What happens when students stop simply learning about something and start stepping inside it?In this episode, we’re joined by Gillian McNally for a conversation about Role Drama—what it is, why it works, and how teachers can actually dive in and use it with their students.Gillian breaks down the essential elements of a role drama and shares practical ways to get started, but our conversation quickly goes deeper. We explore the powerful connection between role drama, good pedagogy, and authentic student engagement—and what happens when we create learning experiences where students aren’t just receiving information, but making meaning, taking on perspectives, making choices, and becoming active participants in the learning.It’s a conversation about theatre, teaching, imagination, and the possibilities that open up when we trust students with meaningful work.
18 Sept 2026
Tell me what you are curious about
For this special episode, we took Don’t Tell Me About Your Show on the road and set up shop at the Colorado Thespians Educator Conference with one simple invitation:
“What are you curious about?”
Instead of bringing guests with prepared answers or a carefully planned conversation, we invited conference attendees to drop in, sit down with us, and share whatever question, idea, tension, or wondering was on their mind.
And then Beau and Jesse tried something a little different: not answering.
Rather than solving the questions or positioning ourselves as experts, we explored what happens when we simply join someone in their curiosity. What might we discover if we resist the urge to provide the “right” answer? What questions become possible when we give ourselves permission to wonder together?
The result is a collection of short, spontaneous conversations about theatre education, students, teaching, leadership, creativity, and the things we’re still figuring out.
Because maybe good professional learning isn't always about finding answers.
Maybe sometimes it's about finding a better question—and having someone willing to be curious with you.
24 Aug 2026
Tell me how you maintain students' curiosity
In this season premiere, Beau and Jesse dig into how students can be "tricked" into learning, exploring what it means for performing arts educators to lead with activities and have students name the why, rather than giving away the best discoveries. With their guest Amanda Waterhouse from Dunstan Middle School, they share stories, challenge some familiar assumptions, and consider how our work as educators can become more intentional, creative, and ensure we don't lose our joy.
24 Jul 2026
Tech Boot Camp: Sound
Great theatre doesn’t just look good—it sounds good, too. In this minisode from the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp, Beau and Jesse skim the surface of theatrical sound, with the essential tools, and problem-solving skills that bring the theatre to life in addition more confident programs.
22 Jul 2026
Tech Boot Camp: Lighting
Lighting can transform a stage, set the mood, and tell a story before a single word is spoken. In this minisode from the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp, Beau and Jesse sit down with Kyle Stockburger from Green Mountain High School to talk about a day focused on theatrical lighting. From the basics of electrical signals to the skills needed to make a lighting system work, what stood out to Kyle—and what can theatre educators take back to their own programs? Let’s turn on the lights and find out.
22 Jul 2026
Tech Boot Camp: Scene Shop
The scenic shop is where big ideas become real—but it’s also where safety, planning, and good construction practices matter most. In this minisode from the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp, Beau and Jesse chat with Anthony Sparks from Sagewood Middle School in Parker, Colorado, about a day focused on scenic shop safety, construction, and the power of a good ground plan. What stood out? What can theatre educators take back to their own shops? And how do we build better—and safer—spaces for students to create?
21 Jul 2026
Tech Boot Camp: Safety
Safety and liability might not be the most glamorous parts of technical theatre—but they’re essential. Beau and Jesse chat with Melissa Carroll-Jackson after a day at the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp focused on keeping educational theatre programs and venues safe. What did she learn? What stuck with her? And what should every theatre educator be thinking about? Let’s talk safety first, or third.
15 May 2026
Tell Me How You Know It's Working
In this episode, Beau and Jesse sit down with Lindsey Welsh of Arvada West High School to unpack the challenges and opportunities of assessment in arts education. Together, they explore how reflective practices can help arts programs measure impact, strengthen instruction, and ensure learning remains relevant and meaningful for students.
3 Apr 2026
Tell Me Why This Job, Why Now?
Beau and Jesse dive into the question of what sustains a long-term career in education and how to keep classroom instruction relevant and responsive to students in this moment. Through reflection and conversation, they explore what continues to motivate a veteran teacher of 33 years to return with purpose, passion, and a commitment to growth.
26 Feb 2026
Tell me about the pursuit of life/work balance
In this episode, Beau and Jesse sit down with longtime collaborator, friend, and mentor André Rodriguez for an honest conversation about the ongoing pursuit of life/work balance. Together, they unpack the wisdom, philosophies, and practical strategies that help theatre educators build sustainable practices, establish healthy boundaries, and thrive in a profession that often asks for everything. Join us as we reflect on what it means to stay passionate about the work—without losing yourself in it.
26 Jan 2026
Tell me how you recruit
Beau and Jesse skip the guest lineup this week and dive into their own experiences sustaining and growing student enrollment in theatre programs. Through honest reflection and practical insight, they unpack key strategies educators can use to strengthen recruitment efforts—focusing on visibility, connection, and a deep sense of student belonging.
6 Jan 2026
Tell Me About Instrumental Music Process
Bonus Episode: Before recording the first episode of Don't Tell Me About Your Show, Beau and Jesse went through a dress rehearsal with Jesse's colleague Amy Woodley, Music Coordinator for Jeffco Public Schools to discuss what we don't see behind the curtain with instrumental music programs compared to the process with theatre programs.
21 Nov 2025
Tell me how you build something that lasts
Beau and Jesse talk with Josh Pelé about the mindsets and strategies needed to build and sustain a program where there is a history of high turnover and challenges.
16 Oct 2025
Tell me why you want to do this
What makes someone choose to teach theatre? Beau and Jesse crash an undergrad class of future theatre educators at the University of Northern Colorado to uncover what fuels their passion, what brought them to this classroom, and how they plan to leave their mark on the next generation.
Guests:
-Savannah Hendrick-Abby Lincoln-Savana Long (Sav)-Philip Meinecke-Livia Pecoraro-Dr. Mary Schuttler-Elisabeth Sells-Belle Shand-Kaylee Waldman
12 Sept 2025
Tell me how Theatre Educators keep growing
At the Colorado Thespian Educator Conference, a panel of theatre teachers and directors discuss how they keep growing in their many roles—educator, director, tech lead, and administrator. They explore mindset, vulnerability, embracing failure as a first attempt at learning, and practical steps like seeking training and building collaborative teams.
Highlights include strategies for balancing people and production, celebrating successes, journaling and reflection, asking for help, and protecting personal values to sustain a long-term career in theatre education.
12 Sept 2025
Tell Me About The First 6 Weeks
In this episode of "Don't Tell Me About Your Show," hosts Beau and Jesse sit down with theater teacher Barbra Stricker to break down how she launches a middle‑school theatre class. They cover her sensory‑focused classroom setup, clear routines (including warm calls and a clip check‑in), low‑risk passion projects, rehearsal etiquette, and tricks for handing ownership to students.
Listen for practical, classroom‑ready strategies to create safety and accountability from day one, streamline transitions, and build a program where students lead and the class effectively runs itself.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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