Teaching English through Drama

Drama is medium where ESL students can take language skills they have learned and apply them flexibly and appropriately in a new and unanticipated situation. It offers a safe place to think creatively and to practice speech.

1. Elementary Schools

These kids will be eager to play. It is important for them to associate learning English with a good experience and having a good time. The philosophy at this level is to teach a lesson and then explore the material through games and songs. These activities should be fun and reinforce the lesson taught. Depending on the class, you may only need to prepare an activity section or game to accompany the teacher's lesson.

Projects Abroad provides all applicants with a downloadable book of sample games for teaching English through drama in the classroom.

2. Middle Schools

At this level, students need lessons that are more tangible. Games may not work at this stage. Now is a good time to start teaching lessons that provoke conversational skills. Conversational improvisation, creative writing and neutral scenes are a good starting point. Bring in material that engages the students and causes them to debate and formulate opinion (newspaper articles, journals, etc.). You will find the older kids very mature and easy to befriend. Build relationships and through everyday conversation, you will be helping them expand their vocabulary.

Drama Groups (High School level)

The drama groups tend to meet twice a week for three-hour sessions. These groups are comprised of high school students that meet after school to work on plays for festivals and practice exercises. There is limited drama education at these high schools and most of the exercises they use are pass down from past members. These groups are very open to learning new techniques and are very eager to explore.

1. Workshops

The most common teaching format will be in workshop style. A workshop will consist of a three-hour session focusing on a particular specialized topic (e.g. voice, movement, mask, scene study, etc.). We require at least one specialization for this program with an understanding of overall theatrical comprehension. Depending on availability of groups and the length of your internship, you will either be teaching: One or two specialized workshop with multiple groups or multiple workshops with one or two groups.

2. Coaching

There are many theatre festivals throughout the year where these groups will be performing. If requested, you may coach actors in script analysis, performance or direction. Your involvement is not limited to this format as you and the group may find alternative material to work on. Some experienced volunteers may have the opportunity to attend festivals as a "trainer" to lead workshops for participating drama groups.

3. Collaborative Performance

If you are participating in the long-term with the drama program, you may have the opportunity to work collaboratively on a script or performance. This is at the discretion of the drama groups as they may have a work already in progress.

Theatre Companies

During your placement, you will have the opportunity to meet and/or work with professionals from the local theatre community. This could include workshops, discussions, collaborative performances or presentations, working in the company by assisting with a current production, etc. There is potential to see productions by these companies depending on the season.

Internal Drama Projects & Productions

In the past, some volunteers have taken initiative to collaborate with local drama groups to mount their own productions. As a collective with fellow volunteers, Projects Abroad will help with its resources to bring internal productions to fruition. Since these projects tend to require much planning, we recommend that you be at the destination for three months.