Several studies have found a link between theater participation and academic success and self-confidence. Students that participate in theater frequently have greater reading comprehension, keep better attendance records, and stay more involved in school than their non-arts counterparts, in addition to having higher standardized test scores than their classmates who do not participate in the arts. Even in low-income communities, schools with arts-integrated programs show good academic accomplishment. Students considered to be at high risk for dropping out of high school cite drama and other arts classes as their motivations for staying in school. Students who participate in the arts are 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance than those who do not.
In addition to building social and communication skills overall, involvement in drama courses and performance has been shown to improve students’ self-esteem as well as their confidence in their academic abilities. A study published in Champions of Change (1999) cites theatre arts, including performance, classes, and participation in a drama club, as a source for "gains in reading proficiency, gains in self-concept and motivation, and higher levels of empathy and tolerance towards others" among youth of low socio-economic status. To learn more about what theater can do for your child, reply to us or browse our programs and we would love to see how we can help!
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