by Zach Dulli, The Scene
Recruiting and retaining passionate students in high school theatre can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. With so many extracurricular activities vying for their attention, how do you attract new students and keep them returning year after year? Whether you’re a seasoned theatre educator or just getting your program off the ground, these tips will help you not only bring in the talent but also nurture and retain it. Here’s how to build a program that shines and thrives year after year.
Make Theatre Visible: Showcase Your Program
High schoolers are more likely to join a program that feels active, visible, and successful. Create a buzz around your theatre productions by making them an event to remember. Posters, social media posts, and even teaser performances can give a sneak peek of what’s to come. If your program is consistently in the spotlight, it becomes a natural option for students to consider. One way to do this is to get students involved in promoting your shows. A student-led marketing and/or social media team can give your program an authentic voice and make recruitment feel more like a peer invitation than a faculty-led initiative.
Embrace First-Timers
One of the most common barriers to recruitment is the fear of the unknown. Theatre can feel intimidating, especially for students who have never acted before. Ensure that your auditions are open to all experience levels and emphasize that you’re looking for a wide range of talents—not just seasoned performers. Host workshops that teach auditioning skills and give students a sense of what being part of the program is like before they take the plunge. Host a “No Fear Audition Workshop” where students can practice auditioning in a low-stakes, fun environment. This will not only give them a preview of the process but also demystify the audition room.
Diversify Roles: There’s a Place for Everyone
Many students assume theatre is all about acting, but there’s a wealth of roles behind the scenes that may be more in line with their interests. Make it clear that students can shine as designers, stage managers, crew members, and marketing assistants. A well-rounded theatre program offers opportunities for every personality type and skill set. To assist in this, consider a “Backstage Pass” day, where students can shadow behind-the-scenes roles available in your program. This behind-the-scenes access is a great way to introduce new students to the many roles involved in every production. It allows them to see firsthand how much goes into each show and the many opportunities available to them beyond just acting.
Foster a Strong Community
Theatre programs grow when students feel part of something bigger than just a single show. For many students, the bonds formed within a theatre program can be the most compelling reason to join. Plan program bonding activities, theatre-themed outings, and annual celebrations to help cultivate a strong sense of belonging. When students feel connected, they’re more likely to return. Creating experiences and traditions that give your program a sense of identity.
Encourage Student Leadership
Empowerment is key to retention. When students feel they have ownership of the program, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Establish a student leadership team that helps with decision-making. Giving students a say makes them more invested and gives them practical leadership experience they can carry with them beyond high school.
Collaborate with Other Departments
Theatre is a gateway to many other interests. In addition to the usual collaboration with the music department for musical productions, consider working with the art department for help with poster design or set painting. Ask the social studies or history department to speak to your cast about the location where your show takes place. Have a member of the foreign language team work with your actors to ensure that they pronounce specific lines and words correctly. In addition to improving your productions, these partnerships introduce more school community members to your program, engaging them in your work and possibly creating another champion of your theatre program!
Build Bridges with Your Local School Community
Many students are encouraged by their parents or guardians to join extracurriculars that will look good on college applications. When you involve the broader community—inviting parents, alumni, and local businesses to your productions—you’ll get the word out about how your theatre program builds skills that transcend the stage: teamwork, public speaking, creative thinking, and leadership. By emphasizing these benefits, you can attract students whose families may otherwise push them towards more traditional activities. Host community performances and invite local schools, businesses, and residents. These events build your program’s reputation and demonstrate that theatre isn’t just a hobby—it’s an integral part of students’ development.
Offer Opportunities for Growth Beyond Productions
Not every student is looking for the spotlight, but many crave a space for personal and artistic growth. Offer theatre-related workshops, masterclasses, and reading groups that extend beyond your productions. Bring in local actors, directors, and playwrights to offer specialized training and Q&A sessions. The more you offer beyond rehearsals, the more likely students will stay involved. Establish a mentorship program where older students or alumni return to teach workshops or mentor underclassmen. This offers a long-lasting connection to your program and allows current students to learn from others’ experiences.
Celebrate Every Victory
Retention is all about making students feel like they matter. Whether your program is large or small, you can’t underestimate the power of celebrating success. Make sure to highlight individual contributions—on stage and off—so every student feels valued. End each production with a reflection session where students can share what they learned and celebrate their achievements. Small wins build long-term loyalty. Host an annual Theatre Awards Night where everyone’s contributions—whether they’re actors, designers, or crew—are recognized and celebrated in front of their peers and families.
Create a Path for the Future
Retention thrives when students see a path forward. Make it clear what opportunities lie ahead in the theatre program. When students can visualize themselves growing within the program, they’re more likely to stay invested for the long haul. At the beginning of each school year, map out a “Theatre Journey” visual guide that outlines what each year of involvement could look like—from starting as a newcomer to eventually directing a one-act or running the technical team.
Final Curtain Call: A Program That Shines
Recruitment and retention in a high school theatre program is more than just filling the cast list; it’s about building a creative, inclusive community that students are proud to be part of. By making theatre accessible, diverse, and full of growth opportunities, you’ll create a program that students can’t help but return to year after year. And when your program becomes a staple of school culture, the cast list will practically fill itself.
