Wenger | J.R. Clancy: March is Theatre in Our Schools Month. Theatre education plays a fundamental role in
building well-rounded students. If you have been following this blog, it is likely that theatre holds a special place in your heart, and you understand the joy it can bring. Beyond enjoyment, there are thousands of studies that demonstrate how theatre education improves academic performance, develops identity, increases civic engagement, and is promoted by public opinion.
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I immediately clicked on this article because the education and exposure I got to theatre in school made me the person that I am today. The section on “ development of identity and self-concept” I felt was one of the biggest factors in the argument for theatre education. I, and other people I know who did theatre in high school, generally seem to be more in touch and aware of their emotions, as well as feel greater empathy and communicate well with others. One thing that I always felt was weird was that at my middle school everyone was required to do at least one season of a sport (it is now two) but no one was required to do theatre. I attended private prep school, but I know this is a big problem in public schools even more. In fact, the town next to mine just cut their entire theatre program. This was mind-boggling to me when I heard it, and the explanation was just that not enough people were interested in it. But what about the people that are? And, I think more people would be interested if theater education and involvement was presented in a more positive and accessible way, just like sports are thrust down all our throats as soon as a child could walk.
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