If you follow the content on The Drama Teacher website, you will know by now that I have a keen interest in theatre styles. This website contains numerous articles on various (primarily Western) theatre styles from many periods.
More recently, I have been posting practical guides, lesson units, and plans for theatre styles that are easy to implement in the classroom. This passion for understanding different theatre styles began over thirty years ago in my own classroom. I have never tired of an insatiable curiosity for deeply knowing the intricacies of theatre styles and movements.
Over the years, I have discovered many benefits of teaching a variety of theatre styles to drama and theatre students at all levels of secondary education. But, I know educators across the globe teach various theatre forms and styles in primary drama as well, such as musical theatre, puppetry and storytelling. At the higher end of education, teachers at tertiary institutions regularly teach the conventions of complex theatre styles and movements to university students, also, such as postdramatic theatre, expressionism, metatheatre, and immersive theatre.
So, if you have ever wondered what exactly students learn, both directly and indirectly, from being taught theatre styles, I have compiled a list of twelve benefits, below. If you have been hesitant to deliberately dive in and explicitly teach one or more theatre styles in your own drama or theatre arts classroom, then read on!
In future articles, I will address which theatre styles are appropriate for certain levels of education, and the skills needed by the drama or theatre teacher in order to undertake this task successfully.
Benefits of Teaching Theatre Styles
1. Historical and Cultural Understanding
Teaching various theatre styles provides students with a comprehensive view of theatre history. They learn about ancient Greek theatre, medieval mystery plays, Commedia dell’arte, Shakespearean theatre, Restoration comedy, naturalism, expressionism, and more. This knowledge helps students appreciate how theatre has evolved and reflected changes in societies over time. It also introduces them to diverse cultural traditions, such as Japanese Noh theatre, Indian Kathakali, or African storytelling techniques, fostering a global perspective on the theatre arts.
2. Expanded Creative toolkit
By learning different theatre styles, students acquire a diverse set of tools for creative expression. For instance, they might learn the exaggerated gestures of melodrama, the precise movements of mime, the improvisation techniques of forum theatre, or the distancing effects of epic theatre. This variety allows students to mix and match techniques in their own creative work, leading to more innovative and personalised artistic expressions.
3. Improved Versatility as Performers
Different theatre styles demand different performance skills. Studying Restoration comedy might improve a student’s ability to deliver witty repartee, while physical theatre styles like the Lecoq technique enhance body awareness and control. Mastering various vocal techniques broadens their vocal range and expressiveness. This versatility makes students more adaptable performers, capable of tackling a wide range of roles and performance contexts.
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4. Critical Thinking and Analysis
Comparing different theatre styles encourages students to think critically about artistic choices. They learn to analyse why certain techniques work in specific contexts and how to deconstruct performances. This analytical skill extends beyond theatre, enhancing their ability to interpret media, literature, and cultural phenomena in general. It also helps them make informed choices in their own creative work.
5. Enhanced Communication Skills
Theatre styles often emphasise different aspects of communication. For example, studying Commedia dell’Arte improves students’ ability to convey character through body language and facial expressions. Verbatim theatre techniques enhance active listening skills and the ability to accurately reproduce speech patterns. These skills are valuable not just on stage, but in everyday interpersonal communication as well.
6. Collaboration and Ensemble Work
Many theatre styles, such as devised theatre or improvisational comedy, rely heavily on group dynamics. Learning these styles teaches students how to build on others’ ideas, support their scene partners, and create collectively. These collaboration skills are invaluable in many professional contexts beyond theatre.
7. Cultural Sensitivity and Empathy
By embodying characters from different cultures and historical periods, students develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. This can foster empathy and challenge preconceptions. For instance, studying Japanese Noh theatre might introduce students to concepts of honour and duty in feudal Japan, while African griot traditions could illuminate the role of oral history in preserving cultural heritage.
8. Technical Theatre Skills
Different styles often require unique technical approaches. Studying expressionist theatre might involve creating distorted, symbolic sets, while naturalism demands attention to slice-of-life detail. Lighting design varies greatly between styles – from the stark, cold lighting of epic theatre to the atmospheric effects in Gothic horror plays. This diversity enhances students’ technical skills and understanding of how production elements contribute to overall artistic vision.
9. Interdisciplinary Connections
Theatre styles often connect directly to other academic disciplines. For example, studying medieval mystery plays links to religious studies and history. Exploring Theatre of the Absurd connects to philosophy and literature. These connections can deepen students’ understanding of both theatre and other subjects, fostering a more holistic education.
10. Career Preparation
A broad knowledge of theatre styles prepares students for diverse career paths in the performing arts. It’s valuable for actors who might need to adapt to different mediums (stage, film, voice acting), directors who want to experiment with various styles, or drama teachers who need to introduce students to a range of theatrical traditions. The adaptability and creativity fostered by this approach are also valuable in many other professions.
11. Personal Growth and Confidence
Mastering different theatre styles pushes students out of their comfort zones. A naturally introverted student might find confidence through the larger-than-life performances of melodrama, while a student comfortable with realism might be challenged by the abstract nature of physical theatre. Overcoming these challenges builds self-confidence and resilience.
12. Audience Engagement Skills
Different theatre styles engage audiences in unique ways. Epic theatre, for instance, aims to provoke thought and discussion, while immersive theatre seeks to involve the audience directly in the performance. Understanding these different approaches helps students consider the audience’s role and how to effectively communicate their artistic intent, whether they are performing, directing, or creating their own work in the classroom.
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