When I was an actor I remember how innovative and collaborative my fellow theater-goers were. They were great listeners, great team members, and smart problem solvers, and so sensitive to their emotions.
It’s evident that it’s not the result of a random event or anecdote that my theater colleagues were able to exhibit these characteristics. Research has shown that that all these characteristics-and more-are related to seeing and being involved in theater in particular.
Here are the advantages of the introduction of your child to theatre as active participant or audience participant.
Creativity Boosts
Theater is an art form that requires imagination. Contrary to the realism of films or television it requires a distinct type of creativity and flexibility. For instance, in the Disney film Frozen the moment that Princess Anna is frozen things to do, the animated transforms her into ice literally. The Broadway musical the moment that Princess Anna is frozen, a group of actors in silver and white form an undulating bridge of human beings which binds Anna as it “freezes” her in place. It’s no surprise that studies have shown that participation in drama can lead to greater creative thinking and creativity.
Drama processes stimulate what’s known as the concept of divergent thought that is, thinking of different directions. Theater production is typically an act of discovering what the story is about (in Improv) or deciphering the way in which the story is described and what it means (scripted). The unpredictability and openness makes kids more tolerant of uncertainty and stimulates curiosity. Theater is also an environment that is safe to experiment and risk taking.
Paves Way for Higher Academic Performance
Students who experience theater education at any age show higher standardized test scores, improved reading comprehension, title=”(opens an entirely new window)”>better attendance, higher concentration, and a greater desire to improve their learning. The ability to master language and increased vocabulary can also be derived from watching a movie.
Builds Self-Esteem
Theatre can boost confidence in children, and can result in self-discovery. The National Theatre (NT) located in London the department of education worked with children aged 7-10 from eight schools over three years. The children took classes in Shakespeare Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare, and performed in the storytelling program called Word Alive. In comparison to classmates who did not interact with the NT the children displayed confidence in themselves and a higher ability to speak and listen.
Improves Collaboration Skills
Theater is a distinctly an art that is collaborative. It requires a team composed of authors, a troupe of actors, and the creativity of crew and designers to create a compelling story on the stage. Research shows that children who participate in the theater have better communication skills and have a greater capacity for teams. The data also indicates that children who participate in drama are more cooperative than peers who did not experience it.
Enhances Time Management Skills
The children in the theater are taught to plan their time towards an end-of-the-year goal. Everybody is working towards opening night, and there is a lot to be completed prior to the date. Every rehearsal is cumulative. You begin by learning the lyrics and songs. You then learn to memorize the lyrics and songs. You study blocking (movement in the scenes) as well as choreography (movement and dancing in song). Then, you add the orchestra. After that, you’ll add costumes, the sets, lights, and microphones. All of this needs to be handled and built on slowly to reach a final date.
Teaches Patience
Children who go to live theatre develop patience and focus. Contrary to television which alters images every three or four seconds, theater demands concentration for a long amount of time. Since theater is a communal experience kids of all ages be taught to remain quiet and be respectful to the other performers for longer durations of time.
Improves mental well-being
The research has shown that that people who take part in the theatre (participating or watching) for more than two hours a week experience significant improvement in their mental well-being. Theater is an exercise for all of us, and in-person performances are beginning to become more accessible across the country in restricted and safe capacity. When people gather in a theatre, science shows the heartbeats of people. This builds a sense of connection that helps combat feelings of loneliness and loneliness.
Encourages Empathy
Empathy is among the most valued human abilities and is among the most difficult to impart. Theater is instrumental in title=”(opens new window)”>raising children who are compassionate and possess resilience to emotional stress and the ability to manage their emotions.
Theater-going children will be able to recognize different perspectives due to the way actors play roles and directors explain the character’s viewpoint, purpose and purpose. Being able to watch actors do this in a communal space helps develop this ability. When a musical or play examines difficult topics such as the struggles of families or bullying Watching this can help children to explore emotions they might not have encountered in their lives, that helps build empathy. Theatre kids might also be able to manage their emotions and better communicate what they feel, leading to better communication with their peers as well as better classroom environments.
More Career Opportunities
The creative arts add an annual amount of $878 billion in the U.S. economy. Contrary to what is commonly thought of as artists who struggle the arts can actually be profitable and lucrative field. There are a myriad of in jobs, not limited to acting. The theater can expose your child to the possibilities in the field of costume design (for those who are into illustration and fashion) and scenic design (for those who are drawn to drawing and architecture) hairstyling, makeup and hairstyling as well as directing, playwriting along with stage and production management.
When they move on to college or teen programs, they might be drawn to the business side of theater, such as general management (accounting the production’s schedule, accounting, and so on for a show, which could begin as sales of tickets and raising funds to fund the production) as well as publicity (acting as spokesperson for someone or show. This could start by using TikTok videos or posters to advertise the production).
Four Theater Games to play at Play at Home with Your Child
It’s simple and enjoyable for families to enjoy the benefits of theatre at the comfort of their own home. Here are some suggestions.
One-word stories
Share a story you’ve read in your home with your child(ren) each word at one time. If it’s your turn to tell the story, you only need to say one word to create a complete story, bit by bit. This will allow you and your kids develop your improv and imaginative abilities, stimulate creative thinking, encourage collaboration, and show your child that being uncertain can be fun and exciting!
Mirror
Sit in front of your child (or make them face their siblings). Mirrors are two people. One is the “player”, and another is the “player.” The mirror is required to replicate the actions of the player in the most exact way feasible. This helps develop awareness as well as body control and builds a sense of the connection.
On the spot
Engage your child’s imagination by playing this interactive game. One player plays the role of “caller” and chooses a theme or subject. The other participants must do something that is in line with the term. It could be an action, a sound or motion, or anything that is connected to the idea of the caller.
Captain’s Coming
A re-mix of Simon Says, this group game demands that all your commands to be linked to the theme of sea-faring. Find three to eight commands and the appropriate actions to get children moving, jumping and moving in various ways, such as swabbing the deck walking on the planks, steering the ship, etc. When the Captain announces “Captain’s Coming,” everyone must salute, and you can’t do any further commands until Captain announces, “At Ease.” If you do, you’re out!
