The Benefits of Theatre Education.
As technology constantly advances, the timeless art of theatre remains a source of imaginative expression, self-discovery, and personal development. As the 2023-24 academic year begins for educators and students nationwide, it presents an opportune moment to explore the enlightening subject of theatre education in our lives.
Whether it's a grand stage on Broadway or a humble auditorium in a high school or community theater, the influence of theatre education on students is undeniably remarkable. Below are a few ways students gain from studying and performing in the theater.
Theatre education goes beyond rote learning of lines and blocking; it aims to develop students holistically by equipping them with essential life skills. One remarkable benefit of theatre is its ability to boost self-confidence.
Imagine a shy student taking center stage, embodying a character, and captivating an audience. This transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Through theatre education, students learn to embrace their individuality, conquer stage fright, and gain an unshakeable belief in their abilities. These newfound qualities extend beyond the stage, empowering students to excel in different areas of their lives.
In today's technological era, interpersonal communication has become a lost skill. We have become overly reliant on symbols such as hearts, thumbs-ups, and likes. Adults and students have forgotten how to communicate effectively, empathize, resolve conflicts, and speak in complete sentences instead of abbreviations like LOL, BRB, FOMO, and TBH.
Communicating effectively is crucial for success in any profession. Theatre classes offer an excellent opportunity to develop this skill, and theatre instructors provide an extremely valuable education that can prove indispensable in various aspects of life. At Legacy, students analyze scripts, collaborate with other actors, and bring stories to life, gaining valuable communication experience that can be utilized in various life situations.
Theatre education teaches valuable teamwork skills that shouldn't be overlooked. It's not just about the spotlight and the applause. Behind the scenes, students are learning how to work together and collaborate to see the production come to life. These experiences reflect real-life situations where people from different backgrounds unite to achieve a shared objective. The ability to navigate teamwork effectively is a testament to the profound impact of theatre education.
Theatre provides a platform for cultivating empathy and understanding, enabling students to forge a strong bond with a wide range of characters and narratives. Through immersing themselves in diverse roles, students develop their ability to empathize with others and gain a fresh perspective on the world. This skill fosters a sense of compassion and acceptance, which is essential in today's interconnected global society.
It's important to acknowledge the dedication of theatre teachers as we celebrate their invaluable contributions. These mentors help shape future leaders by guiding students through character analysis, script interpretation, and stagecraft, among other things. Theatre teachers instill discipline, work ethic, and resilience, which serve as a foundation for students to build their dreams, whether in theatre or any other field they choose to pursue.
The benefits of theater education extend well beyond the classroom walls and can significantly impact a student's future endeavors. Learning to confidently present oneself on stage, mastering effective communication, developing empathy, and promoting teamwork are all essential skills that combine to create a fully-rounded individual.
Playing Reverend Mother in Nunsense. Eleventh Grade.
My theatre and music education has immensely benefited me throughout my life. From homeschooling my son to opening two businesses - one of which is the Legacy Theater Company - and serving in local churches to receiving a degree in music education, I've become a well-rounded adult.
I am grateful to my parents, who enrolled me in Summer Theater when I was twelve years old, and to my music and theatre teachers, including Mr. Joseph D'Antoni, Miss Perry, Mr. Stancik, and Dr. Ulrich. Thanks to their dedication to education and passion for the arts, I have a solid foundation and will always be grateful for their servant's heart.
I received an excellent education at Hofstra University in New York, but my time in the theater and my life on the stage, guided by The Lord's hand, has made me who I am today.
-Erika Bain
Director of School of the Arts