Theater is Helping Kids Become Better Versions of Themselves
I began acting when I was five years old. I played the dragonfly in a production of Froggy Day in Lindentown with KidzAct. From there, I was hooked, and I did KidzAct every summer.
Eventually, I starred as Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jr. in fifth grade when my elementary school performed at the Naples Philharmonic (now Artis-Naples). I performed in the first Youth Outreach Summer Program with Opera Naples and have continued every summer since. I performed in Children for the Arts Foundation productions through middle school, eventually continuing my involvement by directing the shows in high school. I’ve been an audience member watching the amazing theater that is produced in Naples. I am now pursuing a degree in theater at Florida State University (go ‘Noles!). All of these experiences have led me to become a better version of myself. And I have seen these same transformations in the students I have directed. Becoming involved in theater and performing at a young age can help your children learn many important skills.
Confidence
Many kids struggle with self-confidence as they grow up. Theater is an excellent way to combat this tendency in your kids. As they work toward goals through rehearsals and performances, they are able to see that they can accomplish anything they put their mind toward, even if it’s out of their comfort zone. The standing ovation at the end of a show is a visual affirmation of the pride they feel.
Providing an outlet
On the other end of the spectrum, some young kids have so much personality that it can be hard for a parent to handle. Theater is a fantastic way to channel that energy into something productive and positive. Kids learn to focus their natural vivacity into the high-paced environment of a performance.
Self-expression
As students enter the tween years, they often begin to experience moodiness and are reluctant to share problems with parents. It is incredibly hard to get through to children once they have shut down, and it is difficult to try and introduce strategies of self-expression once they are already in this stage. Parental suggestions are scorned and the gap becomes increasingly difficult to bridge. If kids already have a safe space where they can vent these new emotions in a positive manner, it can help them deal with the mountains (or are they molehills?) that arise with growing up.
Teamwork
For kids who aren’t athletically inclined (like me), it can be difficult to learn teamwork as easily as those playing team sports. Theater allows children to be part of a group and work together to reach a common goal. Learning to be responsible for parts of a greater whole is integral to the art of theater.
Public speaking
In college, the one class all of my friends dreaded was public speaking. They had never learned how to speak clearly, to mitigate filler words such as “um” and “like,” or to project their voices. Because I started theater at a young age, all of this is second nature to me. I had the skills to be successful while my friends struggled. I have watched the kids I worked with learn to articulate their words and to clearly communicate their thoughts. Even though a lot of theater is memorizing someone else’s words, at its core, theater allows kids to learn how to tell a story so an audience understands it. This skill is integral to almost every job there is, from law to teaching to politics. Audiences come in sizes big and small, and with a background in acting, your child will be set up for success.
Why Theater?
“Theater gives children the opportunity to not only showcase their talent, but to be involved in the arts. It develops their creativity, imagination, expression, as well as promotes confidence, and self-esteem, along with lifelong skills of critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork.”
– Tish Poorman, executive director, Children for the Arts Foundation (www.facebook.com/ChildrenForTheArts)
“Being involved in the arts has a lasting impact on your life, especially for those who start at an early age. I have seen major transformations occur in students through their involvement in the arts. I have watched many shy children blossom into confident performers, which then helps them become self-assured individuals in their every day life. Especially for teenagers, it is incredibly important to find a place of belonging – a place where they feel comfortable being themselves and a place where they have meaningful and positive friendships. Often, the stage or the rehearsal room becomes that place of joy and comfort. It provides them with a niche, which keeps them away from many alternative activities that can be negative and destructive. Instructors become positive role models who challenge and support them to be responsible young adults who express themselves in a healthy manner and respect others.”
– Robin Frank, director of educational outreach, Opera Naples (operanaples.org)
“Theater makes us world citizens. It allows us to connect and engage with each other, to more deeply understand relationships, and to develop the vocabulary to articulate our feelings. We become better problem solvers and more compassionate human beings, able to develop empathy, to see different points of view, and to speak in front of a group. Academically, we learn how to understand and analyze language, how to write in different voices, and how to identify motif, subtext, and poetic forms. We also learn about different historical periods, cultures, and regions. Finally, theater gives us a safe space to address complex emotions, explore social issues, and make positive life choices.”
– Hester Kamin, director of education, Gulfshore Playhouse (gulfshoreplayhouse.org)
“Our theater classes all focus on building confidence. The performing arts is an important way to work on team-building skills, Cooperation, working towards a goal and accomplishing that goal as a team. Our performing arts programs focus on building personal confidence. Plus, if you need help speaking in front of people and thinking on your feet improv classes are for you. KidzAct, it’s a great way to learn new skills and make new friends!”
– Craig Price, director of education, KidzAct (naplesplayers.org)