Beyond the Stage: Why Theatre Should Be an Essential Part of Every Student’s Curriculum

With the advent of the rapidly evolving technological era, education has become more than just bookish knowledge and exams. Good grades are important, yet what is essential about education is the formation of a confident, empathic, creative and resilient individual. And that is why theatre is crucial. Integration of theatre into school programs promotes the development of communication skills, emotional intelligence, leadership, teamwork, creativity and critical thinking — qualities which are needed by every individual irrespective of his/her future job.

However, theatre is not only about acting. Theatre is an integral experience of education which allows children to speak up and gain confidence. Whether a child aspires to be a doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, artist or teacher, the personal skills that he/she will have acquired through the theatre experience will be valuable for him/her all life long. Such activities as improvisation, story telling, role playing, voice training and movement allow improving public speaking, solving problems and communicating with other people.

One of the biggest trends in modern day performing arts education is that of theatre therapy. Becoming increasingly popular all over the world, theatre therapy utilizes theatrical forms of expression to enhance the emotional well-being of an individual, minimize his/her anxiety, foster a sense of self-respect and healthy social interaction. Children of today are burdened by a number of problems — from huge academic stress and expectations of society, to constant exposure to various forms of media. Theatre gives children the ability to process their emotions in a creative environment and teaches them how to properly express themselves.

When people search online for top acting schools or the best dance class near me, they do not simply want performance classes anymore. They want a school that will aid in developing their personality as a whole.

Organizations embracing this philosophy include the Kolahal Theatre Workshop, which has taken theatre beyond entertainment and re-defined it as a means of learning, recovery, and societal change. Going past the traditional performing arts institute, Kolahal combines theatre and dance with participation in society in order to create learning experiences that are enriching for participants from all walks of life. Based on the philosophy of its founder, Kolahal firmly believes in giving each person an equal chance to participate in the performing arts, regardless of who he or she is.

The work of the Kolahal proves how theatre therapy can have an impact on people outside the conventional classroom settings. This is because Kolahal has engaged with marginalized groups, individuals who have been abused and those suffering from substance addiction, as well as children with special needs, using specially designed programmes of drama and performing arts. It is evident through these programmes that theatre can actually transcend boundaries and bring with it dignity, self-respect, and inclusiveness.

The training method used by the workshop involves acting, dancing, storytelling, movement, voice, and group performance techniques, making learning an enjoyable and experiential experience. Using such a holistic technique ensures that the learners develop their ability to concentrate, communicate, lead, think creatively, regulate emotions, and learn. It is for this reason that the performing arts should be an integral part of formal education programs.

As education develops to suit the demands of the twenty-first century, the inclusion of theater in school education programs becomes imperative. Schools such as Kolahal Theater Workshop show how theater incorporated into education not only turns students into good performers but into good thinkers, sensitive citizens, communicators, and emotionally balanced people. In short, the stage becomes the classroom where life lessons are taught.

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