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Buchanan Studios
Childrens' Theatre Annapolis - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
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What if a kid could lead a completely different life, even if it were only for an hour or two? What would they learn about themselves in the process? Ask any theatre arts educator, and they’ll tell you quite simply — a lot. More than you might expect, in fact.
You may have heard about the importance of arts education, such as the educational programming available at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, which includes summer camps, workshops (even virtual ones!) and master classes. All kinds of studies show that exposure to the arts can boost academic achievement and test scores — but why is that? In short, being involved with the arts teaches students vital life skills. Here are some unexpected ways you might see a child grow by doing theatre.
- They develop creativity and empathy. When students are working on creating a theatrical production, they are called upon to make specific choices on their own. They must use their imaginations to decide how they would react in a situation. They have to put themselves in the mind of somebody who isn’t like them. By thinking like somebody who is different from them, kids gain a sense of empathy that will help them be more understanding, tolerant community members.
- They learn the value of teamwork. There’s an old saying in theatre: “There are no small parts, just small actors.” Theatre kids know this to be true — they work as an ensemble to tell a story, and each one of them is an important part of that. They learn to respect and value others, just as they learn to value and respect themselves. But it’s not just about appreciating a person’s intrinsic worth. From a practical perspective, because students know that their castmates are counting on them, they learn to take responsible actions like being at rehearsal on time, bringing necessary materials like their scripts or dance shoes, and putting in the work at home to review what they learned in rehearsal.
- They don’t let any obstacle stop them. There’s also another expression you might have heard: “The show must go on.” Theatre kids know that they have to be ready for opening night, no matter what, so when unexpected challenges arise or something goes completely wrong, they don’t let it faze them — even when that something happens in the middle of a performance, they find a way to cover for the mistake and keep moving forward. This “can do” attitude helps them not only onstage but also in the classroom and even in their future workplaces.
- Connecting with other subjects in a new way. Some kids sit in the classroom and wonder, “When am I ever going to use this?” But theatre kids find that all sorts of information is relevant in the rehearsal studio or onstage. Theatre can bring historical figures back to life, and it makes cultures from across the world suddenly accessible. Theatre kids realize their math lessons on fractions will help them count measures when they’re singing a song, or their science classes on human anatomy will help when they’re stretching for dance practice. Theatre makes every other subject relevant and gives students a thirst for learning something new.
If your child wants to discover for themselves all the benefits that being involved in theatre has to offer, check out www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org for upcoming classes, workshops, and auditions.