Drama Directors: How to Thrive as a One-Person Show

If you’re the only drama teacher at your school, you are not alone.

Across the U.S. (and honestly, probably much of the world), there are so many of us running entire theater programs solo. You’re the director, producer, choreographer, tech lead, marketing manager, stage crew supervisor… and often the only person on payroll making it all happen.

And somehow, we’re still expected to put on amazing shows that draw crowds, build community, and keep the arts alive in our schools.

So how do you do it?

Today I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me successfully run full-scale productions—even when I’m the only paid drama faculty member on campus.

Yes, I’ve Had Budget Help—But Often, I’ve Been On My Own

I want to be transparent: there have been years where I had a budget to hire a choreographer, music director, and even (on big musicals) a paid stage manager.

If you’re in a position to raise or receive a budget that allows you to hire a few key professionals, do it. It’s always a win to have trained collaborators.

But I’ve also run shows where I was the only paid person involved, and still put on productions I was proud of. How?

Through parent volunteers, student leadership, and a little strategic creativity.

1. Parent Volunteers: Your Secret Backstage Army

I require that each cast family signs up for at least two volunteer shifts per production. These include things like:

• Costume cleaning

• Set painting or strike

• Box office or ushering

• Backstage supervision

Some parents go above and beyond—and when they offer, follow up right away! Ask them to take on more responsibility, like becoming a:

• Parent Volunteer Coordinator

• Costume assistant

• Communications helper

🛠 Tips for Managing Parent Volunteers:

• Check your school’s background check policy early

• Post clear sign-ups (I use SignUpGenius)

• Be specific with needs and expectations

• Assign someone to manage reminders and coordination if possible

✨ I'm working on parent volunteer coordination templates—join the newsletter and receive the free Drama Classroom Toolkit to be the first to get them when they're ready!

2. Student Leadership: Your Most Underrated Asset

You might be surprised at how much students can do when trained well and trusted. Here’s who leads in my program:

🎭 Student Stage Management Team

They:

• Take attendance

• Track blocking

• Run tech rehearsals

• Organize call sheets and props tables

🎨 Student Designers

I’ve had student-led teams for:

• Set design and painting

• Costumes (with some adult oversight)

• Lights and sound

• Props and scenic transitions

The key to making this work?

TRAINING.

Start each year with clear expectations and leadership packets:

• Job descriptions

• Checklists

• Deadlines

• Mentorship from older students to younger ones

When students are empowered and prepared, you’ll be amazed at how much they can handle. And they love taking ownership of the production process.

3. Get Creative with In-School Resources

Even if no other faculty member is officially “in drama,” you may have hidden allies. Consider reaching out to:

• 🎨 Art teachers (for sets, backdrops, or costume support)

• 🪚 Woodshop or tech ed teachers (for set building)

• 🎶 Choir directors (especially if you’re doing a musical)

• 🛠 Facilities staff (our team helped build safe, sturdy sets!)

Sometimes all it takes is asking. I’ve had incredible support from unexpected places by simply explaining what I needed and asking, “Could your class or department help?”

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Yes, you’re the one on the contract.
Yes, it can feel like you’re directing, producing, and dragging a set piece all by yourself.

But with a mix of:

• Empowered students

• Organized parent volunteers

• Strategic collaboration

You can absolutely run a thriving program—even as a one-person department.

If you’d like to be the first to get updates on upcoming student-led production resources and volunteer management tools, sign up for the Drama Teacher Toolkit. You’ll get a free starter pack and ongoing tips and resources delivered to your inbox.

Happy teaching—and break a leg out there, Solo Star! 🎭