Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre

Billy & Annie Dragoo

Afterpiece is a practical, story-driven podcast about Educational Theatre hosted by Billy and Annie Dragoo. Each episode explores the real work of teaching theatre — balancing creativity with classroom realities, directing shows with limited time and resources, and building programs where students learn to think, collaborate, and grow. Billy and Annie bring decades of experience as award-winning theatre educators, directors, and curriculum designers. They take listeners behind the scenes of the classroom and rehearsal hall, mixing straightforward advice with humor, honesty, and the occasional war story. Topics range from parent management and audition strategies to intimacy choreography, curriculum design, technical training, and the art of helping young performers become stronger thinkers and more confident artists. Afterpiece is created for K–12 theatre teachers, community directors, teaching artists, and anyone who believes the theatre classroom is one of the most transformative spaces in a school. With guest insights, ready-to-use tools, and conversations shaped by real classroom challenges, the podcast gives educators strategies they can apply the same day. New episodes drop twice a month.

  1. JAN 25

    Directing With A Purpose

    In this episode of Afterpiece, Billy and Annie Dragoo explore what it truly means to direct with purpose in educational theatre. Rather than relying on spectacle, routine, or habit, purposeful directing centers on clarity, intention, and student growth. The conversation examines how directors can shape honest performances by teaching actors to think the scene, listen deeply, and make specific choices rooted in text, subtext, and circumstance. Drawing on practical rehearsal tools such as emotional vocabulary, key words, triggers versus cues, thought shifts, and purposeful blocking, the episode connects actor training directly to strong, ethical directing practices. Billy and Annie also discuss how purposeful directing supports equity, sustainability, and long-term development, reminding educators that every rehearsal choice teaches something. This episode offers concrete strategies for building truthful work, efficient rehearsals, and meaningful learning experiences for young artists. Website: www.DragooTheatre.com Sponsor: Dragaud Sojourns – www.DragaudSoujourns

    22 min

  2. JAN 11

    Theatre Classroom as Wellness Care, Boundaries, and Longevity in the Work

    In this episode of Afterpiece, Annie and Billy explore how theatre classrooms can support student wellness without crossing professional boundaries. Through practical examples, they discuss how warm-ups, check-ins, reflection, predictable rehearsal structures, and clear expectations help students regulate, feel safe, and build belonging. The conversation centers on realistic strategies theatre educators can use to support mental health while knowing when referral to trained professionals is necessary. www.Dragootheatre.com Just Strong, a women-owned activewear company built around strength in body, mind, and persistence. If you’re looking for comfortable, durable pieces that support long teaching days and real movement, you can check them out. You can get 10% off with my code AnDr347659. That’s AnDr347659 This is in the show notes

    24 min

  3. 12/28/2025

    New Year Reset

    New Year Reset Episode In this New Year episode of Afterpiece, Annie and Billy look at how theatre educators can use January as a practical reset instead of a pressure point. They break down simple, high-impact shifts that strengthen rehearsal culture, improve student focus, and protect teacher wellbeing. They discuss what habits to leave behind in the new semester and what to build next, including stronger student leadership and deeper artistic thinking. Billy expands on why theatre students must become “intellectual detectives,” learning to analyze scripts with evidence-driven curiosity rather than guesswork. The episode includes a ready-to-use classroom activity for the first day back and a grounded reminder that sustainable teaching begins with clarity, not exhaustion. Additional resources and updates are available at: Dragoo Theatre – adragoo@me.com Dragood Sojourns – https://dragoodsojourns.com

    20 min

  4. 12/14/2025

    Intimacy in K–12 Theatre: Safety, Clarity, and Student-Centered Practice

    Intimacy in K–12 Theatre: Safety, Clarity, and Student-Centered Practice Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre with Billy & Annie Dragoo In this essential episode of Afterpiece, Billy and Annie unpack what intimacy work looks like in a K–12 theatre setting—and what it absolutely should not look like. With warmth, clarity, and a healthy dose of educator humor, they demystify the topic for teachers who may feel overwhelmed, undertrained, or unsure where to begin. The episode breaks down core principles of K–12 intimacy practices including consent, clarity, neutral touch, and power dynamics, while highlighting common pitfalls teachers face when staging moments of physical closeness. Drawing from real classroom experiences, Billy and Annie discuss how to set boundaries, how to communicate expectations with students and parents, and how to avoid uncomfortable surprises during performances. Listeners learn practical tools for choreographing touch safely, documenting consent, and creating environments where students feel supported rather than pressured. The episode also introduces accessible training options, including online-friendly workshops from Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and IPA—perfect for teachers who want to upskill without leaving the classroom. With its blend of practical guidance, real-world anecdotes, and candid educator insight, this episode offers theatre teachers everything they need to approach intimacy direction with confidence and care. Explore More from Billy & Annie: Dragoo Theatre: https://DragooTheatre.com Dragoo Sojourns: https://dragauadsoujoruns.com

    28 min

  5. 11/30/2025

    Holiday Episode — “Stories of Light & The Gift of Rest”

    Holiday Episode — “Stories of Light & The Gift of Rest” Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre with Billy & Annie Dragoo In this holiday episode of Afterpiece, Billy and Annie explore how theatre educators can honor the season with intention, creativity, and—most importantly—rest. The episode opens with a ready-to-use lesson plan, “Stories of Light,” an inclusive, ensemble-based activity that allows students to explore universal December themes such as light, hope, generosity, reflection, and community through tableau and storytelling. You’ll also hear a humorous original poem, “’Twas the Break (Allegedly),” capturing the all-too-real experience of teachers who swear they’ll unplug… but somehow end up reworking blocking or reorganizing the prop cabinet. Billy and Annie then shift into a heartfelt conversation about teacher wellness, reminding educators that rest is not a luxury or a reward—it’s a necessity. With humor, honesty, and a deep understanding of the theatre classroom, they encourage listeners to spend the holiday season recharging, reconnecting with loved ones, and leaving the lesson plans and prompt books untouched until January. Whether you need a December lesson idea, a laugh, or permission to actually rest, this episode delivers. Explore More from Billy & Annie: Dragoo Theatre https://DragooTheatre.com adragoo@me.com   Dragoo Sojourns Travel stories, reflections, and upcoming adventures. https://dragauadsoujoruns.com   LESSON PLAN https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yhqUciAvp1d5bOKpBpxtjsjQBrkuoyPIjEup_PSv6ic/edit?usp=sharing

    17 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    Funding Lab – Finding Money for Your Theatre Program

    This episode dives straight into the practical side of educational theatre: funding. Billy and Annie walk through real, workable strategies for securing money for your theatre classroom, auditorium, or after-school program using federal funds, local partnerships, and national grants. Whether you’re working in a Title I district, a small rural school, or a thriving fine arts campus, you’ll learn how to match theatre needs to the funding streams your district already has. They cover Title IV-A, Perkins, CTE alignment, equipment upgrades, administrator language, and how to start productive district conversations that actually lead to support. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look, who to talk to, and how to frame your ask so people understand why theatre isn’t “extra”—it’s essential. Funding Lab Toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11ADgE4-Ix7dh0-QhadQuVydGEVA2G1Nsl5_RkStdSaM/edit?usp=sharing   Sponsored by Dragaud Soujorns: custom educational tours www.DragaudSojourns.com   Website: www.Dragootheatre.com Email: adragoo@me.com

    16 min

  7. 10/23/2025

    Censorship, Choice, and Community Buy-In

    Episode Title: Censorship, Choice, and Community Buy-In How do theatre directors balance artistic freedom with community expectations? In this episode, Billy and Annie Dragoo dive into the realities of censorship in educational theatre, the responsibility of directors to make bold and purposeful choices, and strategies for building community buy-in before conflict arises.  We’ll talk about leading with integrity, framing productions with purpose, and inviting dialogue—turning potential controversy into meaningful connection. Email us at adragoo@me.com 🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: EdTA: School Theatre Censorship Resource Guide — https://schooltheatre.org/advocacy/censorship/ EdTA: Advocacy & Censorship Resources — https://schooltheatre.org/advocacy/ NCAC: The Show Must Go On: A Toolkit for Organizing Against Theater Censorship in Public Schools — https://ncac.org/resource/the-show-must-go-on NCAC: Toolkit PDF — https://ncac.org/resources-for-artists/attachment/school-theater-toolkit-2 NYPL: Resources Against Censorship on the Stage — https://www.nypl.org/blog/2024/07/23/resources-against-censorship-stage Dramatists Guild Statement — https://www.dramatistsguild.com/news/time-indecency-dramatists-guild-speaks-out-against-recent-school-cancellations-indecent-and

    30 min

  8. 10/05/2025

    Calling the Shots: Building Directing Skills

    In this episode, Billy draws from his book Excellence Is Habit to dive deep into the craft of directing within a theatre department. He and the host explore strategies for sharpening your directorial voice—how to foster trust with actors, shape cohesive ensembles, make bold choices, and cultivate consistency in rehearsal tempo and vision. Whether you’re an emerging director or seasoned educator, you’ll gain actionable tips and fresh perspectives to take your directing to the next level. Grab your copy of Excellence Is Habit here: https://www.lulu.com/account/projects/57ge669

    34 min
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5
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Afterpiece is a practical, story-driven podcast about Educational Theatre hosted by Billy and Annie Dragoo. Each episode explores the real work of teaching theatre — balancing creativity with classroom realities, directing shows with limited time and resources, and building programs where students learn to think, collaborate, and grow. Billy and Annie bring decades of experience as award-winning theatre educators, directors, and curriculum designers. They take listeners behind the scenes of the classroom and rehearsal hall, mixing straightforward advice with humor, honesty, and the occasional war story. Topics range from parent management and audition strategies to intimacy choreography, curriculum design, technical training, and the art of helping young performers become stronger thinkers and more confident artists. Afterpiece is created for K–12 theatre teachers, community directors, teaching artists, and anyone who believes the theatre classroom is one of the most transformative spaces in a school. With guest insights, ready-to-use tools, and conversations shaped by real classroom challenges, the podcast gives educators strategies they can apply the same day. New episodes drop twice a month.

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