6. Drama and Musical Theatre
As with instrumental music and dance, drama and musical theatre are part of the performing arts. Participating in these activities from an early age helps children build a sense of self-control through engagement with imaginary play. Taking drama and musical theatre classes builds self-confidence and the ability to perform in front of others. It can be a perfect way to overcome fears about public speaking or class presentations. Drama and musical theatre are collaborative by nature, and these activities build cooperation, trust, concentration, respect for others, and listening skills. As children take on the role of a character, they build empathy by learning to understand another person’s perspective. Both drama and musical theatre productions can require children to memorize lengthy passages of text or music, and this can aid in memorization for academic classes, too. Musical theatre combines drama and singing, allowing your child to develop in both of these areas. If your child enjoys drama and musical theatre, consider enrolling him or her in private lessons to stimulate interest and progress. You may also wish to attend live performances by local arts groups or touring Broadway productions.
