Theater Develops Creativity, Empathy and Confidence

Theater in education has many benefits for students of all ages. It allows students to develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication skills, and self-confidence. Additionally, theater can foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in students. 

In Waldorf schools, the performing arts, including theater, are integrated into the curriculum in many ways. Students may use theater to learn about diverse cultures and historical periods or explore scientific concepts.  

At the Upper Valley Waldorf School students are involved in assemblies, plays, and musical performances every year. These performances provide opportunities for students to display their skills and to come together as a community. We see the wide-ranging positive impacts on our students and the powerful boost to their self-confidence that the performing arts provide. 

Class plays have a significant role in the curriculum. These plays are performed by students in grades 1-8 each year and are based on material that each class has studied. This allows the students to connect the material to real-life situations, helping to deepen their understanding of the subject matter. The class play is also an opportunity for students to work together, support one another, and develop a sense of camaraderie. 

Waldorf education is a holistic educational approach that emphasizes the development of the whole child – intellectually, artistically, emotionally, and socially. 

The performing arts, including theater, are seen as an essential tool for this development, as they allow students to explore and express themselves in a multi-faceted way. 

“Kids who perform gain skills that extend far beyond the standing ovation.” 

Savacool, Julia, "How the Performing Arts Benefit Kids.” Scholastic, n.d., 

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/how-performing-arts-benefit-kids.html