Whilst traditionally it was often accepted that there were only a small number of ‘stable,’ and successful career paths that didn’t require subjects in humanities, let alone the arts; in recent years, the focus in the workplace has shifted. Now, more than ever, Businesses are requiring the next generation to be exceptional communicators in the workplace.
Despite funding cuts in creative subjects, the skills learned in singing, dancing and acting are being increasingly valued in our children’s development. Performance classes are not only engaging and fun for children, but also help our children acquire key life skills such as discipline and perseverance; helping them to succeed later on in life.
Without this exposure to theatre and performance, our children will struggle to reach their full potential.
Here are five reasons I believe the Performing Arts really do play a crucial part in our children’s education both on and off the stage.
1. Improving Academic Performance
Vocational performance subjects have traditionally been viewed as a distraction in a child’s educational development, yet recent studies have proven otherwise. Not only do they increase a child’s confidence, but these studies have suggested that children taking classes in performance, often perform better in core subjects such as English, Science, and Maths. There are obvious benefits to subjects like English, where acting a play out loud can help children explore different meanings within a text. However, it is the confidence found through performance that will translate to success in other subjects; such as forming a hypothesis or producing an exceptional presentation.
2. Inspiring Passion
Whilst an influx of social communication on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and even (dare I say it) TikTok has rendered our children more passionate about phones than anything else, encouraging a passion for a skill is healthy for their development. Creating a production is hard work, and naturally, children feel a sense of pride for being part of a team. By inspiring them to have visions and goals at an early age, we give them the platform for a brighter future. Even if that passion shifts on to something else, the momentum found on stage will help them to achieve their goals later on in life.
3. Discipline and Resilience
There are hours and hours of practice that go into every performance. Professional dancers in particular are known for their dedication to their craft. Shows such as Britain’s Got Talent may tell our children that natural talent is the most important factor in success but learning perseverance and resilience is equally so.
Our children have to set aside time to practice their lines, rehearse their moves and hone their vocal range. This promotes independence and self worth as they must constantly develop new abilities and skills to become better at their craft.
4. Free Thought
Unlike many subjects such as maths or science where the answer can only be right or wrong, performance classes allow our children freely. Releasing the pressure of high stress subjects that focus on testing and grades, performance classes open up their minds to new possibilities. It can help release anxieties and even burn off a lot of energy too.
5. Preparation for the future
Whether working in the public or private sectors, jobs are competitive, and skillsets are required to be more and more versatile. Without the right communicative equipment, our children will struggle in the workplace. Performance classes in acting and musical theatre develop our children’s public speaking skills. It will support them in their adult life whether it be an initial conversation with a prospective employer, a presentation in front of a client, or perhaps even a dreaded wedding speech.
Unlike any other subject in a child’s curriculum, the skills our young people develop in the Performing Arts could potentially be used at least once every day for the rest of their lives.
At West End In, whilst producing the next Benedict Cumberbatch from one of our LAMDA courses would be wonderful, our central philosophy is equipping each and every child with performative skills that go well beyond the theatre.