Parents: do you remember your first performance in school theater or your regional theater company? Believe it or not, many of the skills you have now may be derived in part from those formative years. Tons of hard and soft skills are taught indirectly and directly when participating in theater that can give students an edge in the working world and in life as an adult.
Musical theater is more than just singing and dancing – it's a form of entertainment that can help kids develop a range of valuable skills that can serve them well in the working world and in life as an adult. Here are some of the transferable skills that kids can gain from participating in musical theater:
Confidence
Performing in front of an audience requires a certain level of confidence and self-assurance. By participating in musical theater, kids can develop the confidence to speak in public, express themselves creatively, and take risks.
Teamwork
Musical theater involves working closely with a team of actors, musicians, and stage crew to put on a successful show. This requires kids to learn how to communicate effectively, collaborate, and support one another.
Leadership
Kids who participate in musical theater may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as directing, stage managing, or choreographing. These roles can help kids develop leadership skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and delegation.
Time management
Putting on a musical requires careful planning and organization, and kids who participate in musical theater must learn how to manage their time effectively in order to meet deadlines and rehearsals.
Adaptability
In the theater, things don't always go as planned – props may break, actors may miss cues, and unforeseen events may occur. Kids who participate in musical theater must learn to adapt quickly and think on their feet in order to keep the show going.
Communication
Whether they're singing, dancing, or acting, kids who participate in musical theater must learn how to communicate effectively through their performance. This includes learning how to project their voice, use facial expressions and body language, and connect with their audience.