The Essentials ... in a Drama Class (the number, the space, the props, the equipments)

Some children who had come to watch 'Outdoor Movie' were treated to some drama games at KLPac

There is no such thing as an ideal situation. Often we work with limited resources. This applies to all types of schools, whether it is some small school run in a remote place or an international school. Once in the ‘creative’ business, it is funny how ‘creative’ a Drama teacher needs to be.

A small semi-government run 'Tamil' school near KLPac.
This was one of our working space if the school library was not available.

I have held drama classes out in the open, shaded by the shadow of the school building; under an awning with about 50 children packed together on a rainy day; the school field, canteen; in a goods container converted into a library; including a huge school hall that was shared with other children playing indoor games. Such is the predicament of a drama teacher. I am sure that many of you would have experienced similar if not worst situations; but have prevailed.

Though the 'Sekolah Seni' project catered for 20 students -
it was difficult to turn down all these eager children who were interested to participate.
(Sekolah Seni - Art School. This project was sponsored by YTL. This company is developing Sentul area in Malaysia)

But we can dream, can’t we? Though I know the realities, I cannot help but dream up of a wish list of the number of students and the type of drama room that I would die for…

The Number- Just how many is too many?

A tricky question if you have too many tricky children to deal with! Nevertheless I have found the following number and the duration of each session to work perfectly for me, if you are able to dictate the terms.

Note that the maximum contact time would include time for students to explore various aspects of theatre and apply them as they aim towards putting up their presentations.

	Suitable for Extra Curricular Activities		Suitable for regular classes
Age group	Number of participants	Duration (with a short break in between)	Number of participants	Duration (without a break in between)	Maximum Contact time
3 – 5 years	10 - 12	1 hour	10	40 mins	30 hours
7 – 9 years	10 - 14	1.5 hour	10 - 12	40 mins	30 hours
10 – 12 years	12 - 16	2 hours	12 - 14	40 mins x 2	40 hours
13 – 18 years	14 - 20	3 hours	12 - 14	40 mins x 2	40 hours

The Drama Room for Primary & Middle Years..

My dream theatre space this would have every single item as per the checklist below.

Can you imagine children going into a drama room that looks vast, empty and neat? The empty space will stimulate creativity; just like an empty canvas the work you do in that space will fill it up with colours, form and structure by the children and their imagination.

After the exploring sessions, your drama class can take on, the rehearsal mode i.e. working towards a presentation where the children would be able to present to batch mates, teachers and also parents at the drama room.

No	Details	P	Remarks
1.	An empty classroom that does not echo and has good ventilation.	P	Black Curtains at windows to block out light when necessary.
2.	Teacher’s corner: a)      An ergonomically designed table & chair. b)     1 set of cupboards with locks & shelves. c)      A computer system with internet connection. d)     Camera for still photos & video recording.	P	This place is out of bounds to children unless they are invited by the teacher. Cupboards & shelves purely for teacher’s use. Computer system to be equipped with softwares that enables playing, recording, editing of music and also video.
3.	Multi-media stand: a)      Power points b)     Internet points c)      Wiring connected to speakers around the room. d)     Wiring connected to Overhead Projector.	P
4.	Props & Costume Corner: a)      1 – 2 clothes rack & hangers b)     Prop box 1 – masks c)      Prop box 2 – hats d)     Props box 3 – balls e)      Prop box 4 – sticks f)       Prop box 5 – Craft & stationery sets g)      Box of puppets/soft toys	P	Costumes could be donated old clothes. Masks ranging from neutral to various types. Various types of hats. 1 medium sized soft surfaced ball and small balls – plastic & tennis balls. Sticks a collection of long sticks to short ones. Children will have to return props taken into the right place. A range of puppets/soft toys that is only accessible to the teacher.
5.	Furniture & Equipment: a)      A sofa set i.e. a two seater, 1 seater and a coffee table. b)     Square blocks c)      1 moveable whyte-board d)     1 moveable notice board e)      1 moveable frame covered with white cloth f)       1 lighting stand with 1 par can & coloured gels. g)      Hot & cold water dispenser.	P
6.	Outside the drama room: a)      Notice board b)     Shoe racks	P

The Drama Room for Exam based Classes (Grades  9 – 12)

You might ask, ‘What is the difference? A drama room is a drama room!’

Firstly you would certainly need a bigger drama room if you are catering for students who will be sitting for drama exams. They would need a ‘working space’ as well as an ‘academic space’ within the drama room. I find that this format gives the students an impression that they are doing a serious subject. I find that, some schools’ academic team as well as parents, tend to think that the students are doing ‘only’ drama and treat it as a co-curricular activity rather than an examination subject.

My ideal room for examination classes would be modeled as below; complete with sprung flooring to lighting and a black box look and proper discussion area with teacher’s corner. On the teacher’s table there would be a whole jar of M&M’s/Snicker bars. And if the students have been really good, they do get a treat of flavoured tea and the candies. Well, we can dream, right?

My dream checklist would be as follow:

No	Details	P	Remarks
1.	An empty classroom that does not echo and has good ventilation.	P	Black curtain between working space and academic area to give the working space a ‘black box’ feel.
a)	Working Space:	P
	i) Sprung timber flooring	P
	ii) Mirrored wall that can be covered with black curtain
	iii) Furniture: ·         A sofa set i.e. a two seater, 1 seater and a coffee table. ·         Square Blocks ·         1 moveable frame covered with white cloth	P
	iv) Theatre equipment storage:  ·         4 lighting stand with 8-10 par can & coloured gels.	P
	v) Foam mats or thick rubber mat	P
	vi) Multi-media stand:  ·         Power points ·         Wiring connected to speakers around the room ·         Wiring connection to Overhead Projector ·         Lighting control system	P	Any lap-top can be hooked up in the ‘multi-media stand’. OHP moveable from academic space.
b)	Academic Space:	P
	i) Teacher’s corner: ·         An ergonomically designed table & chair ·         1 set of cupboards with locks & shelves. ·         A computer system with internet connection ·         Camera for still photos & video recording.	P	This place is out of bounds to children unless they are invited by the teacher. Cupboards & shelves purely for teacher’s use. Computer system to be equipped with softwares that enables playing, recording, editing of music and also video.
	ii) Overhead Projector	P
	iii) Grouped desks and chairs for students	P
	iv) Props & Costume Corner: ·         2 – 4 clothes rack & hangers ·         Prop box 1 – masks ·         Prop box 2 – hats ·         Props box 3 – balls ·         Prop box 4 – sticks ·         Prop box 5 – Craft & stationery sets	P	Costumes could be donated old clothes. Masks ranging from neutral to various types. Various types of hats. 1 medium sized soft surfaced ball and small balls – plastic & tennis balls. Sticks a collection of long sticks to short ones. Students will have to return props taken into the right place.
	v) Hot & cold water dispenser	P
	vi)   Whyte-board	P
	vii)  Notice board	P
2	Outside the drama room: a)      Notice board b)      Shoe racks	P

PS: Drama Teachers/Instructors - You may share this link to your school/organisation management. Do remind them that what you want is just the 'essential'; not a full-fledged theatre space.

Cheers!