Summer term is StageAbility’s busiest in terms of staging productions. As you may have seen, we have just staged Shrek Jr with our youth theatre, and soon – Sunday 16th July – we shall be rounding off the summer term with our annual school show A Touch of Class, and our Musical Theatre Masterclass Graduation show. And then, we have our summer drama camp performances which result from our Show in a Week projects that run in Tilehurst, Wokingham and Mortimer and also our Teen Summer Theatre project. These run from Monday 7th to Friday 12th August and culminate in a full theatre show.
So why do we do this? Our weekly drama classes are not about performance at all. They focus on building confidence, encouraging creative thinking and team work. The pressure of performance is almost entirely removed. Are we contradicting ourselves by filing summer with theatre shows?
I don’t think so. I believe that theatre is a powerful art form that can have a profound impact on children. It can help them take the next steps in expressing their creativity, communication skills and self-confidence.
And here’s why:
- Creativity. Theatre is a great way for children to express their creativity. They can use their imaginations to create characters, stories, and worlds. Theatre can also help children develop their problem-solving skills as they work to overcome challenges in their characters’ lives.
- Communication skills. Theatre is a great way for children to improve their communication skills. They learn how to project their voices, speak clearly, and memorize lines. They also learn how to work with others as they collaborate with other actors, directors, and crew members.
- Self-confidence. Theatre can help children build their self-confidence. They learn to take risks, face their fears, and perform in front of an audience. They also learn to believe in themselves and their abilities.
If you are thinking about getting your child involved in a theatre show, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to find a show that is appropriate for your child’s age and interests. Second, you should make sure that the show is well-run and has a good reputation. Finally, you should be prepared to support your child throughout the process, which will mean booking things around rehearsal times and not just missing that week – don’t start me on that…that’s for another blog post.
Being involved in a theatre show can be a rewarding experience for children. It can help them develop their skills, learn new things, and make new friends. If you are looking for a way to enrich your child’s life, consider getting them involved in a theatre show this summer!
You can check out our camps here: https://stageability.class4kids.co.uk/camps