If you have a child with a flair for the dramatic, who loves to sing and dance, or wants to be part of a team without playing sports, theater may be the answer you are looking for. Participating in theater can expose kids to music, arts, culture, teamwork and more. Most of the benefits of participating in theater help them in school now as well as in the future as they enter college and later the workforce. Here are the top 5 reasons that kids should give theater a try.

Teamwork

There are so many different aspects that go into a theater production such as actors, musicians, sound technicians, set building, backstage hands, costume design, and more. The entire group must work as a team to bring the production together, which is no small task. Kids will learn about teamwork in a whole new way by participating in theater. Another great benefit is that they will most likely build some friendships along the way.

Communication

Kids will learn confidence in public speaking, voice projection, memorization of lines, and how to confidently carry themselves in front of a crowd. Kids gain confidence by meeting the challenge of performing in front of others and meeting the goal of a successful production with the support of their fellow cast members and production directors.

Empathy

As kids examine how the character they play in the production responds and reacts emotionally to situations they naturally learn empathy for others. This is a great skill to have in life because it helps kids relate to others, care for friends, and understand why people react the way they do in a variety of situations.

Responsibility

Kids participating in theater will have to memorize their lines, speak them with confidence, and perform them in order to contribute to the production as a whole. They will also have to maintain any other responsibilities at home, school, and any additional extracurricular activities. Kids will learn to prioritize, organize, and be held accountable for their role in the production. These are skills that will serve them well in the future.