What is performing arts?
The official definition of performing arts is “forms of creative activity that are performed in front of an audience, such as drama, music, and dance.”
Types of performing arts include…
- Dance
- Music
- Drama
- Opera
- Circus Acts
Benefits
- Help children master their anxiety
Many of us, even as adults, get nervous when having to speak in front of people, whether speaking at an event or delivering a presentation to our boss. It can be very beneficial introducing a child at an earlier age as it can ease their anxiety and get them used to speaking in front of people.
- Communication, concentration and memory skills
Participating in the performing arts is an excellent way for children to improve their communication skills. Taking acting lessons will improve their presentation skills, concentration skills, and much more. Whether learning new lines or memorising cues and timing, means your child will improve their focus, memory, concentration and learning skills.
- Social & Emotional Skills
It’s not just academic skills your children will learn, children will also learn how to work as part of a team, listen to others and express themselves, as well as share and make new friends. By learning to minimise mistakes and bounce back, solve problems and improvise, they will gain the confidence to manage and cope in new situations that arise in everyday life.
- Strengthen parent-child bonds
By engaging families in a child’s learning, whatever it may be, iit provides a shared experience. By getting your child involved in performing arts and you going with them, it will strengthen your bonds and allow you to have a shared interest to spend time together doing something fun that you both love and enjoy.
- Stimulating experiences
Your child doesn’t have to physically take part in performing arts themselves to get the benefits. Visiting museums, art galleries, theatres, libraries, dance/music venues can provide a stimulating experience for your child, allowing them to learn new things and encounter new environments.
Visiting the Theatre
Taking a trip to the theatre is a great way to introduce youngsters to the arts and expose them to new forms of storytelling. It sets their imagination racing – and it’s something parents can enjoy too! However, when taking your child to the theatre, there are many things to consider.
- Pick a show that’s age appropriate
Some shows will not be appropriate for children. For example, many West End shows are not children-friendly. However, some theatres such as the Lyric Theatre, Garrick Theatre and Vaudeville Theatre, regularly house productions specially made for children. Shows like The Gruffalo, Horrible Histories, The Snowman and The Railway Children have been favourites for children on the West End.
- Picking the right seats
You can buy a ticket for a seat as close to the action as you want, but if you think that you’re going to be getting out of your seat regularly with a child in tow, booking an aisle seat is recommended. Doing this, you’ll be able to get in and out of the theatre while disturbing fewer people than if you were in the middle of a row.
- Snacks
It may be worth thinking about what things to take with you to the theatre. Taking a snack might help when your child is beginning to become restless. Make sure you choose something that won’t be too noisy or too messy to eat, and get it out of your bag beforehand so you don’t disturb other people. Most theatres sell snacks too!
- Get there in plenty of time
You don’t want to arrive so early your child is bored before the show has even started, but equally, allowing time to show them the theatre – the stalls and the circle seats, the lights, the sound desk etc – will help familiarise them and hopefully make them less inclined to explore during the show.
Case Study
Amy Bennett, our Assistant Manager in training at Cherubs Sutton-in-Ashfield, shares with us her reflection on her childhood and how performing arts aided her confidence.
“From starting school I was always really shy and reserved. I never had many friends and preferred not to initiate conversations with others. My parents took me on holiday to Haven sites from a young age and this is where my ambition to be on stage began. I wanted to entertain others and make their holidays enjoyable and memorable.
Over the years this became my chosen career, however I felt I lacked the confidence to pursue this career. Whilst at secondary school I decided to take the plunge and apply for college to do a National Diploma in Performing Arts, in which I received the highest grade of a Triple Distinction. This was the best decision I ever made! During my time at college I had so much support from others. I was really lucky to be able to come out of my shell and found if I was acting as anyone but myself I had so much more confidence. Since college I have had three years working at a children’s theme park and a year working at a Haven holiday camp on stage. While here I had many responsibilities such as calling bingo, doing party dances, presenting game shows, taking part in character shows, and running children’s clubs.
Performing arts has given me so much confidence in all aspects of life, such as ‘small things’ like answering the phone, being able to talk to parents, doing activities with the children for Ofsted, carrying out nursery show arounds and inducting new staff. I also change my voice when reading stories and can act out mini stories with the children too, which they absolutely love! Without performing arts I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Performing arts has been a big part of my life and my working career. I have worked at Cherubs Nurseries for 13 years now, working my way up from an Apprentice to an Assistant Manager in training. Most of my skills I already have including teamwork and communication skills have been influenced by performing arts from a young age.“
