Advice on Drama teaching/workshops

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	Topic: Advice on Drama teaching/workshops
Posted : 09/03/10 / Views : 375 / Replies : 4 /
atagirl 3 posts last on: 07/02/12 send private reply	Hello. I'm hoping someone on here may be able to offer some advice about drama facilitating. I've been a jobbing actress for 20 years and have done a variety of temp jobs in between contracts, but I'm very interested in working with kids as a drama teacher or workshop leader but have no experience in this particular field. Are there companies out there that provide training? Or companies looking for enthusiastic actors who want to learn? Thanks in advance for snippets of info you may have. Claire

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	Reply #1
Posted : 08/03/10
David Corden 140 posts last on: 4 hours send private reply	After 20 years jobbing, you should have more than enough under your belt workshop-wise to go staight in - any training that would be available, and I don't think there is, would be very dumbed down - just apply for the jobs. You must realise though that a lot of kids drama classes are glorified baby-sitting sessions, although there are some schools that do operate with an eye to the profession and have students that do have commitment. A prime example of the former is a teen who attended a school in which I was, at that instance, giving singing and voice classes. Being asked to learn a song for the following week, she turned up with the lyric sheet in her hand which she read from as the musical backing was played. Upon being questioned why she didn't learn the words she said, "Well they all mime on Top of the Pops, don't they?"... go figure the attitude (and logic) of that one. In all cases - beware fussy mothers! Good luck.

Reply #1

Posted : 08/03/10

David Corden
140 posts
last on: 4 hours
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After 20 years jobbing, you should have more than enough under your belt workshop-wise to go staight in - any training that would be available, and I don't think there is, would be very dumbed down - just apply for the jobs.

You must realise though that a lot of kids drama classes are glorified baby-sitting sessions, although there are some schools that do operate with an eye to the profession and have students that do have commitment.

A prime example of the former is a teen who attended a school in which I was, at that instance, giving singing and voice classes. Being asked to learn a song for the following week, she turned up with the lyric sheet in her hand which she read from as the musical backing was played. Upon being questioned why she didn't learn the words she said, "Well they all mime on Top of the Pops, don't they?"... go figure the attitude (and logic) of that one.

In all cases - beware fussy mothers!

Good luck.

	Reply #2
Posted : 09/03/10
amandaj 226 posts last on: 21 min send private reply	You need to connect with a facilitator and perhaps work as a workshop assistant/collaborator to begin with, or even just go and observe - but you will need to get an enhanced CRB check done.Any work with kids and young people will help towards the goal of leading, as you get to know how different ages interact and respond.A lot of organisations running workshops ask for two years formal and/or informal experience at the outset, which can be a bit disheartening.Approach your local education authority and ask what they have going currently, and try and get some further advice from a current practitioner.Apparently, doing chaperoning is another way in - certainly in terms of being with children/young people and getting a CRB check.Check out educational publications on drama and young people - there are hundreds out there.'Hope this helps.

Reply #2

Posted : 09/03/10

amandaj
226 posts
last on: 21 min
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You need to connect with a facilitator and perhaps work as a workshop assistant/collaborator to begin with, or even just go and observe - but you will need to get an enhanced CRB check done.Any work with kids and young people will help towards the goal of leading, as you get to know how different ages interact and respond.A lot of organisations running workshops ask for two years formal and/or informal experience at the outset, which can be a bit disheartening.Approach your local education authority and ask what they have going currently, and try and get some further advice from a current practitioner.Apparently, doing chaperoning is another way in - certainly in terms of being with children/young people and getting a CRB check.Check out educational publications on drama and young people - there are hundreds out there.'Hope this helps.

	Reply #3
Posted : 09/03/10
amandaj 226 posts last on: 21 min send private reply	I just saw you've performed at the Watermill, Newbury.If I were in your shoes I would explore opportunities with them as I know they have a great youth/outreach department.They could point you in the right direction. 'Just a thought.

	Reply #4
Posted : 09/03/10
atagirl 3 posts last on: 07/02/12 send private reply	Thanks for the advice. I have worked at the Watermill a few times, and yes they have a great youth dept, but it's a long way from London. I'm thinking of the in-between contract times, rather than a new vocation really, but I'm getting in touch with a few friends who do similar stuff and see if I can tag along a bit. Thanks very much for your time guys.

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