It can be difficult to find the perfect book to inspire your next showstopper, especially when there are so many elements to look for: multiple characters with simple lines, a variety of activity levels, and – the most important element – a fun and entertaining plot! Instructors new to incorporating storybooks into their students’ performances… Read More
The 15 PECS You Need for Theatre Teaching theatre to students with special needs is an amazing life work. How to best support each actor’s needs? A one-on-one onstage? A spot marker for them to stand on? Headphones? Their lines in a tablet? The list goes on and on. For most supports we were able to find what we needed. But there was one… Read More
I get emails all the time from concerned parents, “Your website says, ‘Theatre for all’ but my son… you see…” and the sentence usually fades away. In the world of special education there is an unintentional hierarchy: Fantastic summer camp opportunities with horseback riding will have an asterisk “for children who are high functioning.” Clubs… Read More
Valentine’s Day Theatre Games Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to add some theatrics to the classrooms. Below are four of our favorite games with a Valentine’s Day twist. To get musical and acting games you can play all year round, check out our eBook. Four Corners This is a favorite! Normally one… Read More
Six Must-Dos for the First 10 Minutes of your First Class When I was studying for my teaching certificate, I came across Harry and Rosemary Wong’s book “The First Days of School.” It wonderfully outlines the importance of setting up a routine, classroom management, and all-around positive classroom atmosphere. (If you haven’t already read it, I… Read More
Four Steps to Set You Up for Success (Or: How I Prep for a Theatre Class) People often email me asking for theatre advice. I try to email back as best I can, but it got me thinking: What do I wish I could tell myself five years ago? Do your Homework For every 4th… Read More
Throughout our experiences at 4th Wall, we’ve often been challenged to teach students singing, dancing, and acting AND come up with a short performance to present to families, all in an hour or less! Seem impossible? We thought so too, until we came up with some clever show formats that give each actor their moment… Read More
We all have an affinity for something. Cooking. Reading. Cycling. But if you have ever had the pleasure of working with someone with special needs, particularly someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you know that one of their “super powers” can be their focus on a single topic. A student of mine adores Thomas the… Read More
Character Study is an essential part of any actor’s process, no matter how experienced. It involves creating and internalizing the details of your character’s life. These details can range from personality traits, to history and family background, to even the most mundane details like favorite color or favorite food. The more thought that an actor… Read More
When you’re working with beginning actors of varying abilities, encouraging participation can sometimes be difficult. However, many students are already accustomed to singing songs in a “repeat after me” style. This style of singing can create a safe environment for all to participate, and it is a good support for students who do not enjoy… Read More
