Drama-based pedagogy (DBP) uses active and dramatic approaches to engage students in academic, affective and aesthetic learning through dialogic meaning-making in all areas of the curriculum (Dawson & Lee, 2016).
DBP is a collection of teaching tools (including activating dialogue, theatre games as metaphor, image work, and role work) designed to be used in conjunction with classroom curriculum. The beauty of these techniques is that they easily engage students and immediately help create an environment for focused inquiry and cross-curricular learning opportunities. In addition, these techniques support a variety of learning styles and will keep your students actively involved in the learning process. The use of drama as a teaching tool across the curriculum first gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s as “creative dramatics.” Over the years, teachers in countries around the world have continued to experiment with and further develop these invaluable teaching tools.
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- Drama definition, a composition in prose or verse presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of character, especially one intended to be acted on the stage; a play.
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Some stories are so rich they need more than a movie to tell them. Crime sagas, medical dramas, sci-fi and more–these shows will keep you glued to your seat.
The American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) defines drama-based learning strategies (which includes creative drama and drama-in-education) as “an improvisational, non-exhibitional, process-centered form of drama in which participants are guided by a leader to imagine, enact, and reflect upon human experiences.” Other terms for drama-based pedagogy include: creative drama, informal drama, creative play acting, improvisational drama, educational drama, role drama, and process drama.
Applications for your classroom
Drama-based pedagogy can be integrated into numerous curricular areas. It can be used to introduce a new concept or theme, check for knowledge, or extend your student’s learning. It can be used to explore a character’s motivations, infer a story’s outcome, or illuminate facts and concepts. The instructional techniques emphasize the broader goals of problem-solving and creative thinking through the creation of a kinesthetic, interactive experience. Using Drama-based pedagogy you can:
- re-create Galileo, Newton, or Einstein’s presentations of new scientific ideas
- examine tensions in literature such as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; Bridge to Terabithia; Journey To Jo’berg; etc.
- explore events leading up to major historical moments such as the Boston Tea Party, the battle over the Alamo, or the Civil War, etc.
- solve math story problems literally—as the characters in the story!
- enact struggles over policies such as slavery or apartheid, as well as governmental representation, the right to vote, etc.
- debate controversies over taking care of rain forests, endangered species, habitat, drinking water, etc.
- learn language and practice techniques to resolve conflicts, improve self-esteem, combat racial or gender stereotypes, manage anger, etc.
The curriculum is FULL of dramatic moments and tensions. Drama can help you extract those tensions from the pages of your textbooks and worksheets and “enact” them with your students. Ideally this will lead to a classroom of engaged learners who have new and different perspectives on the topic at hand.
Understanding the philosophy behind the work is important as a facilitator of DBP. Through constructivist practices we aim to invite students to actively enter the teaching and learning process. The resulting “creative chaos” can, at times, be disconcerting for some teachers, but the learning that results will be worth it! (See the Classroom Management video for more information.)
Drama mirrors the ways in which children learn through their early experiences of dramatic play. As a more structured kind of improvisational role-playing, Drama-based pedagogy generates and cultivates many cognitive skills. Of these skills, the following are important for ensuring a student’s success in school:
- language and communication abilities
- problem-solving / critical thinking skills
- decision making capabilities
- creativity and imagination
- collaboration skills
Drama-based pedagogy, when used with structured moments of oral or written reflection, provides an excellent link between various classroom curricula and the specific knowledge and skills required for success with the STAAR tests.
As an initiative of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas in Austin, Drama For Schools is part of a long and distinguished history of the University’s commitment to public schools. In addition to preparing many of the state’s theatre artist teachers, the Department regularly partners with public schools throughout the state of Texas to examine how the arts can help motivate the process of learning. Through on-going dialogues with our K-12 collaborators, we are striving to create exciting professional development workshops for educators. We also strive to work with communities to shape our training curriculum to meet their specific needs, in an effort to support the educational missions of both the University and our school partners.
The Department of Drama offers conservatory-style training at a major American university, combined with a level of integration with a professional theater company that is unparalleled among undergraduate programs.
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Chair’s Welcome
On behalf of the entire faculty, I encourage you to consider the ways in which Syracuse University and the Department of Drama can help prepare you for a life in the arts, no matter what medium you choose to work in. We are committed to a learning environment that builds on a rich past and expands into a new era—encouraging excellence, imagination, artistry, and leadership as we empower our students to create the theater of the future. If you are committed to excellence in a career in theater and entertainment and want to learn in a professional environment, we welcome your application to the Department of Drama.We invite you to visit our online gallery, to explore our programs of study, and to learn more about the unique opportunities we provide.
Holly Thuma
Associate Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Drama
Professional Experience
The Department of Drama has a unique affiliation with Syracuse Stage, Central New York’s premier professional theater. Both share more than just their physical home: they share a commitment to great storytelling and to the great things that happen when established and emerging artists join forces. Students in all programs of study have the opportunity to study with—and often to work side-by-side with—nationally renowned professionals. Over the course of four years, students also have the opportunity to participate in 160+ shows and gain hands-on, professional work experience crucial to getting started in the industry.
Become Immersed in Theater
Viu Korean Drama
Named for its founder, drama alumna and Tony Award-winning producer Arielle Tepper ’94, the Tepper Semester provides the opportunity to work closely with an accomplished faculty of professional artists in New York City. In addition to participating in a full semester of specialized programming, students attend workshops and master classes conducted by industry professionals, see as many as 30 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, visit a wide variety of cultural institutions, and gain an understanding of the business skills essential for a successful career in the industry. The Tepper Semester is based at Syracuse University’s Fisher Center.
Hit the Studios Running
Supported by drama alumnus and Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-winning writer and producer Aaron Sorkin ’83, H’12, the Sorkin in LA Learning Practicum provides a select group of seniors with a week-long, “hit-the-studios-running” immersion into the heart of America’s film and television industries. Students meet and learn from alumni and industry insiders through a series of seminars workshops, master classes, and more.
For a longer-term introduction to Los Angeles, you may choose to take advantage of Summer in LA, a six-week, two-course experience that includes a professional internship, classes in on-camera acting and audition technique, and a series of workshops and master classes— all taught by leading professionals in the entertainment industry.
International Study: London, Florence, and More
Thanks to the global reach of Syracuse University, students in all programs of study the Department of Drama have a variety of long and short-term opportunities to study abroad. These range from semesters in Florence or London (where performance majors work in partnership with Shakespeare’s Globe) to performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
An Engaged Community
All Star C.A.S.T. (Community Actors and Students’ Theater) provides the opportunity for students in the Department of Drama, under faculty guidance, to facilitate weekly theater workshops for members of the Syracuse community with special needs. All Star C.A.S.T. provides a safe, non-judgmental space for community actors and drama students to come together to explore their creativity, to encourage communication, and to re-awaken a sense of “play” and joy in acting.
Pakistani Dramas Hum Tv
Undergraduate Majors
- Acting B.F.A.
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Recent Department of Drama News
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Department of Drama Releases Digital Senior Showcase
The Department of Drama the College of Visual and Performing Arts introduced its acting and musical theater Class of 2021 today via a new website: SyracuseShowcase.com. The website offers a digital version of the department’s annual Lewis Hecker New York City Drama Showcase, which is usually held at the end of the spring semester in front of a live audience of industry professionals. Read More...
Alumni News
Singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds '00, a graduate of the Department of Drama, won a Grammy Award for Best Children's Music Album for 'All the Ladies,' which is focused on gender equality, female empowerment and breaking glass ceilings. Leeds wrote the album, which was produced, recorded and performed entirely by women. The 63rd...
Featured News
Drama Department Listed as New York State’s Best College Theater Program by OnStage Blog
OnStage Blog has named Syracuse University and its Department of Drama as New York State's best college theater program in its list of 'The Best College Theatre Programs in Every State-2021 Edition.' Read More...