7 Mistakes Theatre Educators Are Making with Censorship Pressures (and How to Fix Them)

Theatre educators are under fire like never before. If you're feeling the heat, you're not alone: recent data shows that over 75% of theatre teachers faced pressure to reconsider their play selections during the 2023-24 school year. Even more concerning? Two-thirds of educators are now self-censoring, choosing shows based on fear rather than educational value.

But here's the thing: many of us are handling these challenges in ways that actually make things worse. After working with countless theatre programs navigating these choppy waters, I've identified seven critical mistakes that keep educators stuck in defensive mode instead of confidently advocating for transformative theatre education.

Let's dive into these mistakes: and more importantly, how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Playing Defense Instead of Offense

The Problem: Too many educators wait until controversy hits to explain why their show matters. By then, you're already fighting an uphill battle.

The Fix: Lead with educational value from day one. When you announce your season, don't just list titles: explain the learning outcomes. Why does this play matter for your students' growth? How does it connect to curriculum standards? What life skills will they develop?

For example, instead of saying "We're doing The Laramie Project," try: "This season, students will explore how theatre can heal communities through our production of The Laramie Project, examining themes of empathy, social justice, and the power of storytelling to create positive change."

Mistake #2: Going It Alone

The Problem: Theatre teachers often treat censorship challenges as personal battles, isolating themselves when they need support most.

The Fix: Build your alliance before you need it. Connect with organizations like the Educational Theatre Association, the Dramatists Guild, and the National Coalition Against Censorship. These groups offer resources, advocacy strategies, and: crucially: remind you that you're part of a larger community fighting for arts education.

Locally, cultivate relationships with administrators, parent groups, and community leaders who understand the value of theatre. When challenges arise, you'll have allies ready to speak up, not strangers you're asking for help.

Mistake #3: Underestimating Student Voice

The Problem: Adults argue about what's appropriate for students while rarely including actual student perspectives in the conversation.

The Fix: Put your students front and center. Their authentic voices speaking about why theatre matters to them are your strongest weapon against censorship. Organize student panels, encourage them to write letters to the editor, and create opportunities for them to share their growth stories.

When a parent or community member hears a 17-year-old articulate how a challenging play helped them develop empathy or process difficult emotions, it's far more powerful than any adult making the same argument.

Mistake #4: Lacking a Plan B (or C, or D)

The Problem: When a show gets challenged, many educators scramble without alternatives, appearing unprepared and weakening their credibility.

The Fix: Always have backup options that serve the same educational goals. If your edgy drama gets shut down, you should already know three other plays that would give students similar learning experiences.

This isn't compromising your vision: it's strategic flexibility. You're showing administrators and parents that you care more about student learning than about any single show.

Mistake #5: Ignoring District Policies

The Problem: Some educators operate without fully understanding their district's guidelines, leaving them vulnerable when challenges arise.

The Fix: Become an expert on your district's policies around curriculum, material selection, and complaint procedures. Know your state's educational standards. Understand what legal protections you have.

This knowledge isn't about limiting yourself: it's about operating confidently within the system while pushing boundaries strategically. When you understand the rules, you can navigate them more effectively.

Mistake #6: Poor Documentation

The Problem: When controversy hits, educators often can't provide clear rationale for their choices or document what really happened during meetings and conversations.

The Fix: Document everything. Keep records of:

• Your rationale for show selection

• Educational objectives and standards alignment

• All communications about concerns

• Meeting notes and outcomes

• Student feedback and growth evidence

This paper trail protects your program and provides concrete evidence of your educational intentions and student outcomes.

Mistake #7: Avoiding Difficult Conversations

The Problem: Many educators shy away from engaging with concerned parents or community members, either staying silent or becoming defensive.

The Fix: Embrace dialogue. Schedule meetings with concerned stakeholders. Listen to their worries genuinely, then share your educational perspective. Often, people oppose what they don't understand.

Create opportunities for meaningful conversation: post-show talkbacks, parent information sessions, or community forums about the role of arts in education. These conversations build understanding and often convert critics into advocates.

The Bigger Picture

Here's what I want you to remember: theatre isn't supposed to be comfortable. It's supposed to challenge, provoke thought, and help us understand different perspectives. That's exactly why it's so valuable for students.

Every time you advocate for meaningful theatre education, you're not just defending a show: you're fighting for your students' right to engage with complex ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and grow into empathetic humans.

The current censorship climate is challenging, but it's also created an opportunity. Parents, administrators, and community members are paying attention to arts education like never before. That attention can work in your favor if you're prepared.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Stop apologizing for doing your job well. Stop self-censoring before you even try. Your students need you to be brave, strategic, and unapologetic about the transformative power of theatre education.

Remember: you're not just teaching plays: you're developing future leaders, critical thinkers, and compassionate human beings. That work is too important to let fear drive your decisions.

The next time you face pressure about your show selection, take a deep breath and remember these strategies. You've got this. Your students are counting on you to give them opportunities to grow, not just opportunities that feel safe.

Theatre education matters. Your voice matters. And your students' growth matters more than anyone's discomfort with challenging material.

Now go make some transformative theatre. The world needs what you and your students have to offer.

Need support navigating these challenges? I work with theatre educators and arts leaders to develop confident advocacy strategies and build thriving programs. Let's connect and discuss how we can strengthen your program together.