PIE SIG Podcast
This podcast explores the benefits of using performance related approaches and activities in the classroom and the lives of the people that use them.
PIE SIG Podcast
Episode 3: The Transformative Power of Theatre with Kevin Bergman - Part 1
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Over three decades, educator Kevin Bergman has directed more than 100 student dramas. A Juilliard-trained actor, he discusses how theatre revolutionizes language learning and enhances students' social skills. Discover practical strategies that any teacher can implement to harness the transformative power of theatre in the classroom.
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Be sure to catch Part 2 with Kevin Bergman on October, 22nd 2025.
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Abridged Annotated bibliography
For those who are interested in using drama in their part in English language education, the following books offer concrete examples of classroom drama activities with rationale and guidance for using them. Some have short, original scripts and advice about preparing skits and plays for performance, but the emphasis in most is on drama games and exercises for students’ personal creative development and language learning, not for performance.
In the titles below, the resources strongest on scripted performance are Burke (2002) in English and Ota (2024) in Japanese.
Burke, A. F., & O'Sullivan, J. C. (2002). Stage by stage: A handbook for using drama in the second language classroom. Heinemann.
Cahnmann-Taylor, M., & McGovern, K. (2021). Enlivening instruction with drama and improv: A guide for second language and world language teachers. Routledge.
太田 雅一 Ota, M. (2024)、生徒の英会話力が向上する 英語劇・ドラマメソッド (Seito no Eikaiwa ryoku ga kojo suru Eigo Geki: Drama method Improving Students' English Conversation Skills: The English Drama Method ) 幻冬舎 Gentosha
Savage, A. (2019). The drama book: Lesson plans, activities, and scripts for English-language learners (W. Burns, Ed.). Alphabet Publishing.
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A link to Mr. Bergman's complete annotated bibliography will be supplied at a later date.
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We’ve got a PIE SIG Podcast+ inaugural episode coming out on September, 30th, 2025, so keep us bookmarked!
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