Top 10 Reasons Why Theatre is STILL Relevant
Theatre helps us to see a different perspective from our own. We’re shown humanity, psychology, motivations, conflict and resolution. We as the audience get to witness the trajectory of persons other than ourselves. As artists, we put ourselves into emotional and intellectual situations that may never arise in our personal lives. Theatre promotes us to give power to truth, to take risks and to advocate for new and diverse voices.
Theatre reminds us that we are not alone. Not only are we sharing space and an experience with the artists who are performing, we are sharing the experience with fellow audience members. Sharing an experience with live actors and live audience members is not only valuable, it’s necessary for human connection.
Theatre is immediate, evolving, and always different. Although the script may be the same every night, the performance is unique, each and every time it happens. No two performances are ever the same. In this way, everyone involved has a distinct and unique experience that can never be replicated.
Live theatre helps to promote social discourse, dialogue, and potential social change. Theatre is a cultural phenomenon that demands that society examines itself in the mirror. We can study societal problems and attempt to find solutions. Coming together as a community to listen to opposing points of view is necessary.
Theatre promotes education and literacy. Studies have shown that students who participate in theatre do better in school.
Theatre prepares you to NAIL interviews. Many students find that theatre helps them develop the confidence that's essential to speaking clearly, lucidly, and thoughtfully. Acting onstage teaches you how to be comfortable speaking in front of large audiences, how to improvise quickly, and how to become comfortable with others in new, unique, or stressful situations.
Theatre prepares you for the job market. Embedded in a theatre program are skills, traits, and qualities of personality that are well-developed in individuals who complete four years of theatre study. It provides access to marketable skills
21st Century skills: https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-are-21st-century-skills
25 Life skills: http://theatreanddance.appstate.edu/students/prospective-students/25-life-skills-learned-theatre
Theatre provides opportunities for college. Becoming a Thespian provides an advantage when applying to colleges. After all, you will be part of an INTERNATIONALLY recognized academic honor society! Also, both California Thespian Festival and International Thespian Festival provide scholarships and college auditions only available to students of the arts!
Theatre is inclusive. In a problematic world where prejudice is still a huge problem, theatre is a diverse and inclusive environment where age, race, gender, religion, and orientation are not discriminated against but rather celebrated. Not only that, but it is celebrated across cultures throughout the world.
It's FUN!
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