In All The Classroom's a Stage, coauthors Flanagan and Burnett Bonczek, both experienced theater educators and directors, provide fantastic suggestions on how instructors can improve their teaching craft by applying principles and exercises common in the world of theater. While these suggestions are primarily directed toward those teaching in colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning, the lessons are applicable to teachers of all levels. The theater principles and exercises explored in this volume are a great way to reinvigorate classroom practice, engage with students collaboratively in the education process, and improve the knowledge and experience of emotional intelligence for both the reader and the students with whom they work. The creativity of the processes covered will also help instructors reconsider how they convey information to students and perhaps experiment with methods that are less traditional but more effective. The writing is approachable, fun, and enjoyable. In all, this is a fantastic work that this reviewer highly recommends to anyone attempting to teach in any subject. Highly recommended.
— Choice Reviews
Reflecting a combined 45 years of its authors' theatrical and teaching experience, All the Classroom’s a Stage cuts to the chase that lies at the heart of both drama and education: the empathetic and imaginative telling of the human story. The great theater of the human experience and memory is hardwired into all of us (actors, directors and educators). We just need to discover how to tap into it. Flanagan and Bonczek have given us the tools to do exactly that. Sharing solid theory and numerous practical and collaborative exercises rooted in years of personal experience (their marvelous “war stories” alone are worth the price of the book!) and resting upon impressive scholarship reflected in the book’s valuable and extensive bibliography, the authors have provided all educators with an inspiring guide for student / learner success.
— Joseph McGraw, adjunct professor of history, Stevenson University
While everyone is fretting about “flipping classrooms” so technology can save us all, Bonczek and Flanagan remind us humanity is the greatest teacher’s aid. Merging the pathos of the theater with the logos of the classroom, they present us with the incredible, imagination-freeing, idea-multiplying, human-connecting power of group storytelling. The true beauty of it? No discipline is immune to the power of ensemble learning.
— Christian De Matteo, English and creative writing professor, St. Mary’s College of California; founder: Tellworthy Creative Writing Services and co-founder, Fugitive Poems
If you're looking to ignite your classroom, look no further. This clear-cut guide offers a renewed (and quite possibly brand new) passion for teaching. The clarity of the authors gives confidence to apply their techniques to the craft of teaching any subject with complete conviction. Their methods are sure to develop a trust between student and teacher that is the foundation for all good learning. And perhaps most importantly, it inspires young minds to engage in their education in ways that are both challenging and welcoming. I couldn't wait to begin teaching this Fall!
— Roger Manix, co-founder, Ludolo, experiential platform for leadership development & team-building; adjunct lecturer,The New School, Global Executive Masters in Strategic Design and Management
This book is a valuable addition to curriculum materials in the high school and community college Introduction to Speech course. Its exercises give the teacher fun and useful ways to get students to address and abolish fear of “performing” in front of others, as well as ways to enter into fun collaborations with each other in the classroom. Students open up, rather than shut down. Great work!
— Helen Huff, professor, speech, communications, and theatre department, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York