Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre

Theatre Classroom as Wellness Care, Boundaries, and Longevity in the Work

In this episode of Afterpiece, Annie and Billy explore how theatre classrooms can support student wellness without crossing professional boundaries. Through practical examples, they discuss how warm-ups, check-ins, reflection, predictable rehearsal structures, and clear expectations help students regulate, feel safe, and build belonging. The conversation centers on realistic strategies theatre educators can use to support mental health while knowing when referral to trained professionals is necessary.
www.Dragootheatre.com
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New Year Reset

 New Year Reset Episode
In this New Year episode of Afterpiece, Annie and Billy look at how theatre educators can use January as a practical reset instead of a pressure point. They break down simple, high-impact shifts that strengthen rehearsal culture, improve student focus, and protect teacher wellbeing. They discuss what habits to leave behind in the new semester and what to build next, including stronger student leadership and deeper artistic thinking.
Billy expands on why theatre students must become “intellectual detectives,” learning to analyze scripts with evidence-driven curiosity rather than guesswork. The episode includes a ready-to-use classroom activity for the first day back and a grounded reminder that sustainable teaching begins with clarity, not exhaustion.
Additional resources and updates are available at:
Dragoo Theatre – https://dragootheatre.com
adragoo@me.com
Dragood Sojourns – https://dragoodsojourns.com

Intimacy in K–12 Theatre: Safety, Clarity, and Student-Centered Practice

Intimacy in K–12 Theatre: Safety, Clarity, and Student-Centered Practice
Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatrewith Billy & Annie Dragoo
In this essential episode of Afterpiece, Billy and Annie unpack what intimacy work looks like in a K–12 theatre setting—and what it absolutely should not look like. With warmth, clarity, and a healthy dose of educator humor, they demystify the topic for teachers who may feel overwhelmed, undertrained, or unsure where to begin.
The episode breaks down core principles of K–12 intimacy practices including consent, clarity, neutral touch, and power dynamics, while highlighting common pitfalls teachers face when staging moments of physical closeness. Drawing from real classroom experiences, Billy and Annie discuss how to set boundaries, how to communicate expectations with students and parents, and how to avoid uncomfortable surprises during performances.
Listeners learn practical tools for choreographing touch safely, documenting consent, and creating environments where students feel supported rather than pressured. The episode also introduces accessible training options, including online-friendly workshops from Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and IPA—perfect for teachers who want to upskill without leaving the classroom.
With its blend of practical guidance, real-world anecdotes, and candid educator insight, this episode offers theatre teachers everything they need to approach intimacy direction with confidence and care.
Explore More from Billy & Annie:
Dragoo Theatre: https://DragooTheatre.comDragoo Sojourns: https://dragaudsojourns.comAlternate Link: https://dragauadsoujoruns.com

Holiday Episode — “Stories of Light & The Gift of Rest”

Holiday Episode — “Stories of Light & The Gift of Rest”
Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatrewith Billy & Annie Dragoo
In this holiday episode of Afterpiece, Billy and Annie explore how theatre educators can honor the season with intention, creativity, and—most importantly—rest. The episode opens with a ready-to-use lesson plan, “Stories of Light,” an inclusive, ensemble-based activity that allows students to explore universal December themes such as light, hope, generosity, reflection, and community through tableau and storytelling.
You’ll also hear a humorous original poem, “’Twas the Break (Allegedly),” capturing the all-too-real experience of teachers who swear they’ll unplug… but somehow end up reworking blocking or reorganizing the prop cabinet.
Billy and Annie then shift into a heartfelt conversation about teacher wellness, reminding educators that rest is not a luxury or a reward—it’s a necessity. With humor, honesty, and a deep understanding of the theatre classroom, they encourage listeners to spend the holiday season recharging, reconnecting with loved ones, and leaving the lesson plans and prompt books untouched until January.
Whether you need a December lesson idea, a laugh, or permission to actually rest, this episode delivers.
Explore More from Billy & Annie:
Dragoo Theatrehttps://DragooTheatre.com
adragoo@me.com
 
Dragoo SojournsTravel stories, reflections, and upcoming adventures.https://dragauadsoujoruns.com
 
LESSON PLAN
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yhqUciAvp1d5bOKpBpxtjsjQBrkuoyPIjEup_PSv6ic/edit?usp=sharing
 

Funding Lab – Finding Money for Your Theatre Program

This episode dives straight into the practical side of educational theatre: funding. Billy and Annie walk through real, workable strategies for securing money for your theatre classroom, auditorium, or after-school program using federal funds, local partnerships, and national grants. Whether you’re working in a Title I district, a small rural school, or a thriving fine arts campus, you’ll learn how to match theatre needs to the funding streams your district already has.
They cover Title IV-A, Perkins, CTE alignment, equipment upgrades, administrator language, and how to start productive district conversations that actually lead to support. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look, who to talk to, and how to frame your ask so people understand why theatre isn’t “extra”—it’s essential.
Funding Lab Toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11ADgE4-Ix7dh0-QhadQuVydGEVA2G1Nsl5_RkStdSaM/edit?usp=sharing
 
Sponsored by Dragaud Soujorns: custom educational tours
www.DragaudSojourns.com
 
Website: www.Dragootheatre.com
Email: adragoo@me.com
 
 

Censorship, Choice, and Community Buy-In

Episode Title: Censorship, Choice, and Community Buy-In
How do theatre directors balance artistic freedom with community expectations? In this episode, Billy and Annie Dragoo dive into the realities of censorship in educational theatre, the responsibility of directors to make bold and purposeful choices, and strategies for building community buy-in before conflict arises. 
We’ll talk about leading with integrity, framing productions with purpose, and inviting dialogue—turning potential controversy into meaningful connection. Email us at adragoo@me.com
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:
EdTA: School Theatre Censorship Resource Guide — https://schooltheatre.org/advocacy/censorship/
EdTA: Advocacy & Censorship Resources — https://schooltheatre.org/advocacy/
NCAC: The Show Must Go On: A Toolkit for Organizing Against Theater Censorship in Public Schools — https://ncac.org/resource/the-show-must-go-on
NCAC: Toolkit PDF — https://ncac.org/resources-for-artists/attachment/school-theater-toolkit-2
NYPL: Resources Against Censorship on the Stage — https://www.nypl.org/blog/2024/07/23/resources-against-censorship-stage
Dramatists Guild Statement — https://www.dramatistsguild.com/news/time-indecency-dramatists-guild-speaks-out-against-recent-school-cancellations-indecent-and

Calling the Shots: Building Directing Skills

In this episode, Billy draws from his book Excellence Is Habit to dive deep into the craft of directing within a theatre department. He and the host explore strategies for sharpening your directorial voice—how to foster trust with actors, shape cohesive ensembles, make bold choices, and cultivate consistency in rehearsal tempo and vision. Whether you’re an emerging director or seasoned educator, you’ll gain actionable tips and fresh perspectives to take your directing to the next level. Grab your copy of Excellence Is Habit here: https://www.lulu.com/account/projects/57ge669

Tradition! Tradition!

In this episode, Billy draws from his book Excellence Is Habit to explore the power of theatrical tradition in building a thriving theatre department culture. He and the host dig into concrete ideas for honoring past rituals—opening nights, long-standing awards, annual showcases—and for inventing new traditions that foster unity, pride, and continuity. Whether you’re a theatre educator, student, or arts leader, you’ll come away with practical ways to weave meaningful traditions into your program. 🎭 Grab your copy of Excellence Is Habit here: https://www.lulu.com/account/projects/57ge669
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Growing Your Program through Interdisciplinary Learning

In this Afterpiece episode, the hosts explore how blending theatre with subjects like history, literature, and science creates an engaging, interdisciplinary learning environment that not only enriches academic curricula but also serves as a gateway for students to discover the art of theatre and the offerings of the theatre department.
Website: Dragoo Theatre
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Constultants

Attention to Detail

In this episode of Afterpiece, Annie and Billy discuss how paying attention to detail can transform a production from dull to captivating. They explore the impact of carefully chosen props, well-integrated music, thoughtful costume design, and seamless transitions in elevating a performance. By sharing insights from their directing experiences, they highlight how small, intentional choices—like the way an actor handles a prop, the timing of a musical cue, or the fluidity of scene changes—enhance storytelling. The episode emphasizes that these details make the difference between a forgettable show and a truly engaging theatrical experience.
Website: www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants