We have been talking about a podcast for a couple of years, and our friend, Blake Minor, has inspired us to get our podcast up and going. If you don’t know Blake, catch his podcast, Minor Wisdom, each week. Minor Wisdom is a podcast "for theatre educators by theatre educators. Listen to be inspired and energized for the classroom (and the stage)."
You’ll hear great interviews with people that make theatre education sound easy. We listen every week and have really enjoyed Blakes interviews and insights.
Afterpiece is a 18th century theatrical term that refers to a short, usually humorous one-act playlet or musical work following the the full-length play. It concluded the theatrical evening and was presented to lighten the five-act tragedy that was commonly performed. So, we would like to lighten your stress-filled life of theatre education by sharing some of the things we’ve learned.

Each week (or every other week), we will share some of our combined 50 years of teaching and directing experience with you. 
Afterpiece will produced every week for your enjoyment and show notes are found at www.EducationalTheatreConsultants.com  
Visit often and feel free to add the podcast to your favorite RSS feed or iTunes podcast playlist.

As theatre educators we all experience a unique load of stress. We actually have two jobs. One in the classroom every day and one after school. Stress is distinctive part of our theatre lives.  
This is a topic of which I have become quite familiar over the last six years and my enthusiasm to share stress management has grown as a direct result of my experience. 

Stress is the body's reaction to harmful situations -- whether they’re real or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as "fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises.  Your body is now ready to act. It is how you protect yourself.  
 
I've learned that a little stress every now and then is normal, but ongoing, chronic stress, like we experience in educational theatre, however, can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems. 

Are you stressed? Do you have any of the symptoms below compiled from the American Heart Association and Health.com?

Emotional symptoms of stress include:

• Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
• Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
• Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
• Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
• Avoiding others

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Low energy
• Headaches
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Frequent colds and infections
• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
• Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
• Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
• Clenched jaw and grinding teeth

Cognitive symptoms of stress include:

• Constant worrying
• Racing thoughts
• Forgetfulness and disorganization
• Inability to focus
• Poor judgment
• Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side

Behavioral symptoms of stress include:

• Changes in appetite -- either not eating or eating too much
• Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
• Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing

 
I bet as you read through the lists above you can pick three things from each of the categories. So, each month, I want to share a stress management tip with you. So this summer, let's start wit this:

Try to do at least one thing every day that you enjoy, even if you only do it for 15 minutes.

• Start an art project (oil paint, sketch, create a scrap book or finger paint with grandchildren).
• Take up a hobby, new or old.
• Read a favorite book, short story, magazine or newspaper.
• Have coffee or a meal with friends.
• Play golf, tennis, ping-pong or bowl.
• Sew, knit or crochet.
• Listen to music during or after you practice relaxation.
• Take a nature walk — listen to the birds, identify trees and flowers.
• Make a list of everything you still want to do in life.
• Watch an old movie on TV or rent a video.
• Take a class at your local college.
• Play cards or board games with family and friends.

 
Daily Relaxation
Relaxation is more than sitting in your favorite chair watching Netflix. To relieve stress, relaxation should calm the tension in your mind and body. Some good forms of relaxation are yoga and meditation. But science suggest that floating is the most stress-relieving activity you can do. 
 
Like most skills, relaxation takes practice, so why don't you start by heading to the pool. ​

Sources:
American Heart Association
Health.com

​Several Years ago, after talking to our colleagues at the TETA TheatreFest, it occurred to us that many theatre educators in Texas can not attend the UIL One-act Play State Championship, 
unless there was a professional development opportunity. We have always believed that seeing theatre helped us become better directors, and realizing that because we live in Austin, we could offer an opportunity to collaborate. 
 
This year we are offering our 4th Theatre Educators Symposium, and we hope you can join us. You will get 4 hours (each day) of Professional Development. The evenings are free for you to attend the UIL One-Act Play State Meet. Each participant will receive a certificate.
 
 April 23 & 24, 2019  
10:00 - 2:00 pm
Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
10 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701

The registration  is online at https://forms.gle/PtsVsrSgSSxNveJa8
 
Payment can be made online at our website or with cash or check.
1 Day $60
2 Day $100

Make checks payable to Educational Theatre Consultants.
Mail to 4620 W. William Cannon Dr. #19
Austin, Texas 78749

March is Theatre in Our Schools month. This is a campaign coordinated with the The Educational Theatre Association, International Thespian Society. and the American Alliance for Theatre & Education. The Goal is to spread the word about the importance of theatre education, and  "draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs for all students." 

One of the things that we strongly believe is that it is our responsibilities, as theatre educators, is to educate our administrations, school boards, communities that theatre is more than a fun elective class. 

Oscar Wilde said, "I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” 

This is how we teach our young people about relationships, honestly, character, integrity, collaboration, passion, character flaws, strength, communication, problem solving,  self-confidence, leadership skills, flexibility, and so much more. These are the things that give us a sense of what it means to be successful. These are the things that give of us a sense of what it is like to be a human being. This is why theatre education is important. 

Here are 10 things to share with your family, friends, coworkers, and administration. 

95% of school administrators believe that theatre experiences improve students’ overall academic skills. 2012 EdTA-Utah State University Survey of Theatre Education Programs in U.S. High Schools

High school students engaged in Applied Drama playmaking gain an understanding of their voice as a tool for positive change in society. Research in Drama Education Journal, 2011

Drama instruction integrated into elementary classrooms improves students’ social and emotional development and contributes to a positive classroom culture. Arts Education Policy Review, 2010 4.

Middle school students taught lessons that integrate drama into instruction are more likely to voice their own ideas and engage in learning through active classroom participation. Journal for Learning through the Arts, 2011

High-poverty grade K-2 English language learners who receive weekly drama lessons demonstrate increased listening and speaking skills on standardized tests. Journal for Learning through the Arts, 2014

Middle school students engaged in play-building learn conflict resolutions skills, greater respect for peers, and how to listen to multiple points of view. International Journal of Education & the Arts, 2006

Reading play scripts out loud helps low-performing at-risk middle school students become better readers, with significant improvement in their vocabulary skills, vocal projection, and confidence. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 2008

Viewing plays about significant social issues, such as poverty, can help stimulate meaningful dialogue and understanding between teachers and students. Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 2010

High school students engaged in actor training develop a higher level of empathy, heightened understanding of what others are thinking and feeling, and are better able to control their own positive and negative emotions. Mind, Brain and Education, 2011

Elementary students have more vivid recall and a greater understanding of museum content when the visit includes dramatic performances by role-playing characters. Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 2002