One of kids’ favorite activities at summer day camp, drama classes offer Dramacool loads of benefits to kids of all ages. From boosting self-confidence to learning to work cooperatively and improving social skills, theatrical education is a fun-filled way to learn and grow. Kids at day camp, after-school programs and community theaters learn and grow while making new friends, developing new skills and having the time of their lives.
Super Social Boost
For shy kids in particular, being a part of a structured social environment like acting class can be a huge boost for social skills and an excellent way to make friends. Youngsters who tend to hang back in a more free-wheeling atmosphere fare much better when they’re part of an activity or project where they have an assigned role. In play production, each actor, stage hand, writer or prop person has his own specific role, making a cohesive and comfortably social group of kids working toward a common goal. An activity like summer day camp acting class might just be the key to getting your quiet, retiring youngster to break out of her shell in a big, happy way.
Loads of Fun and So Much More
Being a part of a play is an awesome experience for kids, but while they’re having a blast hamming it up on stage they’re also boosting future academic performance, honing public speaking skills and gaining experience with critical thinking. Once your child gets that coveted role, they need to start studying scenes, learning lines and eventually figuring out more complicated skills like evaluating their character’s motivation. Additionally, many theater schools and children’s acting workshops present timeless classics like Peter Pan or Tom Sawyer, giving kids a priceless introduction to classic children’s literature.
Not Just for the Life of the Party
We tend to think of kids who are into acting as outgoing and attention-seeking, but even shy youngsters can benefit from treading the boards. Kids who start out wanting to hang back as part of the chorus or a face in the back of the crowd may find themselves suddenly bitten by the acting bug and hungering for that break-out role. It’s a great opportunity for personal growth. Even if they never cotton to getting out on stage front and center, many kids love being a part of the creative crowd by learning to work stage lights, build scenery or manage costumes and props. Some camps, after-school programs and drama schools also allow kids to write dialogue and stage directions, giving valuable experience in all aspects of theatrical production.