Why Do We Need Theater?

I found this thought the other day and it expressed a great deal of what I feel the value of theater is to our lives and especially to children.

WHY DO WE NEED THEATRE? Author Unknown

1. Theatre prepares students for life in the real world by guiding continual development and refinement of interpersonal skills. (True---you have to learn to work together as a cast and company to put together a play)

2. Theatre has the ability to affect students on a personal level by contributing to mental, emotional, and social growth. (Absolutely--they have to give it their all on all of these levels in order to accomplish the goal)

3. Theatre helps students develop a sense of community and social responsibility. (Ditto)

4. Theatre gives students the opportunity to voice opinions, explore personal concerns, and produce viable solutions to problems. (It also gives them a way to express themselves in a positive manner and find solutions to issues only discussed)

5. Theatre encourages diversity and the exploration of the human experience. (oops--I think I answered this one one too early)

6. Theatre explores various cultures and breaks down damaging stereotypes. (enough said)

7. Theatre asks students to be active participants and advocates for others, aware of surroundings and their ability to mediate and effect change.

8. Theatre communicates the fact that as many ways as we humans are different, we share common bonds and can connect with everyone on some level, bringing new understanding and compassion to our lives.

Why do you think we need theater? Do you actively participate?

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