Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre

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.

Dragoo Theatre

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Dragoo Sojourns

LESSON PLAN

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yhqUciAvp1d5bOKpBpxtjsjQBrkuoyPIjEup_PSv6ic/edit?usp=sharing

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: [email protected]

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 [email protected]

🔗 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

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

In this episode, Billy draws from his book Excellence Is Habit to explore the power of theatrical tradition in building a thriving theatre department culture. He and the host dig into concrete ideas for honoring past rituals—opening nights, long-standing awards, annual showcases—and for inventing new traditions that foster unity, pride, and continuity. Whether you’re a theatre educator, student, or arts leader, you’ll come away with practical ways to weave meaningful traditions into your program. 🎭 Grab your copy of Excellence Is Habit here: https://www.lulu.com/account/projects/57ge669

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In this Afterpiece episode, the hosts explore how blending theatre with subjects like history, literature, and science creates an engaging, interdisciplinary learning environment that not only enriches academic curricula but also serves as a gateway for students to discover the art of theatre and the offerings of the theatre department.

Website: Dragoo Theatre

Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Constultants

In this episode of Afterpiece, Annie and Billy discuss how paying attention to detail can transform a production from dull to captivating. They explore the impact of carefully chosen props, well-integrated music, thoughtful costume design, and seamless transitions in elevating a performance. By sharing insights from their directing experiences, they highlight how small, intentional choices—like the way an actor handles a prop, the timing of a musical cue, or the fluidity of scene changes—enhance storytelling. The episode emphasizes that these details make the difference between a forgettable show and a truly engaging theatrical experience.

Website: www.DragooTheatre.com

Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants

WE ARE BACK FOR FROM THE HOLIDAYS! 

Happy New Year!

In this episode Billy & Annie dive into the world of competitive theatre and explore the unique challenges and rewards it brings to students and educators alike. This episode covers the essentials of preparing students for competition/UIL One Act Play competitions, including script selection, rehearsal strategies, time management, and meeting UIL rules and requirements. Hear insights on fostering a competitive yet supportive team spirit, teaching students to handle feedback gracefully, and balancing the artistic and technical demands of a high-stakes performance.

Website: www.DragooTheatre.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559314185488

In this heartfelt episode of Afterpiece, hosts Billy and Annie Dragoo shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of theatre departments: the custodians. Titled Backstage Heroes: Giving Back to Our Custodians and Community, the episode shares inspiring stories of how theatre students and educators have shown their appreciation through acts of kindness and generosity. From collecting donations to gifting show shirts and sharing meals, these simple gestures honor the vital role custodians play in maintaining a thriving theatre environment. The Dragoos reflect on the importance of gratitude in the arts and offer creative ideas for fostering community spirit within and beyond the theatre walls. The episode concludes with the podcast’s signature closing: “Excellencia consuetudo est.”

Website: www.DragooTheatr.com

Facebook: Dragoo Theatre Consultants

In this episode of Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre, Billy and Annie Dragoo dive into the art of costume and set design on a budget. They share creative strategies for upcycling and recycling materials, ensuring productions remain visually stunning while being cost-effective and sustainable. The hosts discuss how to inspire student designers to think resourcefully, providing specific examples like transforming an old prom dress into a period costume and turning a simple cardboard box into a versatile set piece. They also highlight useful resources for directors, including thrift stores, community donations, and online design communities. This episode is a must-listen for educators and theatre makers seeking to balance creativity, excellence, and fiscal responsibility in their productions.

Website: www.DragooTheatre.com

Facebook: DragooTheatreConsultants

Contact: [email protected]