The Art of Purposeful Show Selection: How Drama Teachers Can Inspire Growth Beyond the Stage
- cassandrashea0516
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
When educators design a theatre season, it’s tempting to focus solely on entertainment value. But as we explored in a recent webinar, The Art of Purposeful Show Selection: Nurturing Growth in Drama Programs, the most impactful productions go beyond applause -they spark transformation.
In this session, we dove into the strategic process of crafting a theatrical season that serves as a catalyst for growth - academically, socially, and emotionally.
We discussed:
Empowering Student Development – Choosing productions that challenge young actors and provide space for them to step into new roles - onstage and in life.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence – Leveraging theatre as a space for empathy, vulnerability, and self-awareness.
Building Meaningful Connections – Selecting shows that resonate with your school culture, community identity, and shared values.
Balancing Resources and Vision – Crafting a season that’s ambitious yet achievable, whether you’re leading alone or collaborating with a team.
By the end, participants were given a pretty practical toolkit for curating seasons that inspire growth, build community bonds, and ensure theatre becomes an integral part of campus culture - not just an extracurricular activity.
Provided through Educational Theatre Association (Home - Educational Theatre Association) this webinar was created and led by Jade Maia Lambert. She is the executive producer of Lambert Smith Media and founder of The Everyday Actor, and has had the privilege of producing works like FELA! The Musical and guiding artists through her Living Authentically Method of Artistry (LAMOA). Her method blends dramaturgy, performance training, and personal authenticity to equip 21st-century creatives with the tools they need to thrive.
Whether in a Broadway house or a nonprofit community stage sitting in the Cayman Islands, purposeful show selection matters. It shapes not only what audiences see but also who our artists become.
Let’s choose stories that inspire, connect, and transform.
📲 Follow my journey on Instagram @sheadazed or find more tips and resources here on my blog.
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