College auditions are a pivotal opportunity for your students to immerse themselves in four transformative academic and artistic development years. For many teenagers, stepping onto that stage to sing, dance, or deliver a monologue in front of discerning faculty can seem like a terrifying cross between “The Hunger Games” and “America’s Got...

By the time the high school theatre department’s big musical hits its opening night, you—the daring, dedicated theatre educator—might already feel like you’ve played every role in the production: director, set designer, costume guru, crisis negotiator, part-time therapist, and full-time cheerleader. Productions are oftentimes a full-thrott...

A particular kind of electricity crackles in the air as high school theater students prepare for state one-act competitions. It’s a blend of nerves, ambition, and the communal thrill of putting weeks of hard work to the test. For theatre teachers, the days leading up to the big event can feel like walking a tightrope: balancing the fine art of p...

As we bring down the final curtain on 2024, we begin with a heartfelt thank you. It’s your curiosity, your passion, and your willingness to engage that have propelled The Scene’s newsletter forward this year. With every click and conversation, you’ve helped transform these pages from mere information into a thriving exchange of ideas. Togeth...

As festive lights glow in our windows and the year’s end settles gently around us, I find myself reflecting on what truly matters. Like the cherished holiday films that fill us with warmth and hope, this season inspires gratitude for all who foster creativity, courage, and collaboration. Foremost among these quiet heroes are the thousands of the...

I’ve always believed in the simple magic of putting pen to paper. When I was a high school student, I would write letters to original cast members of whatever show our theatre department was about to perform. I remember the thrill of sending those envelopes to Broadway legends, the anticipation that followed, and the delight of receiving heartfe...

What if your words could change the world? Not someday, but now. That’s the audacious question ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence is once again asking teens nationwide. In an era where gun violence has become the leading cause of death for children and teens in America, ENOUGH! offers young writers a chance to respond with courage, creativity, an...

George S. Kaufman, one of Broadway’s most celebrated playwrights, left behind a body of work that continues to inspire performers and audiences nearly a century later. Known for his sharp wit, masterful comedic timing, and keen observation of human nature, Kaufman’s plays remain a fixture in American theater. For high school theater directors ...

Audition days. For high school theatre teachers, it’s part thrill, part chaos, and part existential crisis. Here’s the good news: with a bit of planning, a splash of patience, and some problem-solving know-how, you can turn auditions into a process that’s not only smooth but inspiring. This is your chance to nurture young talent, create exci...

To everyone who makes up this rich tapestry that is the theatre: I know things are feeling heavy right now. This week, I’ve had conversations with family, friends, colleagues, teachers, students, and even strangers—each expressing a similar feeling, a sense of uncertainty not just about the future of our country but also about the future of ed...