As parents, we strive to support our children in all of their endeavors. Actors act because nothing satisfies them as much. For young performers, it instills values and improves a child’s self-image. According to a May 2005 Harris Poll, 93 percent of Americans believe that the arts are essential to a complete education. Acting and performing teaches children the value of their creativity and gives them the confidence to share it with others. If you ever question what your child is achieving on their quest, here are three reminders of why acting can boost self-confidence and help your child thrive.
Acting instills pride in children. Acting requires enormous effort and helps children realize their potential for success. If your child spends time practicing, cultivating, and perfecting a piece of art, she will feel a great sense of accomplishment when she performs. She will carry that sense of pride into other aspects of her life because she developed confidence in her ability to achieve her goals.
Acting improves academic life. Studies show that acting translates into improved academic performance. The American Alliance for Theatre & Education found that students involved in drama performance “scored an average of 65.5 points higher on the verbal component and 35.5 points higher in the math component of the SAT.” Acting develops listening skills, reading comprehension, as well as social skills among children. A good performance relies on the ability for children to work as a team. Teamwork is also a necessary component to a successful academic life. If a child is constantly improving on these skills by performing, her confidence on the stage will improve her confidence in the classroom.
Acting is an outlet for creativity. Acting provides children with a safe space for self-expression. There is no right or wrong. Actors discover more about themselves by working with their minds and bodies. If a child believes in her own ability as an actor, it will translate in her performance. Acting is also a collaborative experience. Actors must work with each other to build trust and confidence in their art. Also necessary to any performance is the work of the stage crew. If your child finds her passion behind the scenes, stage crew and management provides a collaborative setting in which she can learn skills for success.
Acting creates a community for creativity and passion. Whether your child has dreams to act professionally, or simply enjoys it as a hobby, she will learn that her art has value. Success comes from believing in yourself and your abilities. The confidence that children gain through performing will carry over to all aspects of their life.
