For our young people, taking part in theatre-based projects and simply having a platform to be creative, is an invaluable experience; and one that is unfortunately undervalued and overlooked within our society.
In recent years, the lack of funding in education has seen creative subjects across the country being cut, with an increased emphasis instead upon achievement in academic subjects that are seen as “more important”. However, recent studies also show that young people who participate in performing arts activities are not only more confident, but they quickly develop key life skills; and often then out-perform their peers in those “more important” subjects, too.
During the pandemic, everyone that turned to creativity and the wider arts disciplines as a coping mechanism, was celebrated for doing so; and this mindset is something we need to continue long into our post-pandemic world.
The performing arts creates well-rounded individuals, who are determined and passionate. After all, the majority of performers have become who they are through hours and hours of practice and dedication. Yet, often practice is overlooked, and success is put down to natural talent you are born with, but learning perseverance and self-worth teaches young people life-long resilience.
However, alongside the proven worth of these transferrable skills, the confidence, resilience, self-esteem, determination, etc, is something that we actually believe is perhaps even more important for our young people: The arts promote joy, happiness and freedom. Theatre itself is entirely subjective, and relieves the pressures of ‘right and wrong’ within our young people; who otherwise face almost daily the pressures of ‘being right’ and fitting a very specific mould. Performance takes courage, but the freedom of self-expression and exploration of relationships and self that comes with performance and the arts; is a reward like no other, for our young people.