisational theatre and the skills necessary for spontaneous, unscripted performance. They help students think quickly and creatively on their feet and embrace the unpredictability of live performance.
• Theatre History and Dramatic Literature Teachers specialize in teaching the history of theatre, dramatic literature, and playwrights. They help students analyze and understand classic plays, genres, and movements in theatre history, enriching their appreciation of drama and its evolution.
• Playwriting and Scriptwriting Teachers focus on helping students develop their own original works for the stage, teaching the craft of playwriting, dialogue writing, and story structure. They may also help students analyze and adapt existing works.
• Voice and Speech Coaches focus on improving students' vocal technique, diction, projection, and clarity. This is especially important for actors, public speakers, or anyone who needs to use their voice professionally.
• Children's Theatre Teachers work with younger students, focusing on age-appropriate performances, creative storytelling, and play development. They often emphasize imaginative play and developing basic acting skills in a fun, engaging way.
• Drama Therapists use drama and theatre techniques in therapeutic settings to help individuals address emotional, psychological, or social challenges. While they may not teach in the traditional classroom setting, they use drama as a form of therapy.

What is the workplace of a Drama Teacher like?

Drama teachers can work for a variety of organizations and institutions, depending on the level and context of their teaching. Here’s a summary of their common employers:

• Public and Private Schools – Many drama teachers work in primary, secondary, and high schools, teaching students as part of the regular curriculum. These schools may offer drama as a standalone subject or as part of an arts program.
• Colleges and Universities – Higher education institutions, including community colleges and universities, employ drama teachers to teach courses in theatre, acting, directing, playwriting, and other related subjects. These teachers may also mentor students pursuing degrees in theatre or performing arts.
• Performing Arts Schools – Specialized schools that focus on training students in the arts, including acting, dance, music, and theatre, often employ drama teachers to provide advanced training in acting techniques and performance.
• Theatre Companies and Acting Schools – Some drama teachers work for professional theatre companies or independent acting schools, providing classes and workshops for aspiring actors or theatre professionals. These institutions may offer private lessons, group workshops, or training programs for both beginners and advanced students.
• Community Centers and Youth Programs – Local community centers, after-school programs, and youth theatre organizations often employ drama teachers to lead recreational drama classes and theatre productions for individuals of various ages.
• Theatre Camps and Workshops – Drama teachers may be hired to run or teach at summer theatre camps or seasonal workshops, where students of all ages can gain experience in acting, production, and performance.
• Therapeutic Settings – Drama therapists or drama teachers with a therapeutic focus may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, or schools, using drama as a tool for therapy or personal development.
• Cultural and Arts Organizations – Cultural institutions, museums, and arts organizations that offer educational programs may also employ drama teachers to help design and deliver theatre-based education programs, workshops, and performances.
• Freelance/Private Coaching – Some drama teachers work independently as freelance coaches, offering private lessons, acting workshops, or classes to individuals or small groups. This may also include teaching adults or professionals looking to improve their performance or public speaking skills.

In all these settings, drama teachers may work part time, full time, or on a contract basis, depending on the institution or organization.

The drama teacher's classroom often feels more like a rehearsal studio than a traditional classroom, with space for movement, mirrors, props, costumes, and stage lighting. They might teach in rehearsal rooms, auditoriums, theatres, or even outdoor spaces for performances. Along with regular teaching hours, drama teachers often spend time after school directing plays, organizing rehearsals, coaching students, and overseeing productions.

Outside of class, the work can be fast-paced, especially before performances or school events. Drama teachers may also work evenings and weekends for rehearsals, performances, or community events. Overall, their workplace is full of creativity, energy, and the rewarding challenge of helping students express themselves and gain confidence through the arts.