Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre

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

Preparing Your Students for Competition/UIL Theatre

WE ARE BACK FOR FROM THE HOLIDAYS! 
Happy New Year!
In this episode Billy & Annie dive into the world of competitive theatre and explore the unique challenges and rewards it brings to students and educators alike. This episode covers the essentials of preparing students for competition/UIL One Act Play competitions, including script selection, rehearsal strategies, time management, and meeting UIL rules and requirements. Hear insights on fostering a competitive yet supportive team spirit, teaching students to handle feedback gracefully, and balancing the artistic and technical demands of a high-stakes performance.
 
Website: www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559314185488

Backstage Heroes

In this heartfelt episode of Afterpiece, hosts Billy and Annie Dragoo shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of theatre departments: the custodians. Titled Backstage Heroes: Giving Back to Our Custodians and Community, the episode shares inspiring stories of how theatre students and educators have shown their appreciation through acts of kindness and generosity. From collecting donations to gifting show shirts and sharing meals, these simple gestures honor the vital role custodians play in maintaining a thriving theatre environment. The Dragoos reflect on the importance of gratitude in the arts and offer creative ideas for fostering community spirit within and beyond the theatre walls. The episode concludes with the podcast’s signature closing: “Excellencia consuetudo est.”
 
Website: www.DragooTheatr.com
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Costume and Set Design on a Budget: Upcycling and Recycling

In this episode of Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre, Billy and Annie Dragoo dive into the art of costume and set design on a budget. They share creative strategies for upcycling and recycling materials, ensuring productions remain visually stunning while being cost-effective and sustainable. The hosts discuss how to inspire student designers to think resourcefully, providing specific examples like transforming an old prom dress into a period costume and turning a simple cardboard box into a versatile set piece. They also highlight useful resources for directors, including thrift stores, community donations, and online design communities. This episode is a must-listen for educators and theatre makers seeking to balance creativity, excellence, and fiscal responsibility in their productions.
 
Website: www.DragooTheatre.com
Facebook: DragooTheatreConsultants
Contact: adragoo@me.com

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