As a parent, the craziness of selecting WHAT activities are right for your kid(s) can be hectic. Soccer, gymnastics, scouts, foreign languages, dance, Lego Leagues, cup stacking - the list goes on and on. We're here today to make our short case for why you should check into theater classes as a solid, air conditioned option. Growing up as a theater kid gives your child the chance to be creative while learning valuable life skills!
How Theatre Classes Benefit Kids
Did you ever perform in the school talent show? Whether you felt the nervous butterflies or had a surge of adrenaline as you took the stage, you were benefitting from some amazing life lessons. From quick thinking to controlling emotions and anxiety, drama and the performing arts provide benefits far beyond fun costumes and applause.
Check out some of the most common benefits:
1. Helps kids build confidence.
Production classes and drama classes provide a supportive environment where children can learn to express themselves creatively and gain confidence in their abilities. Theater classes can help kids build confidence through positive reinforcement and the opportunity to perform in front of others.
2. Teaches teamwork.
Theater is a collaborative art form which encourages kids to work a s a team, listen to others' ideas, and communicate effectively.
3. Kids develop creativity and imagination.
Theatre camp allows kids to tap into their creativity and imagination. They can explore different characters, stories, and settings and learn how to bring them to life on stage. Theatre camp can also help kids tap into their creativity through activities such as playwriting, costume design, and set construction.
4. Theater encourages valuable life skills.
In theatre, things don't always go according to plan, just like in life. Kids learn how to adapt to unexpected changes and work together to solve problems. They also have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, encouraging social skills and raising self-esteem. These skills are valuable in many areas of life, not just on stage!
5. Involvement in the performing arts leads to better performance at school.
According to the 2023 State of the Arts Report produced by Texans for the Arts, Texas high school students enrolled in more arts courses had better attendance, higher pass rates on standardized tests, and were more likely to attend college than their peers taking only the minimum arts requirement.
Up to 112% more likely to earn an exceptional score on standardized tests
20% more likely to attend college
42% more likely to attend a four-year college or university
6. Arts Education develops social and emotional learning.
SEL is an acronym for Social and Emotional Learning. It encompasses five focus areas:
Self-awareness
Self-management
Social awareness
Relationship skills
Responsible decision-making
Strong SEL leads to better achievement academically and socially, with reports showing 11% higher achievement* levels for students who took part in theatre classes.
7. Kids have fun and make memories.
Learning new skills and honing current ones are great benefits, but drama classes can simply be a fun and memorable experience for kids as well! They get to try new things, work with others, and create something that they can be proud of.
If any of these benefits sound like something that would help your family, check out current offerings at Stageworks on our Acting Academy page.
No matter your child's experience level, if they're interested in the creativity and magic of the theatre, summer camp is a great way to get started! Not only will they have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence, they'll also make new friends and have a chance to express themselves creatively. Drama classes for kids provide a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and have fun! Who knows -- it could be the start of a lifelong passion for the performing arts!
*Source: Catteral, et al, 2012.
