Review: Drama Teacher Conference 2024

The National Theatre's Drama Teacher Conference held on February 15th and 16th, 2024, at the iconic National Theatre, proved to be a vibrant celebration of theatre education, drawing diverse drama teachers from across the country. As a drama teacher attending this year's conference, the experience was nothing short of inspiring, offering a plethora of workshops and insights that rekindled my passion for interrogating and adapting my own craft.

The conference offered an extensive package of workshops, featuring renowned theatre companies such as Gecko Theatre and Pilot Theatre. Additionally, there were sessions covering inclusive theatre practices, technical production, and explorations of set texts. I thoroughly enjoyed Mind the Gap's workshop surrounding inclusion and found their facilitation techniques incredibly impactful when crafting adaptive, and inclusive practice to meet the evolving needs of our students.

One standout session was led by theatre practitioner and director Katie Mitchell, who launched her new resource, ‘Practitioners in Practice.’ This resource delves into Mitchell's distinctive and constantly evolving style and methodology, providing invaluable insights for teachers incorporating her methods into their classroom settings. I cannot wait to experiment with the live cinematic techniques and approaches with my own students – through just using the technology we all have readily available!

Meeting drama teachers from across the country was a powerful experience. The exchange of ideas and shared enthusiasm for theatre education created a sense of community. It was heartening to witness the diversity of approaches taken by educators and to learn from their successes and challenges. It allowed those from one person departments to collaborate and network with a whole host of other drama teachers, emphasising that no one ever is truly alone.

As I return to my school, I am eager to share the knowledge gained at the conference with my colleagues and students. The practical tips and strategies acquired will undoubtedly enhance our drama curriculum, fostering a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. I wholeheartedly recommend the National Theatre's Drama Teacher Conference. The conference not only rejuvenated my passion for teaching drama but also provided a platform for networking, collaboration, and continuous professional development. It is an invaluable experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on any drama teacher's professional journey. It is a must have date in any drama teacher's calendar!