The UIL One-Act Play “one-hour rehearsal” is one of the most misunderstood moments in the entire contest process—and one of the easiest places to lose valuable time. In this episode of Afterpiece, Billy and Annie Dragoo break down what the hour actually is (and is not), using the UIL Handbook as the guide.

Rather than treating the hour like an acting rehearsal, this episode reframes it as a technical orientation, safety check, and systems integration period. Annie and Billy emphasize the importance of simultaneous workflow—lighting checks happening while sound levels are set, while the set is measured, approved, and assembled. The key is parallel processing, not sequential waiting.

Listeners will learn how to:

Organize deck, lighting, sound, and actor teams to work at the same time

Use Contest Manager inspections efficiently without stalling progress

Prioritize anchor moments like opening cues, major transitions, and closing looks

Avoid common time-wasting mistakes that derail otherwise strong companies

Exit the space professionally and confidently before contest day

This episode is a practical, experience-driven guide for directors who want their companies calm, prepared, and technically solid when it matters most.

Website: www.DragooTheatre.com

In this episode of Afterpiece, Annie and Billy Dragoo focus on practical, realistic ways theatre educators can create meaningful work with very limited budgets. Drawing from years of classroom and production experience, they walk through clear, manageable strategies for sets, costumes, props, lighting, sound, rehearsal structure, and morale. The conversation centers on clarity, intention, and student ownership rather than expensive materials, offering teachers approaches they can use immediately without adding stress or personal expense.

The episode also highlights how creativity and problem-solving are built through constraints, reminding educators that students remember the process, the community, and the learning far more than the cost of production elements. This is a grounded, supportive conversation designed to help theatre teachers feel equipped and encouraged.

Website: www.DragooTheatre.com

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

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

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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:

Afterpiece: A Podcast About Educational Theatre

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.

Dragoo Theatre: https://DragooTheatre.com

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

[email protected]

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