The Soul of My Drama Classes

Through my experiences teaching drama across diverse settings—from teenagers in a South African village, to children overcoming trauma in Sydney, to school productions in Brooklyn, public schools in Long Island, and camps in the Five Towns—I’ve observed a universal truth: regardless of age or background, individuals are inherently drawn to the imaginative exploration that drama offers.

The Power of the imagination

I believe imagination is the most powerful tool there is. As the saying goes, “If you believe you can, you can. If you believe you can’t, you can’t.” Imagination allows us to envision the best version of ourselves, a perfect situation, or even a better world. When we imagine something, we begin to believe it—and when we believe it, we open the door to making it real. Our classes reignite this power of imagination, encouraging students to play, to believe, and to create the reality they envision.

Breakthroughs and My Raison d’Etre!

In my drama classes, I usually have two main types of students: the outgoing ones who naturally love to express themselves and the quieter, shy ones who need a little more encouragement to step into the spotlight. I find so much satisfaction and joy in working with both.

For the outgoing students, it’s about channeling their energy and enthusiasm, teaching them new techniques, and helping them refine their natural talents. Guiding them to grow as performers and storytellers is incredibly rewarding.

But there’s something truly special about working with the shy students. I’ve had some who could barely raise their voices at first, let alone perform in front of others. Watching them evolve—finding their confidence, raising their voices, and stepping into their own—gives me unparalleled joy. Seeing that transformation unfold, where they discover their power and realize they have a voice worth hearing, is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.

Life Skills

Through drama, we teach life-changing skills that extend far beyond the stage. Students learn how to carry themselves with confidence, even in moments of doubt. They practice how a confident person walks, talks, and stands—skills they can use in interviews, social situations, and anywhere they feel uncertain. Acting teaches them to embody confidence, even when they don’t feel it, giving them tools they can apply in every part of their lives.

The Magic of Theatre

My Classes celebrate storytelling and the simplicity of theater. Using only their voices, bodies, and imagination, students transform noise into rhythm, movement into expression, and ideas into stories. This is the magic of live theater—where make-believe becomes a source of creativity and connection. We are not creating films limited by reality; we are creating experiences that thrive on the infinite imagination.

Beyond the Stage

In our weekly drama classes, we place great emphasis on acknowledging and celebrating our students’ efforts and achievements. We dedicate time to pause and applaud the actors for their hard work, whether it’s practicing diligently or courageously stepping onto the stage. This recognition not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces their commitment to the craft.

While the audience enjoys the performance at the end of the semester, it is the actors who gain the most. They internalize the lessons, the confidence, and the belief in their own value. This is more than theater—it’s a celebration of imagination, self-expression, and the truth that right now, they are enough, they are successful, and they have the power to create and inspire.

The Structure of My Drama Classes
Fast-Paced, Fun, and Focused on Growth!

In our drama classes, we keep the energy high, the creativity flowing, and the laughter contagious. The structure is fast-paced to ensure every moment is engaging and exciting, with activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and storytelling skills—all while having a blast!

1. Focus Exercises

Start strong, get in the zone!
• Mime Activities: Pretend to climb a rope, get stuck in a box, or open an imaginary door.
• Mirror Exercises: Copy each other’s or my movements like a living reflection—it’s all about precision and focus!
• Concentration Games: Challenge your mind with games using sticks or props to sharpen focus and coordination.

2. Icebreaker Games

Break the ice, get moving, and feel confident!
• Name Game: Step into the circle, say your name with an action, and watch everyone follow your lead.
• Movement Exploration: Walk around the room like a confident superstar, a shy introvert, or even a toddler! Explore posture, breathing, and how your body tells a story.
• Goal: Loosen up, express yourself, and find your voice—shy or loud, everyone’s included!

3. Group Work

Collaboration meets imagination!
• Story Exploration: Dive into a script or create a story from scratch. I’ll guide you through the structure of a great story—beginning, middle, and end.
• Improvisation Fun: Take a prompt and let your imagination run wild.
• Performance Time: Work together as a team, rehearse, and act it out. This is your time to Play!

4. Acknowledgment & Applause

Celebrate every achievement!
• Show Appreciation: After every performance, we pause to cheer and applaud. Whether you nailed your lines or made a bold choice, your effort matters!
• Confidence Boost: You’ll leave every class feeling proud and motivated to keep creating.

Every class is a whirlwind of creativity, learning, and fun, where we keep the pace quick, the challenges exciting, and the environment welcoming.