It’s hard growing up as a young person these days. Apart from puberty, added self-consciousness, and peer group pressure this generation has also had to endure Covid, increasing wars around the war, and big increases to the costs of living – the list is endless. Young people don’t have any choice but to be resilient so it’s hardly surprising that mental health issues are front and centre at the moment and the number one issue by far is anxiety. So, here’s a list of ways in which performing arts training can help.
Building Confidence. Being in front of others builds self-confidence. They become more comfortable being seen and heard, which can translate to everyday situations.
Expressing Emotions. It’s a safe outlet for expressing emotions at one stage removed and they can explore and release pent-up feelings – even by talking about them.
Focus. Intense concentration and being in the moment help young people develop mindfulness, reducing thoughts about past or future worries.
Sociability. Participating involves teamwork and collaboration, which help young people form supportive relationships which in turn give a sense of belonging and reduce isolation.
Resilience. They cope with mistakes and challenges and learn to handle constructive criticism while dealing with fears.
Problem Solving. They think outside the box and approach problems from different angles helping them develop flexible thinking skills.
Physical Activity. The work involves movement, which releases endorphins and improves physical well-being.
Role-Playing. Improvising allows young people to try out different roles and perspectives. This helps them understand and manage their own emotions better and develop empathy.
Routine. Regular rehearsals, performances, and classes create a structured routine, which offers stability and predictability. This is comforting and it reduces uncertainty.
Achievement and Recognition. Succeeding in the performing arts in class or performance provides a sense of accomplishment, and validation and boosts self-esteem.
If you work in the performing arts, you’ve always known these things.
What I don’t understand is why cuts are so often made to young people’s activities when in front of us we have a wonderful opportunity to develop their lives and tackle anxiety through the power of theatre.
Believe me, I’ve written to the government. There are millions of young people out there who could benefit.
