What are The Benefits of Drama Lessons for Children?

Does your child enjoy performing? If so, drama lessons may be worth considering. They not only help children develop their acting talent, but also help with a wider range of skills, such as building emotional intelligence, social skills, communication skills, problem solving, and the list goes on. For some insight, we’ve teamed up with a performing arts school in London who have shared the following with us.

An Understanding of Body Language

One of the many benefits to studying drama for children is that they become more aware of their behaviour and that of others. They learn about body language and in turn develop emotional intelligence. In social situations they can gauge a better understanding of what is going on, be more empathetic towards others, act appropriately and mirror the right body language themselves. 

Builds Confidence

Children also can develop their confidence and self-esteem as drama involves children performing in front of others. As a result, they learn how to handle nerves.

Communication

As we know body language makes up a large part of communication. 55% of what we say is non-verbal. Also, as they act out their scenes, children learn to be better verbal communicators.

Improves Concentration

Drama can improve a child’s concentration as focus is of course needed to be able to remember performances to such detail and know when to speak, move etc. 

Builds Team Working Skills 

Interestingly it takes lots of different people to put on a show. There are the actors themselves, a director, people that work behind the scenes in charge of lighting, music, etc, and many other individuals. For everything to run smoothly, children must co-operate and demonstrate team working skills.

Making Friends

Acting lessons bring together a group of children with the same passions and interests. They allow them the opportunity to build their network and make friends. 

Self-Expression

Drama is also expressive. It takes a lot of effort and passion to put on a good performance and therefore can be a way that children express themselves.

Happiness and Satisfaction

It is also one of the things which can give children great joy. Children have the opportunity to be a part of something which they can be proud of and feel a sense of belonging.

Strengthens Memory

To put on a performance, they must remember their lines and where theirs fit in relation to others’. This as you would imagine requires a good memory and can help children in strengthening the part of the brain responsible (the hippocampus). Strangely, drama can therefore help children to excel in their other subjects at school. 

Explore Music and Dance

In addition to acting, children can work on their other talents such as singing and dancing. Performances such as musicals get children to use a range of skills.

Improvisation and Problem Solving

When things don’t go to plan, e.g., they or their peers forget their lines, they may need to improvise. This relies on quick problem solving which teaches children to perform well in a crisis and develops their thinking skills.

Starting a Career

There are many careers within theatre and show business children can access through starting their acting journey. Performing art schools are also run by those with experience of their own and industry contacts that can help them get into the field.

A Bit of Fun

Lastly, drama is very different from their other lessons at school. It is one of the softer subjects they can study which can make school a little less challenging and fun. 

Whilst there are many great benefits to drama lessons for children, parents should be respectful of their child’s choices. For those that are a little more introverted, drama can help to build confidence, however it must be something that they are comfortable with.