Are you a new drama teacher looking for help planning your first year? Or an experienced teacher in need of refreshing new ideas for your drama classes? Teaching Drama: The Essential Handbook is a new resource with 16 ready-to-go lesson plans that will provide you with the tools you need to build your kids into incredible actors. Go beyond drama games. With this handbook you'll get: A semester's worth of cumulative lessons that will turn your kids into real-deal actors Notes on how to introduce basic acting concepts in a way kids will instantly understand Suggested activities for both "younger" and "older" kids How to transition between activities and from lesson to lesson Contemporary new games like a "Facebook Character Profile" Reflection and journaling exercises after every lesson. Below are just a few of the topics covered in the lessons: What is Theatre? Students explore how theatre is the art of telling stories through live acting. Creating an Ensemble. Students learn to work together, build trust, and involve every member in a performance. Movement & Space. Students explore how pantomime and behavior can help tell a story. Character Development. Students explore what makes characters unique and how to create compelling characters onstage. Objective & Tactics. Students will think about the "why" behind every action. Using Your Voice: Students will understand the importance of articulation, projection and voice variation. Listening/Reacting. Students will understand how