Every March, educators across the country celebrate Theatre in Our Schools Month by spotlighting the many positives that theatre education inspires in its students. While the kids are the priority, it’s also the perfect time for teachers, directors, administrators, and program leaders to search for new ideas and tools that help their programs thrive.
In the Theatre In Our Schools Toolkit, On The Stage brings together helpful resources designed to support classroom learning, strengthen productions from top to bottom, assist with rehearsals, empower students, and advocate for the arts in your community. Each resource comes directly from On The Stage, which helps arts educators and performing arts organizations sell tickets, promote events, raise money, and simplify operations through our event ticketing platform.
Whether you’re planning a production, looking for ways to energize your rehearsals, or trying to share the value of theatre with your community, these resources are here to help.
The heart of Theatre in Our Schools Month? The classroom! Whether you’re a first-grade teacher introducing students to theatre for the first time or a college professor deepening their understanding of performance, these resources are designed to spark creativity and engagement no matter the age or skill level. From lesson planning ideas for you to ice-breaker games for your students, plus other theatre-related activities, you’ll find tools that help students connect with storytelling in meaningful ways. Use these materials to bring theatre concepts to life and make learning interactive and fun.
How to Craft Your Theatrical Season
The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Drama Teachers
The Drama Teacher’s Guide to Summer Camp Success
Guide for Selecting Show Titles Infographic
How Schools Can Scale Their Arts Program With OTS
Mid-Semester Slump: 14 Games and Activities to Re-Engage Your Students
Curriculum Planning for Drama Educators
Elements to Consider When Evaluating Your Theatre Curriculum
14 Improv Games to Break the Ice with Your Cast
Ready, Set, Launch: Fall Planning Tips for K-12 Theatre Programs
6 Tasks to Check Off This Summer Before the School Year
Rehearsals are often where collaboration, creativity, and confidence converge. The resources below are designed to help directors, teachers, and student leaders keep rehearsals productive, on-task, organized, and, most importantly, fun. Whether you need warm-up ideas, rehearsal planning strategies, or tips for building strong ensembles, this section offers practical tools to help your cast and crew thrive.
The Why and How of Play Readings
From Promotion to Post-Mortem: The Essential Performance Timeline
Producing Devised Theatre & Original Content
5 Things to Prioritize in Rehearsals Before Tech Week
How to Balance Rehearsals, Academics, and Student Well-Being During Show Season
10 Fun Activities for the First Rehearsal
8 Tips for Balancing Fun and Productivity in School Rehearsals
How to Master Your Theatre Rehearsal Schedule
Top 5 Things to Do on Your First Day of Rehearsals
No matter the size of a theatre program, they often rely on strong advocacy to communicate their value to leadership and potential donors. This section offers tools to help educators and program leaders share the impact of theatre with administrators, parents, and the wider community for maximum impact. Think about talking points for potential donors and your administration, plus program highlights, and ways to showcase student success. These resources can help you make a compelling case for the arts.
2026 Performing Arts Trends Report
5 Inspiring Theatre Fundraising Campaigns
12 Reasons to Create a Consistent Arts Experience Across Your District
Advocating for the Arts: How to Talk to Your Administration
5 Funding Strategies for Your Theatre
9 Benefits of a Consistent Arts Experience Across Your School District Infographic
How Theatre Programs Help Students Thrive Infographic
5 Ways for Drama Teachers to Develop More Support from Your School’s Administration
Top 8 Reasons Why Theatre Education Matters in Schools
School theatre presents a unique opportunity for students to take on important leadership opportunities. These resources outlined in this hub focus on empowering young artists to take ownership of the creative process – whether as actors, stage managers, designers, crew members, or something in between. Here, you’ll find helpful tools that encourage collaboration, responsibility, leadership, and confidence – both onstage and behind the scenes.
Broadway Bound: Expert Tips for Empowering Young Performers
Training Tomorrow’s Broadway Stars
Inclusivity & Equity in Theatre: Making the Change
Boosting Student Engagement: Creative Ways to Involve Young Performers Beyond the Stage
Lights, Sound, Action: Introducing Students to Tech and Crew Work
Building Ensemble Culture: Strengthening Collaboration On Campus
Inclusive Casting Practices: Expanding Diversity on Your Stage
Boost Attendance and Participation with a Student Marketing Team
How to Transform Your Audition Process into a Learning Opportunity for Students
Theatre programs and community involvement make a great duo. After all, when more people are connected to your theatre, the more resources and connections you’ll be able to utilize down the line. This hub highlights ideas for building excitement around your productions, increasing accessibility for your community members, finding better ways to network within your city, and celebrating theatre beyond the classroom. A supportive audience makes the theatre experience even more meaningful for students.
Keep Patrons Coming Back: How to Craft a Consistent, Branded Experience
Beyond the Stage: Building Campus Partnerships that Power Your Program
The Subscription Advantage: Turning One-Time Attendees into Lifelong Patrons
5 Tactics for Engaging Your Audience
10 Ways to Promote Your Next Performance
Attracting New Audiences: Growing Your Reach and Revenue
Rebuilding and Re-Engaging Your Audience
Engaging Stakeholders: A Drama Teacher’s Guide to Parent and Community Support
Theatre Networking Tips: Building Lasting Connections
Strategies for Building Community Partnerships
No matter what you use our toolkit for – whether to guide students through their first auditions or have hard talks with administration about more funding – this resource is meant to help your theatre program flourish. With the support of On The Stage and the communal spirit of Theatre in Our Schools Month, educators and students alike can continue building vibrant theatre for decades to come.