This topic comes up every quarter as we chat with families about theater education and the next step for their young performer. Families want the photo opportunity, they want the cute costumes, the tossing of flowers, and the bows! bows! bows! because it makes them feel good to make their young performer feel good. It creates a shared sense of pride.
We love that part of our work, as well. But the reward of a live performance isn’t where the transformation happens. The arts have a very powerful, unique, and research-proven impact on the development of young people. That impact doesn’t occur in the final performance… In fact, the final performance is rarely where you see the full impact.
Recently, we heard from a few families that they are satisfied with the outcomes of their young performers online education but miss the live performance. We miss it, as well. But you know what isn’t missing from the online education experience? The EXPERIENCE! Through quality arts programs (even online) young performers are gaining critical life and leadership skills – skills you may not see in a final bow, but skills gained through the process of creating the work you are so eager to applaud.
The skills gained from the process include (and are not limited to):
- The ability to initiate new ideas
- Learn to give and receive constructive criticism
- Practice working with others to create something unique
- Practice active listening
- Exercise compromise and creative problem solving skills
- Develop a sense of empathy for others
- Express ideas in unique ways and from diverse perspectives
- Gain confidence and learn how to express their own ideas and opinions and consider others ideas and opinions
- Approach a problem as an exciting challenge
- Make mistakes and adjust their methods to improve upon their work
- Discover that goals are achievable even though they may present challenges
- Practice nonverbal communication and emotional management
- Learn and practice time management and preparation for their project
- Exercise taking responsibility for their work, knowing they are part of a team
- Practice creating something unique and appreciation for that experience that they can learn and grow from
This list is supported by more than 25 years of experience working with youth in the theater and from research conducted by The Artistic Edge (2012). The full report can be viewed here.
While we all miss the opportunities to celebrate the performance, we miss the mark when we discount the process. Even in a time of quarantine – and arguably, ESPECIALLY in a time of quarantine – access to quality, online theater arts education is just as impactful as the in-person programs. And video performances create a lasting tool to educate and to celebrate.
Don’t discount the process. Learn to embrace the final performance for what it is and celebrate the courage, commitment, respect, enthusiasm, and excellence demonstrated through the process by your young performer.
We invite you to check out our new online offerings starting mid-May. TreasureValleyChildrensTheater.com
