Did you notice how I said “Theatre Director” instead of “teacher”? That was on purpose. We not only teach 5-7 classes a day, but we also have after school activities nearly every single day that vary throughout the year. Districts are also pushing technology use for students in every classroom, including the arts. A good website is a very important tool for theatre directors.
Your website should look like you spent time on it and update it often, otherwise parents and students will not use it. It can be a tool that you use in your classroom, but most importantly it should be a way to promote your shows and student achievements to your community.
The Homepage
Images enhance the aesthetic of the page. I have my Twitter feed on the page, as well, for parents and students who are not on Twitter. Substitute teachers will look at your webpage to see your class schedule, so I put mine at the bottom. (I know I did this as a sub; I always wanted to know when I was going to eat that day!) I don’t want to have too many tabs along the top of the page so I added a few buttons/links about why and how children benefit from theatre classes. Keep in mind that prospective parents and students may look at your page. You can use this site as a recruiting tool, as well, by printing up QR codes on your informational flyers on Electives Fair or Open House nights. I also list items that I would like to be donated to the department if parents/students wish.
Calendar
We have a million things happening in theatre and you can keep them all organized with Google calendar and embed it on your webpage. It updates automatically when you add something! I add notebook lessons, due dates, rehearsal calendars, drama club meetings, progress reports/report card dates, etc. With Google Calendar, I can create a separate calendar for each show or speech and print them separately for students with my website address written on them.
Assignments
Your students should be able to find work online, even for a Fine Arts class. Teaching through the pandemic really put a focus on having technology in students reach, and utilizing it within Fine Arts. I find it’s very easy to accommodate different needs and learning styles by posting my class notes and assignments in Google Classroom. You can link to the site you prefer to use for your classes. You absolutely need to follow those IEPs and 504s and have a way to include language learners, and posting things online definitely helps.
Curriculum
On this page I list several things that we cover (or may cover) for prospective parents/students, or current parents. It helps for admin to see this, as well. What exactly do we do in theatre? Well, this is it! This would also be a good place to post information about how skills in theatre can prepare students for college and work. High school directors may even have an extra page dedicated to auditioning for university or preparatory programs.
Shows
Most websites for high school theatres focus on selling tickets for their season of shows. Having information, photos, and an online purchase option is ideal to recruit more patrons to your performances.
About You
Parents and students want to know more about you. Have a nice headshot taken with your phone to upload. Avoid selfies and vacation photos! Include a little biography with your teaching philosophy, experience, and education. Bragging about your college to your kids is always a good thing!
Not only do you want your students to be able to access work, but you want your website to be a great tool to recruit new students and inform the public about your upcoming shows while keeping the cast and crew informed.
Now when my kids ask the dreaded question, “Ms. Korth, do we have rehearsal today?” I can tell them to check my website because it sounds like they lost their calendar! 🙂
Kasey Korth-Piles 
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