Pandemic Teaching Tip #7: Get Outside
How do I teach theatre during a pandemic? *sigh*
We can help! We've been gathering pandemic teaching success stories from teachers and directors all over the country. Whether you're teaching over Zoom or socially distanced in a classroom, we have ideas for you!
Get Outside!
Teaching tip from Bryce McWilliams, Theatre Manager at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas.
What suggestions do you have for teaching theatre during the pandemic?
Get outside! Our school is still offering face to face courses, but we have had great success with using found spaces to facilitate socially distant performances, we have a handful of color changing LEDs and some cafe lights strung across the area.
Also, embrace the distance. Instead of struggling to find ways to get your performers nearer each other, make distance part of your concept. I loved watching our theatre departments “Puffs.” Every actor had their own designated space, and carried a backpack with their props. When props needed to pass hands, each performer had an identical version. The first would indicate the transfer, and the second would reveal theirs magically! If you lean into it, the audience adapts to the style very quickly.
Have your own pandemic teaching tip? Share it with us so we can pass it on! Email mitch@theatreave.com.
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Check out some of our other pandemic teaching tips:
#5 - Check In and Appreciation Circle
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Read more from Bryce in our Theatre People series!
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More about Bryce
After years of touring and regional theatre, Bryce has found a new home as Theatre Manager at Tyler Junior College. He works as a designer and production manager for the performing arts departments, and is so excited to be opening a newly renovated Performing Arts Center.
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