6 Benefits of Youth Theatre

The Top 6 Benefits of Youth Theatre

1. Better School Performance

When kids participate in youth theatre, they tend to do better in school.

A recent study found that when drama is part of the school’s curriculum, academic performance improves by 4%. Another study found that students who received theatre arts intervention at both 6th and 7th grade performed better in math and language arts compared to the control group.

Youth theatre also helps students feel like they are part of the community. Students who are involved in the arts are more likely to engage in volunteer work and attend college.

2. Improved Creative Thinking

Youth theatre helps children develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Creative thinkers are the driving force behind innovation, and they find out-of-the-box solutions for many of the big problems we face today.

Getting your children involved in theatre from an early age will encourage creative thinking, which will prove to be an asset when they reach adulthood.

3. Exposure to Different Cultures and Ideas

One great thing about theatre is that it exposes kids to different cultures and ideas. It also helps them develop empathy. Each time they step into a character’s shoes, they see things from their perspective. When characters and stories are from historic time periods, children also learn about important events in history.

Students who participate in theatre ultimately learn to appreciate and respect people from all walks of life.

4. Builds Confidence

Much like sports, theatre and the performing arts can help build confidence in children. A recent survey asked students about their experience in drama, and the results highlight the confidence-building effects of theatre:

• - 80% have more self-discipline
• - 82% said it’s easier for them to talk to people they don’t know well
• - 82% said they are better at multi-tasking
• - 78% felt more comfortable doing things independently
• - 84% have more respect for themselves
• - 80% said their attitudes towards themselves is more positive
• - 78% were more satisfied with themselves

Youth theatre helps children feel more self-assured and confident in their own abilities, which will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

5. Better Teamwork and Communication Skills

In school and in business, people must work together to accomplish goals. Being a team player is a valuable skill in the workplace, and it’s one that students can hone through theatre.

In the survey mentioned above, 90% of students said that theatre made it easier for them to work in groups.

The very act of getting up on stage and performing in front of an audience will help children improve their presentation and communication skills.

6. It’s Fun and Kids Make New Friends

Theatre is fun for children of all ages, and it’s a great way for them to make new friends. Many children develop lifelong friends through theatre, and they look forward to each new production.

At Countryside YMCA, our Youth Theatre auditions are open to children from ages 7 to 18. Check back often to see when auditions are being held and which productions are planned for the year.