Recruit your group members. Find others who are interested in starting a drama group, whether it be at your school, church or in your community. Make your recruitment efforts specific to the members you are seeking. For instance, if your goal is to start a children's drama group, target your recruitment toward school-aged children. Tell prospective recruits what you are looking for and what types of talent you need for your group, from actors to lighting designers.
Give your group a name and obtain the necessary permission to start your group once you have your prospective members. If you are starting a drama group at school, you might need to seek permission from an administrator before your club is formally recognized. If your group goal is to have a more professional angle and make money on your performances, you may have to register as a business with the American Association of Community Theater.
Set up a meeting schedule with your group. Your first meeting should consist of icebreakers and welcome activities. Since this is a drama club, get the members warmed up with improv games and script-reading sessions.
Select a play to perform as a group. Drama groups put on theatrical productions, but first you must decide the play on which to work. Part of your drama group vision may be to write your own material, in which case you can start developing the storyline for the play with your group.
Establish a budget for your performances and group projects. You can decide on an annual budget that will cover all of your production expenses and extra materials for things to do as a group, or you might want to create a budget for each production as it comes up. Budgets help you keep track of your group finances.
Find a venue to put on your play. A school drama group might be able to use the school's auditorium for the stage, or you might be able to find space in the community or even outside in the park if you are a community-based drama group.
Advertise your group to the school or community. Each year you may want to recruit more members to build up your group. Advertising also lets people know who you are so that they can come to see your shows.