The Theatre Professor's Podcast

The semester is almost over, so I thought it was time to give you a small update on the gamification in the classroom experiment.  There have been some ups and downs, but in the end, it seems that introducing competition, and gaming into the classroom, seems to have helped the students retain information, and actually research more about the subjects we are talking about. But there were failures, which give me a lot to think about.  Moving forward I want to expand how I use gamification, and increase the tangible products the students receive. And there is a new digital painting program I'll be introducing soon on the website.  Tune in to the podcast to find out what it's called.

The other day I was meandering around The Theatre Professor forums when I came across a post with some wonderful little paintings.  Using Art Set Pro, Kelly Garcia had begun creating images for the backs of playing cards.  These cards are to be used in a game that's currently titled Physics: The Game.   Well, right then and there I knew I had to get her on a podcast.  If you know me, then you know that using games in the classroom is important to how I educate students.  And Kelly is doing this with subjects such as physics and math, areas that are notoriously difficult for high school students.   Kelly shares her journey into how she started teaching, and the challenges that come along with it.

In the old days, I used a daily planner to keep track of everything I did.  Now, everything is digital, and Google Calendar is my program of choice when it comes to keeping a theatre production organized.

This week we chat about the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival  and the workshops that I both attended and presented.     We also look at how to overcome some of that nervousness you get from trying something new.  

With the final podcast of 2014, we take a look at where The Theatre Professor will go in 2015.   And of course I share with you what resolutions I have for making The Theatre Professor even better in 2015!

This week on The Theatre Professor I take a look at how technology can actually create havoc if you don't pay attention to it.  I bring a story of two email addresses that decided they would rather switch identities.  Along with that we look at ways to avoid that type of snafu.

Things are changing ever so slightly with The Theatre Professor!  We will be increasing the number of interviews that occur on the podcast!  Yeppers, I'm already in process of setting up my next interview, and have another couple people in mind for future interviews.  I've been wanting to increase my interview podcasts for a while now, but never really had the time.  With the upcoming semester break, I thought it would be the perfect time to record several so that I can have a backup of interview podcasts to release over the next year. I am looking for more people to interview.  If you are an artist, digital artist, or theatre practicitioner, I want to hear from you.  Stop by www.thetheatreprofessor.com/podcastguest and fill out the short application form. Twentieth Episode Thank you to all those that have, and will continue, following me on this journey.  When I started the website, I had no idea what would become of it.  My initial dream was that I would fin

Using iPads in the classroom is an intriguing idea.  As I love technology, I think that iPads would help facilitate education if used correctly.  This week we talk about ideas and tools to help incorporate the iPad into the classroom.

I have been doing theatre for 20 years now.  And I love my profession.  But truth is, people don’t fully understand the amount of work that goes into theatre.  In fact many people believe all I do most days is “play.” Well, I took to a little bit of a rant this week, explaining that theatre is more work than you might actually think.

Well, by now you've probably seen the changes to the website.  Though not drastic, they are big enough to make the sort of impact I want to have as an educator.  We now have places to talk to each other, via the forums, as well as a linke to the resources I constantly talk about.   What does all this mean for you, the user?  Well, my hope is that it is a more complete experience.  This will be the last time I talk about the changes, so if there is anything that you feel needs to be adjusted, just let me know.

As we move forward with the website and begin our focus on technology, I wanted to bring on someone who has been at the forefront of technology in the classroom at the school I teach at.   I met Brad Weaver early in my tenure at Westminster College, but it was his recording one of my lectures for a podcast that actually pushed me into podcasting.  As part of his class, Brad, along with a student, recorded me as I gave a presentation on technology in theatre.  And just a couple days later I was listening to it on my computer.  I thought it was the coolest thing. And now I'm podcasting weekly and couldn't be happier. Podcasting, Vidcasting and Students Much of our discussion revolves around podcasting, vidcasting and how we use them in the educational environment.  But of course, like any podcast, it does devolve into general discussion and tangents galore.   As you listen, if you run into any questions, please toss a reply at the end of this post.  

The life of an academic often revolves around the student.  Today we are talking about student designers.  Though one of the most enjoyable parts of teaching theatre, it can often be frustrating as well.   I go through seven points that can help you as you mentor your students through the design process.

Gaming.  This is something that I hold near and dear to my heart.  I remember playing my first video games on my dad's old Atari system.  And now I sit in a house with two computers, 2 iPhones, an iPad, a Nintendo Wii, and a Nintendo 3Ds, all of which are capable of gaming.  The current generation expects gaming in one way or another. And now it's time to look at using it in the classroom. This is nothing exceptionally new.  We have had gaming in the classroom for a long time.  Think of all the games you played in elementary school that helped you remember the names of states or presidents. It's just that gaming has grown up now. And we have to fully understand how to use it to our advantage as educators.  So enjoy another episode of The Theatre Professor Podcast, as we talk about gamification of the classroom. Show Outline Updates! Addams Family http://www.thetheatreprofessor.com/creating-digitally-from-beginning-to-end/ ArtRage Tutorials Rockin’ and Rollin Art

Today we look at social media, and how it can help you as you cultivate prospective students and audience members.  I talk about which ones are popular, and how I am using them.

Man oh man, the economy, it continues to hit hardest at home. Today we're talking about how the economy continue to affect the arts in education, including budget cuts, layoffs and more.  No school is exempt from these changes that are happening to higher education. And if we don't adapt, then we will fall behind, and lose out on the opportunities that may be presented to us in the future. During the podcast I give a few tips that may seem evident to some, but insight to others, to help reduce your department's costs. And if you reduce your costs, then you have a chance in surviving storm.

The Theatre Professor Podcast is back after a forced hiatus this summer.  Find out what happened, and where the website is going over the next couple of months!

If you remember the original production of The Who's Tommy, then you've seen some sort of projection.  Though I never saw the production live, I do remember being in awe of the projections filling the screens when I watched film clips of that production.  I'll admit, it confused me a bit.  The idea of projecting pieces onto the set, and using those to help tell the story had never occurred to me.  Little did I know that many years later I would use projections to enhance my productions. The Reason for This Podcast I had actually been meaning to talk about projections since I started the Theatre Professor website.  In fact, it was that use of technology that led me to podcasting.  And since I finally overcame the dreaded seventh episode, I thought it was time to chat just a bit about it. This is not the end all of information.  In the future, I will be adding podcasts that focus more precisely on certain elements of projection.  But if you have never used proje

Alright, so I’ve decided, this is unofficially Creative Commons week here at the Theatre Professor.  The best part about it is that I’ve only touched the surface.  Later this week I have posts that deal with CC Vector Graphics and CC Video.  Who knew all this was out there and available to use.  Prior to January, I didn’t, but now that I do, I’m happy to be sharing it with you. Today’s podcast deals with the nitty-gritty details of Creative Commons.  I’ve known and used CC items for some time, but I had never really gone in-depth in a blog post or podcast about it.  CC photos, movies, and vectors have helped improve my theatre design work, as well as allow me to teach my students how to use images and clip art legally and without fear of reprisal. Many of you who read this blog know that I am an artist, and you may be an artist as well.  I never want my work  taken and used without attribution, and so we should not take and use others

I want to share what I am learning while I create my first online hybrid course.  This is the first in multiple podcasts/blog posts dealing with hybrid teaching.