Afterpiece: A podcast about educational theatre

Bringing Real Voices to the Stage: Exploring Verbatim Theatre

In this episode of Afterpiece: A Podcast about Educational Theatre, hosts Billy and Annie Dragoo explore the powerful world of verbatim theatre and how it can transform the classroom experience. They dive into what verbatim theatre is, its educational benefits, and how it helps students develop critical 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, empathy, creativity, and leadership. Through interviews, real-world stories, and creative performance, students learn to engage deeply with contemporary issues while honing vital life skills. The episode also covers practical advice for incorporating verbatim theatre into educational settings, from selecting relevant topics to conducting interviews and creating compelling scripts. Whether you’re a teacher, director, or student, this episode offers inspiration and insight on how to use verbatim theatre as a tool for learning and personal growth.
 
Website: www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: DragooTheatreConsultants

Holding Students Accountable

In this episode of Afterpiece: A Podcast about Educational Theatre, Billy and Annie Dragoo explore the art of holding students accountable to their commitments in theatre. With humor and practical insights, they discuss the value of using production contracts to set clear expectations for both students and parents, emphasizing how these agreements help foster a sense of professionalism and transparency. The duo also highlights the importance of a department handbook, which serves as a reference for guidelines, policies, and rehearsal etiquette, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
Billy and Annie delve into teaching artistic discipline by expecting excellence, sharing anecdotes and strategies for encouraging students to take their commitments seriously. From reinforcing high standards and rewarding dedication to navigating challenges when students fall short, they underscore that accountability in theatre is not just about rules—it’s about helping young artists grow into responsible, committed individuals. Packed with laughs and heartfelt advice, this episode offers theatre educators a lighthearted yet impactful roadmap for building a culture of respect, dedication, and excellence.
Email topic ideas to adragoo@me.com
Website: www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants
 
 

Coaching the Young Actor Part 3: Unlocking the Scene: Beats, Key Words, and Cues in Acting

In this episode of Afterpiece, we continue our journey through practical tools for young actors, diving into exercises that refine essential acting techniques. We focus on helping students identify beats and key words to enhance scene work and character understanding. Additionally, we explore the vital distinction between cues and triggers, empowering actors to respond naturally and intuitively in their performances. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or a seasoned coach, these exercises are crafted to elevate skills and foster genuine stage presence.
Website: www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: DragooTheatreConsultants
Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BMKT2N56wUtWmm1il_1kOwAkkW7b_Ui2GaKeW52nd5A/edit?usp=sharing
 

Speaking Their Language: Connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha Through Theatre

In this episode of Afterpiece, Billy and Annie Dragoo dive into the evolving language of Generation Alpha and why it matters for theatre educators. With a special introduction by Kevin Patrick, recent recipient of the Texas Educational Theatre Association's College Professor of the Year award, listeners get a taste of Gen Alpha’s lingo and how understanding it can help educators better connect with students. Billy and Annie break down popular terms like “bet,” “vibe check,” and “drip,” exploring how using these expressions can create an inclusive, engaging environment in the classroom and on stage. Perfect for anyone looking to bridge generational gaps and build stronger relationships with young theatre artists!
 
www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: DragooTheatreConsultants
 
 

Roadtrip Discussion

In this episode, Billy and Annie interview each other about their teaching and directing careers while going on a 17 hour roadtrip.
 
www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants

Coaching the Young Actor Part 2

This is a continuation of the discussion on how to approach teaching your young actors. 
Here is a link to the presentation.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BMKT2N56wUtWmm1il_1kOwAkkW7b_Ui2GaKeW52nd5A/edit?usp=sharing 
 
www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook Dragoo Theatre Consultants

Musical Theatre Curriculum

Today, Billy interviews Annie about her new book, Musical Theatre Curriculum. 
You will want to check this out as it is a good discussion about musical theatre in the classroom and on stage. 
www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants

Coaching the Young Actor Part 1

Coaching the Young Actor - in this episode, Billy and Annie discuss effective techniques for teaching the process of teaching acting.
Use this link to see the presentation. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BMKT2N56wUtWmm1il_1kOwAkkW7b_Ui2GaKeW52nd5A/edit?usp=sharing
 
www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants

7 Habits of Highly Effective Directors with Kelly Russell

This weeks episode is an interview with Professor Kelly Russell. Kelly gives wisdom for directors...a guide to be a good director at your school. 
Website: www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants

Getting To Know Your Students & Actors

Billy & Annie Discuss some great ways to get to know your students & actors. 
www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants
 
Questions for Discussion & Writing
1.Who is your hero?
2.If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
3.What is your biggest fear?
4.What is your favorite family vacation?
5.What would you change about yourself if you could?
6.What really makes you angry?
7.What motivates you to work hard?
8.What is your favorite thing about your career?
9.What is your biggest complaint about your job?
10.What is your proudest accomplishment?
11.What is your child's proudest accomplishment?
12.What is your favorite book to read?
13.What makes you laugh the most?
14.What was the last movie you went to? What did you think?
15.What did you want to be when you were small?
16.What does your child want to be when he/she grows up?
17.If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
18.What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
19.Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
20.What would you sing at Karaoke night?
21.What two radio stations do you listen to in the car the most?
22.Which would you rather do: wash dishes, mow the lawn, clean
the bathroom, or vacuum the house?
23.If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with
cleaning, cooking, or yard work?
24.If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what
would it be?
25.Who is your favorite author?
26. Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
27. Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?28. In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative,
watch a movie, or read?
29. Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
30. Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job?
And why?
31. Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted
island?
32. If money was no object, what would you do all day?
33. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
34. How would your friends describe you?
35. What are your hobbies?
36. What is the best gift you have been given?
37. What is the worst gift you have received?
38. Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day
without?
39. List two pet peeves.
40. Where do you see yourself in five years?
41. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
42. If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
43. What would you do if you won the lottery?
44. What form of public transportation do you prefer? (air, boat,
train, bus, car, etc.)
45. What's your favorite zoo animal?
46. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it
be?
47. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or
dead, who would they be?
48. How many pillows do you sleep with?
49. What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)?
50. What's the tallest building you've been to the top in?
51. Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for
intelligence?
52. How often do you buy clothes?
53. Have you ever had a secret admirer?54. What's your favorite holiday?
55. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?56. What was
the last thing you recorded on TV?
57. What was the last book you read?
58. What's your favorite type of foreign food?
59. Are you a clean or messy person?
60. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
61. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
62. What kitchen appliance do you use every day?
63. What's your favorite fast food chain?
64. What's your favorite family recipe?
65. Do you love or hate rollercoasters?
66. What's your favorite family tradition?
67. What is your favorite childhood memory?
68. What's your favorite movie?
69. How old were you when you learned Santa wasn't real? How
did you find out?
70. Is your glass half full or half empty?
71. What's the craziest thing you've done in the name of love?
72. What three items would you take with you on a deserted
island?
73. What was your favorite subject in school?
74. What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
75. Do you collect anything?
76. Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion?
77. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
78. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
79. Have you ever had a surprise party? (that was an actual
surprise)
80. Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
81. What do you do to keep fit?82. Does your family have a "motto" - spoken or unspoken?
83. If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first
law you would introduce?
84. Who was your favorite teacher in school and why?
85. What three things do you think of the most each day?
86. If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
87. What song would you say best sums you up?
88. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup
of coffee?
89. Who was your first crush?
90. What's the most interesting thing you can see out of your
office or kitchen window?
91. On a scale of 1-10 how funny would you say you are?
92. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
93. What was your first job?
94. If you could join any past or current music group which would
you want to join?
95. How many languages do you speak?
96. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
97. Who is the most intelligent person you know?
98. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would
it be?
99. What is one thing you will never do again?
100. Who knows you the best?