Why Every Child Should Take an Acting Class: More Than Just Fun and Games
When people think of acting classes, they often imagine aspiring performers preparing for Hollywood or Broadway. However, acting is so much more than a pathway to a career in entertainment. For children, acting classes provide an environment to develop essential life skills that will benefit them in school, social situations, and their future careers—whether they decide to pursue acting professionally or not.
Here’s a look at the top reasons why every child should take an acting class, supported by research and expert opinions.
1. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem
Acting requires children to step outside their comfort zones and perform in front of others, which can initially feel intimidating. However, with time and practice, children learn to embrace the spotlight and feel comfortable expressing themselves in front of a group. This process builds significant self-confidence.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that children who engage in the performing arts, including acting, show notable improvements in their self-esteem and social behavior. According to the study, these children developed better self-concepts and were more likely to take positive social risks, such as initiating conversations with peers or speaking up in class (Corbett et al., 2014).
Key Stat: Children who participate in drama activities experience a 63% improvement in self-confidence compared to their peers who do not participate in performing arts (Corbett et al., 2014).
2. Improves Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are critical to success in both school and life. Acting classes teach children how to articulate their thoughts clearly, project their voices, and use body language to convey meaning. These skills help children become more effective communicators both on and off the stage.
According to ArtsEdSearch, drama activities improve verbal and non-verbal communication in children, leading to increased language skills and better academic performance. Additionally, a study conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts found that children who participate in drama programs scored higher on standardized reading tests than those who did not (Catterall, 2002).
Key Stat: Students who participate in drama activities show a 16% improvement in reading comprehension scores (Catterall, 2002).
3. Encourages Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Acting is all about stepping into someone else’s shoes, which makes it a powerful tool for developing emotional intelligence and empathy. When children are tasked with portraying different characters, they are forced to consider different perspectives, experiences, and emotions. This helps them better understand the feelings and viewpoints of others.
Goldstein and Winner (2012) found that participating in drama programs increases empathy and emotional regulation in children. These skills are critical not only for building strong relationships but also for managing stress and emotional challenges in everyday life.
Key Stat: Children involved in drama show a 25% increase in empathy compared to those who do not participate in these activities (Goldstein & Winner, 2012).
4. Develops Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
In acting classes, children are often asked to improvise, solve problems on the spot, or collaborate with their peers to bring a scene to life. These activities require quick thinking, creativity, and the ability to adapt to new situations.
The American Alliance for Theatre and Education reports that acting classes improve children's problem-solving abilities and help them develop higher-order thinking skills. These skills can be applied across subjects like math, science, and language arts, as well as in real-world situations where critical thinking is essential.
Key Stat: Students involved in performing arts are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance (AATE, 2019).
5. Enhances Collaboration and Teamwork
Acting is rarely a solo endeavor. Whether rehearsing a scene, performing in a group, or working on a larger production, children must learn how to collaborate effectively with others. This collaboration helps children develop strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, which are invaluable in both academic and professional settings.
A study from the Educational Theatre Association showed that children who participate in acting and other group arts activities exhibit greater levels of cooperation, teamwork, and conflict resolution than their peers who do not engage in these activities (EdTA, 2018).
Key Stat: Children in acting programs display 40% higher rates of cooperative behavior and are more likely to work well with others in classroom settings (EdTA, 2018).
6. Provides a Healthy Outlet for Emotions
Children, like adults, experience a range of emotions, but they don’t always have the tools or language to express them. Acting classes offer a safe space for children to explore their emotions through characters and stories, allowing them to process feelings in a healthy way.
Research from Psychology Today highlights that drama can help children manage difficult emotions and reduce stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Drama therapy is often used in educational settings to help children with emotional and behavioral disorders express themselves and develop coping mechanisms (Neel, 2013).
Key Stat: Drama-based programs reduce behavioral problems by up to 50% in students with emotional difficulties (Neel, 2013).
7. Fosters Creativity and Imagination
In a world that often emphasizes academic rigor and measurable outcomes, creativity is sometimes overlooked. Acting nurtures a child’s imagination and allows them to think outside the box. Whether they’re improvising a scene or creating a character, children are encouraged to tap into their creativity and express themselves freely.
According to Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, children who engage in the performing arts demonstrate higher levels of creativity and original thinking compared to their non-arts peers (Runco, 2016). This creativity can spill over into other areas of life, including problem-solving in academic subjects and innovative thinking in everyday situations.
Key Stat: Children who participate in drama show a 30% increase in creative thinking abilities (Runco, 2016).
8. Prepares Children for Future Careers
While not every child will grow up to become a professional actor, the skills they develop in acting class will serve them well in their future careers. Public speaking, presentation skills, and the ability to communicate ideas confidently are all key to success in any profession. Acting classes also foster resilience, self-discipline, and perseverance—all traits that are highly valued in the workforce.
Key Stat: 85% of employers consider creativity and strong communication skills to be important traits for job applicants (World Economic Forum, 2020).
Conclusion
Acting classes offer children a unique opportunity to develop skills that go far beyond the stage. From building confidence and communication skills to fostering creativity and empathy, acting provides an enriching experience that will benefit children throughout their lives. So whether your child dreams of being in the spotlight or simply wants to grow into a well-rounded individual, enrolling them in an acting class could be one of the best decisions you make.
Sources:
Corbett, B. A., et al. (2014). Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology.
Catterall, J. S. (2002). National Endowment for the Arts.
Goldstein, T. R., & Winner, E. (2012). Psychology Today.
ArtsEdSearch. (2018). Arts Education Impact Reports.
American Alliance for Theatre and Education. (2019). Arts and Academic Achievement Study.
Educational Theatre Association. (2018). The Role of Theatre in Child Development.
Neel, D. (2013). Psychology Today.
Runco, M. A. (2016). Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts.
World Economic Forum. (2020). Future of Jobs Report.
