One of the best ways you can help your child open up is to get them involved in an extracurricular activity from an early age. Sports can be a good first start, but if they’re not interested in the physical rigor of sports, you might want to look elsewhere. One of the best ways to build their self-confidence is to get them involved in theater. If you’re not convinced, here are nine benefits of introducing your child to theater early on in life.
1. Theater Increases Creativity
Just taking your children to plays in Salt Lake City can show them there are other kinds of media outside of television. The realm of theater demands a unique form of ingenuity and adaptability when it comes to the imagination. Research also indicates that watching theater promotes divergent thinking, which involves exploring multiple perspectives. Engaging in theater often entails a journey of exploration, whether in improvisation, where the direction of the narrative is discovered or in scripted performances, where the manner of storytelling and its significance are examined. This inherent openness and uncertainty enhance children’s ability to tolerate ambiguity and stimulate their curiosity. Furthermore, theater creates a secure space for experimentation and risk-taking.
2. Theater Encourages Collaboration
The theater is fundamentally a collaborative art form. It requires a collective effort from writers, a troupe of actors, and the creativity of designers and crew members to effectively convey a narrative on stage. Research from the AATE indicates that children engaged in theater demonstrate enhanced communication skills, resulting in improved teamwork. Furthermore, those participating in drama exhibit greater collaboration compared to their peers who have not had similar experiences.
3. Theater Teaches Patience
Children who participate in live theater develop patience and focus. Unlike television, which frequently alters images every three to four seconds, theater demands sustained attention over an extended duration. Additionally, as theater is a communal experience, children of various ages learn to remain quiet and show respect for others for longer intervals.
4. Theater Promotes Empathy
Empathy stands as one of the most essential human attributes, yet it is among one of the most challenging to cultivate. The theater can play a crucial role in fostering empathetic children who possess emotional resilience and the ability to regulate their feelings. Children who engage with theater are better equipped to understand diverse perspectives, as actors embody various roles and directors elucidate a character’s viewpoint, intentions, and objectives. Consequently, children involved in theater may also exhibit improved emotional management and communication skills, facilitating more constructive interactions with their peers and contributing to healthier classroom dynamics.
5. Theater Builds Self-Esteem
Theater has the potential to enhance a child’s self-confidence, facilitating personal growth. At the National Theatre (NT) in London, the education department collaborated with children aged 7 to 10 from eight different schools over three years. These students explored the works of Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe and participated in a storytelling initiative called Word Alive. In contrast to their peers who did not participate in NT activities, these children demonstrated improved self-esteem and a heightened ability in speaking and listening skills.
6. Theaters Improves Time Management Skills
Children who are involved in theater education acquire the skill of managing their time effectively in pursuit of long-term goals. The entire cast collaborates towards a singular event — opening night — which requires extensive preparation beforehand. Each rehearsal contributes to the overall progress. Initially, participants focus on learning their lines and songs, followed by the memorization of these elements. Then they learn blocking (movement within scenes) and choreography (movement and dance in song). Then the orchestra is integrated, lights and microphones are set, costumes are made and tried on, and the sets are built from scratch. Time management is important to get all of these tasks completed in a timely manner.
7. SAT Scores Improve
It may come as a surprise that children engaged in theater classes often reflect their grades in school. Furthermore, additional studies have revealed that students involved in theater exhibit enhanced reading comprehension, improved reading strategies, and a more positive attitude toward reading. Students who partake in theater education, regardless of age, tend to have better attendance, heightened concentration, and increased motivation to learn. However, it is important to recognize that not all children have the opportunity to engage in theater programs, yet the educational advantages can still be accessible. Children who attend theater performances are exposed to a diverse range of spoken and lyrical language, which can aid in developing their language skills and expanding their vocabulary.
8. Theater Can Promote Better Mental Health
Studies have shown that students who participate in or observe theater for two or more hours each week exhibit markedly improved mental health. Engaging with live theater fosters a sense of community. A scientific study demonstrated that the heart rates of audience members began to align while they were watching a performance together in the same room. Notably, researchers suggest that this phenomenon of synchronized heartbeats may assist audience members in transcending their individual differences, allowing them to collectively enjoy a shared experience.
9. Theater Opens The Door To More Career Opportunities
Although there is the stereotype of the “struggling artist,” the creative arts sector generates an impressive $760 billion each year for the U.S. economy. The arts can indeed be a fulfilling and lucrative career path. Numerous job opportunities exist, encompassing a wide range of roles beyond just acting. Engaging with theater can introduce young individuals to various creative disciplines, such as costume design for those interested in fashion and illustration, scenic design for architecture and drawing enthusiasts, as well as hairstyling, makeup, directing, playwriting, and stage management. As they progress into teenage and collegiate programs, they may also cultivate an interest in the business aspects of theater, including general management, which involves tasks such as accounting and scheduling for productions—often starting with responsibilities like ticket sales or fundraising for school performances.
Taking your kids to the theater can have a profound effect on the way they view the world. It can certainly open their eyes to other activities they may not have considered before and will provide them with cultural enrichment. Why not contact your local theater today to see if any shows are coming up? You might be able to find something suitable for your children that they’ll enjoy.
