(All photos are of our actual past productions.  Pictured above are the little orphans--boys too!--from "Annie.)
. . . drama is about learning how to better express yourself too.  And, that doesn't always mean on the stage.  The skills you learn will carry value throughout your life.  Drama helps you . . .

1. Build Self-Confidence

Whether you're shy or gregarious, being in front of people on a stage is a rush.  It's a rush that can't be matched and each time it is different and thrilling.  That excitement comes from the unknown of what might happen, what people will think of you, what you'll lead them to believe in your next scene. The ability to guide an audience through a plot while on stage is the ultimate confidence booster.

2.  Think On Your Feet

It's said that in Silicon Valley, your strength in improvisation is equated to your strength in leadership.  In other words, being able to roll with the punches and react appropriately to any situation regardless of your preparation is the ULTIMATE skill.  If you're good in situations under pressure, you can lead others who aren't as comfortable.

3.  Learn Teamwork

Usually, a one man show isn't that entertaining!  Drama is about working with others, relying on them to prompt you, learning the cues with them, preparing for the best and the worst.  This same preparation carries over into all walks of life.

4.  Obtain Presentation Skills

You lose the audience's attention if you don't speak CLEARLY and LOUDLY in an engaging style. Whether you're on stage, in front of your class or maybe even eventually a board room . . . your experience on stage will carry over to make you a better presenter.

5.  Acquire Listening Skills

Ninety percent of acting is "REACTING"-- and that's so true in life too.  Learning to listen to others and react in an appropriate matter shows the utmost maturity and appreciation for their time.  While acting, you have to hear cues, make sure that others' lines are actually said, respond to the audience . . . if you don't, it's not natural, authentic or believable.  After a week of acting, you'll be listening in a whole new way!



MORE ON THE BENEFITS OF DRAMA

The American Alliance for Theatre Education has some very interesting facts about the effects of theater education on children. 

DID YOU KNOW ...
  • Students involved in drama performance coursework or experience outscored non-arts students on the 2005 SAT by an average of 65 points in the verbal component and 34 points in the math component(1)?
  • Drama activities improve reading comprehension, and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills?
  • Drama helps to improve school attendance and reduce high school dropout rates(2)?
  • A 2005 Harris Poll revealed that 93% of the public believes that arts, including theatre, are vital to a well-rounded education (3)?
  • Drama can improve skills and academic performance in children and youth with learning disabilities?

We all know how important reading is, especially for younger children, and the AATE's research supports the benefits of drama on reading comprehension:

  • A series of studies on the arts and education revealed a consistent causal link between performing texts in the classroom and the improvement of a variety of verbal skills, including especially significant increases in story recall and understanding of written material.
  • Performance of Shakespeare texts helps to improve students’ understanding of other complex texts including science and math material.
  • Drama can improve reading skills and comprehension better than other activities, including discussion.
You can learn more about this research on their site at www.ate.com.