The Blessings of Theatre Education

I’ve been blessed enough to work in theatre education for 13 years. I’ve seen children learn and grow. They’ve learned about themselves, learned to work as a team, and learned to build skills that aren't only beneficial to the stage but truly follow them into their adult lives. These are skills of confidence, communication, and empathy. Surely, learning the process of theatre is fun, but that hidden by-product--the thing they don't yet clock in their young eyes--is that it makes them better people. It's transformative.

One of the biggest transformations I see in my students is confidence. Whether my students are 5 or 75, and I’ve got both, that first step on stage can be daunting. But as I tell all my students: those butterflies in the tummy? That stage fright? That’s a good thing! It means that you care! But, for my kids, there is no need to fear. Because our audiences want to see them succeed! And no matter who is in that audience, they can know, without doubt, that they have someone behind them--cheering them on. That's me. It's more than my job. It is my true passion. Because I know what comes next. I see it time and time again; every time that student speaks up, tries–tries again, and feels supported by the group, they start to realize something important: that their voice matters. They’re seen. They’re heard. That kind of self-assurance? It sticks with them, way beyond the curtain call. And, parents have repeatedly testified to that fact over the years.

And speaking of parenthood... In a few short weeks, my wife and I will be blessed to welcome our first child into our family. And I want this for my daughter. I want her to have a sense of community. I want her to see the different perspectives that theatre offers. I want her to be wise, and above all, empathetic to those around her. I know that studying theatre and being involved in the art can make this happen. I've lived it myself. I fell in love with theatre in high school. It allowed me a scholarship for college, the ability to travel and meet, and work with new people, chiefly among them was the woman who would become her mother. Our shared love of the art brought us together, brought us to this place. It's life altering and life affirming.

And it's so much fun in the summertime. There is magic in the summer for kids. It's two short months that can feel like a year for a child. There's no school. Kids are looking for a way to connect with their friends. Camps of any kind kindle that flame of socialization. I'd want my daughter in a theatre camp. Dancing wildly--even if off beat. Singing loudly--even if off key. Playing. Learning. Pretending. Finding a place to belong.

This summer at Emerald Coast Theatre Company we have a wonderful selection of titles to choose from.  Snow White and Seussical the Musical for grades 2nd to 5th. Too Many Detectives, Chicago (audition only), and Beetlejuice for our Teens 6th-12th grade. And our Mini Players, K-1st, have titles like Moana, Encanto, Trolls, and more! There are also several Show Choir Camps available for multiple age groups. 

If your kid’s looking for a place to belong, I’d love to welcome them to our stage. Maybe they, too, will grow, connect, and fall in love with the arts. There is no way of knowing just where it could take them. It could very well be a blessing.