Achievement in theatre requires many different kinds of thinking. Students learn to attend to details as well as to "the big picture" of a project. They learn to unify diverse elements into cohesive works of art. They become adept at applying the tools of critical thinking and learn to solve problems in multiple ways. The following list of teaching strategies is included to assist in the process of building students' skills of critical thinking and problem solving in theatre.

• Emphasize that problem solving in theatre, as in many other areas of life, is a process of developing individual solutions to complex problems. With this in mind, teach students to make choices within the structure of the Theatre TEKS.
• As students learn the basics of theatre, stretch their thinking by initiating serious discussions about what makes one theatre production distinct from another. What are its strengths? Ask "why," "how," and "what if" questions when discussing characteristics of specific works.
• Discuss with students the purposes of different types of questions, e.g., application, synthesis, or opinion questions. Talk about the power of each type of question to get students thinking about the processes of critical and creative thinking and problem solving in theatre.
• Guide students in their acquisition of skills practiced in theatre class by asking individuals or small groups of students to define problems and suggest solutions. Use student-generated problems/questions in class activities.
• Use sketching, mapping, or writing to help students generate or clarify their thoughts before, during, and after class discussions and activities.
• Compare opposing critiques of a work of a play and ask probing questions about the sources of any difference of opinion.
• Encourage abstract, non-linear thinking and approaches to problem solving to enable students to make connections among things or seemingly unrelated concepts.
• Emphasize the value of self-reflection in the process of theatrical growth. Provide numerous opportunities for students to consider the impact of their creative choices. Help them learn to examine and constructively evaluate student and professional work in theatre.