JUN
7

Tips for a Productive — and Fun — Summer!

By Lori Conary, Submissions Editor, Pioneer Drama Service 

Wow, it’s summer!  And for many of you that means two months of R&R.  Probably the last thing you plan to think about is next year’s drama classes or productions.

But wait.  Those long summer days can be more beneficial to your theatre program than just giving you a chance to recharge your batteries!  (Though that’s important, too!)  Here are some ideas for summer projects you can do.

Have some fun going to garage sales, the perfect place to find inexpensive costumes, furniture, and stage props.  It’s easy to know what you’re looking for if you already have a show selected for fall.  But even if you don’t, you can look for those items that have a wide variety of uses, like men’s suits and ladies formals for your costume closet, pots and pans for your stage props, or chairs and tables for your set.  Also look for items like curtains and sheets that will give you material for backdrops, table coverings, etc.

Visit tourist shops, either at home or wherever you travel this summer.  Most of them carry little knick knack items, costume props, and cheap jewelry.  We all know most of it is overpriced.  The good news is there is always a sale or closeout section filled with treasures that won’t break the bank.  It never costs to look!

Take pictures of things that inspire you.  It’s surprising how a view down a street, a painting on a building, or a window dressing can suddenly strike your creative juices.  “I’ll have to remember that,” you tell yourself.  But we all know how that works out.  If you can’t take a picture for whatever reason, then sketch it out or make a couple of quick notes about it.

Use free time to choose scripts.  Whether it’s a long flight, an afternoon relaxing at the campground, or waiting during the kids’ swim lessons, our E-view scripts make it easy to take scripts along with you for previewing.  Even though you access your Pioneer Library of E-view scripts through our website, you can save the PDF to your tablet or computer so there’s no need for an internet connection when you want to read it.

Search for grants.  Once your school year ramps up, there is never enough time to do anything extra.  So, do the research and start the process now.  Even if you don’t have all of the information you need to fill out applications, you can download forms and note deadlines in your calendar to help simplify the process come fall.

Relax and rejuvenate.  Sleep in a bit, do a crossword puzzle with your morning coffee, take a leisurely stroll in a new neighborhood.  You give your all to your students for nine months.  Now it’s time to give yourself a break to replenish your creative juices.

Have a wonderfully happy and safe summer vacation!  We’ll see you in the fall!