A New Podcast for

Theatre Educators

By: Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, HowlRound Theatre Commons

Introduction by: Rebel Mickelson, ITA College/University Representative

Elyzabeth byGregory Wilder, Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Sewanee: The University of the South, has started a podcast called Teaching Theatre as a resource to share with other theatre educators. She began these podcasts to give a resource for educators to think about reassessing how we teach theatre post-Covid. “Theatre departments are reevaluating the way they approach teaching and asking big questions as they consider how to support their students.” Wilder also stated that each episode invites educators and practitioners in the conversation as they look at different topics and solutions that can be incorporated into programs and classrooms.

So far, she has produced eight podcasts that range from collaboration to teaching devised theatre. Each episode consists of different educators from universities all over the states. The very first podcast, entitled Welcome to Teaching Theatre, is an open conversation with Cynthia Henderson, Ithaca College, and Valerie Curtis-Newton, University of Washington. This episode touches on multiple areas that are discussed throughout the season, such as work ethic and reinventing the canon.

To listen to all episodes, visit Teaching Theatre where you will find the full first season of this new podcast.



For the link to the Article & Podcasts, click below

A Piece of Forgotten History Tucked Away in a Loft

By: Lana Bradstream, Marshalltown Community Theatre

Introduction by: Alka Sharma,

ITA Community theatre Representative

Sometimes fate also plays very funny games. Something similar happened when the MCT team found a historical relic during cleaning - a hand-painted Marshall County country school stage curtain.

For the link to the entire article, click below.

Inclusion

By: Tracy Nunnally, ITA Professional Theatre Representative

One of the definitions in the Oxford Dictionary defines “inclusion” as “the practice or policy or providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups.”

In my 40+ years in the theatre industry, I have been so incredibly fortunate to work in environments that were welcoming to people from so-called “minority groups” of all types. As I grew into the profession, I often compared our industry to the Island of Misfit Toys from the Rankin/Bass epic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. No matter what may set someone apart from the “majority”, we welcome them and celebrate what they can bring to the table. In recent years, “inclusion” has been much discussed, and it now feels like we are all working together to do better.

For the link to the article, click below.

10 Plays and Musicals Off the Beaten Path High Schools Should Consider

By: Ryan McPhee, PLAYBILL

Introduction by: Ryan Lambert,

ITA Secondary School Theatre Representative

Well...we made it. Another year under our belt and now we take a moment to exhale and enjoy our three months of summer. For theatre directors it is more like enjoying a couple of days, or hours, and then starting the process of organizing prop rooms, cleaning costumes, ordering supplies, and trying to get administrators to understand more about what we do. Along with this comes the fun, and sometimes daunting task, of selecting a show. Take a look at this article by Ryan McPhee, published on Playbill, that provides some alternatives to shows you are thinking about (but may not have the cast to do so).

AND...always consider how these shows could potentially travel for the 2025 Illinois High School Theatre Festival hosted at UIUC. Learn more about the Festival by clicking here.

For the link to the article, click below.

Opportunity is the Key

By: Dennis Anastasopoulos, ITA Treasurer

During the IHSTF 2024, the ITA was proud to extend a helping hand to theatre departments and individual students by offering grants and scholarships to attend the Illinois High School Theatre Festival 2024 (IHSTF 2024) or participate in the All-State production of She Kills Monsters. These opportunities have provided a lifeline for schools and students who have been unable to participate in the festival in the past because of financial constraints. By alleviating the burden of registration and even hotel costs, young artists were able to showcase their talents, learn from industry professionals, and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of theatre at IHSTF 2024.

For the link to the article, click below.

The Necessity of Including Youth in the Development of Theatre for Young Audiences

By: Jennifer Kokal, HOWLROUND Theatre Commons

Introduction by: Aimee Jarzembowski, ITA Creative Drama & Theatre for Young Audiences Representative

In the vibrant realm of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), the inclusion of youth in its development is not just beneficial but crucial. By actively involving young people in the creative process, TYA not only ensures that the narratives resonate authentically with its audience but also cultivates a space where young voices are empowered and celebrated. This involvement fosters a dynamic exchange where youthful perspectives enrich storytelling, challenging conventional norms and broadening the scope of themes explored onstage. Moreover, it cultivates a new generation of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners, nurturing a sustainable future for TYA that is both innovative and inclusive. Embracing youth in the development of Theatre for Young Audiences is not merely a choice but a necessity, ensuring its relevance and vitality in the ever-evolving landscape of performing arts.

For the link to the article, click below.