Aspiring actors have the unique opportunity to hone their skills in drama classes at summer camp. Not only do these classes serve as a fun diversion from their usual school day, but they also provide the perfect chance to learn skills that will last a lifetime. Preparing for a play and performing for an audience takes both dedication and courage, and your child benefits from learning these five life skills every time they take center stage.
See Other Perspectives
Getting into character requires putting on someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. Whether a child is portraying an optimistic orphan or a misunderstood ogre, they have to stretch their imaginations to understand how their character would behave. The ability to empathize with others transfers to becoming a people person that excels in school and work experiences.
Improve Poise
When performing, it is often necessary to think on one’s feet since anything could happen. If a fellow actor forgets their lines, your child may have to pick up the beat. In acting class, kids also learn how to control their body language to support the script. As they do, your child will know how to properly express their emotions. From giving a bow to express gratitude for applause to smiling through their stage fright, acting lessons emphasize the effect that every movement makes on the audience.
Learn to Cooperate as a Team
Many kids struggle with working in a group, and sports are not the only place to help them learn the value of teamwork. For every play that goes on, there is a team of kids that all must work together to make sure the show runs smoothly. While some kids may act, others may play supporting roles through designing the set or planning the costumes. Regardless of what role a child plays, communication is key to a successful performance.
Develop Public Speaking Skills
Speaking to a large group is still a fear among many adults, yet it is critical to career success today. Drama class teaches kids the fundamentals of speech such as how to project their voice and stay calm when standing before an audience. With public speaking, practice really does make perfect. Performing in a play at summer camp also provides a supportive audience full of a kid’s peers and family which makes it a little easier to stand before a crowd for the first time.
Increase Self-Confidence
Acting coaches at camp have the honor of watching as kids go from fumbling through their lines to playing their role like a pro in front of an audience. With every line that is mastered and every successful show, kids develop self-confidence that they carry with them throughout their lives. In time, even the shyest kid asks to take their chance in the spotlight, and parents always notice the difference by the time the final curtain falls.
The idea that art can influence life has long been in existence, and drama classes at camp allow kids to express their creativity while building their confidence in front of an audience. While your kid may just think they are having fun in their drama program, you will know that they are learning skills that they will use throughout their life.
If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/camp-arts-program.html
