How to Build a Drama Program explains how to create a financially profitable performing arts program for high school students. It's about managing money. It's about people who love the arts. It's about performing arts and how to make them happen in schools and in the community--how to make them affordable by selecting great scripts to attract paying audiences. The sale of tickets provides the revenue to pay all costs of play production. The book provides practical suggestions for budgeting, play selection, auditions, casting, rehearsing, planning, discipline, and performance. It exudes the joy that accompanies working with artistic actors who are intent on excellence. It communicates the director's philosophy of allowing actors to create their own characterization, because it is the actors who study the play, rehearse the play, and perform the play with guidance, but without excessive direction. Ideas for creating effective publicity are provided, as well as suggestions for attractive play selections, production planning strategies, budgets, and ideas for acting and directing. The book is a manual for creating and maintaining a drama program that brings out the best in actors, crew members, and technical workers. It makes an argument that there is no need for financially stressed schools to eliminate drama, dance, music, and other performing arts when these programs can be self-supporting. The book makes a passionate plea for the establishment of artistic programs in schools that allow artistic performers to develop their skills and enjoy working with other talented and inspired people.