BY Annie Bader
Drama education is a multifaceted discipline that extends well beyond the confines of the theater stage. It equips students with a plethora of skills and experiences that have practical applications in various aspects of life.
—There are countless advantages to studying drama, especially before leaving the nest. From the first time a student enters their stuffy school theater, to a senior’s last high school performance, drama contributes to personal and professional development needed as a young adult.
Creative Expression and Challenge
An obvious, but highly important benefit of drama for adolescents is its ability to serve as a powerful creative outlet. It challenges students to explore novel means of self-expression and encourages them to think critically about the world around them. The theatrical medium compels students to open their minds, utilize their bodies and minds in innovative ways, and immerse themselves in different narratives, characters, and scenarios. Drama facilitates storytelling through diverse modes, including words, song, mime, tableau, puppetry, and playwriting. This creative diversity not only expands artistic horizons but also fosters an appreciation for the multitude of forms through which individuals can communicate and connect with others.
Versatile Life Skills
While not every drama student may aspire to become a professional actor, designer, or technician, the skills they acquire are highly versatile and have practical implications in numerous career paths and daily life. Reading and reciting lines from scripts contribute to the development of verbal and literacy skills other classes may not so closely focus on. Collaborating with directors, musical directors, and choreographers enhances listening and teamwork skills. Engaging in various crew roles, such as stage management, technical operations, or ushering, provides practical job skills that can be effectively utilized in behind-the-scenes theater careers or in the business side of the theater industry. Moreover, many of these skills are transferable to different professions, emphasizing the real-world applicability of drama education.
Preparation and Resilience
Drama instills a strong sense of preparation and goal-oriented work in students. When they practice for auditions, they are essentially honing their research and preparation skills. This experience teaches them how to take concrete steps toward achieving specific objectives. Furthermore, the world of theater also nurtures resilience. Students learn to cope with disappointment when cast in roles they may not have initially desired. They understand the importance of diligence and dedication when rehearsing their lines and choreography at home. These experiences reinforce the idea that giving one’s best effort and not letting down their teammates are essential values, applicable far beyond the theater environment.
Building Strong Relationships and Connections
Participating in drama classes and school productions goes beyond acquiring skills and knowledge; it forges enduring and profound connections. Collaborative processes, a shared passion for theater, and the dedication required during long hours of rehearsal create a unique environment for the development of deep and lasting relationships. Students working together to create a cohesive piece of work often find themselves naturally forming close bonds. They understand the commitment and enthusiasm that their peers in the drama community share, and this shared experience fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
Drama education transcends its role as a creative and artistic discipline. It not only nurtures creative expression and provides a platform for exploration but also equips students with a wide range of versatile life skills. These skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, resilience, and preparation, have a direct impact on the choices they make and the paths they follow in their personal and professional lives.
