When parents first enquire about Theatretrain, they often ask about the singing, dance and drama classes.
That’s understandable. After all, that’s what we do every Saturday.
But one of the things I’ve noticed over the years is that many of the biggest changes happen away from the actual performing arts skills.
The confidence to walk into a room where you don’t know anyone.
The ability to speak up when you have something to say.
The resilience to keep going when something feels difficult.
These are often the things parents tell me they’ve noticed first.
Here are five life skills I regularly see children developing at Theatretrain.
1. Walking into a room where they don't know anyone
For some children, trying something new is exciting.
For others, it can feel quite daunting.
I’ve seen children arrive clutching Mum or Dad’s hand. I’ve seen children stand quietly by the door while they work out what’s going on. I’ve even seen children tell their parents in the car park that they don’t want to come in.
A few weeks later, many of those same children are walking through the doors chatting to friends and looking forward to their morning.
Learning how to enter a new environment and feel comfortable takes practice.
Like any skill, children get better at it the more opportunities they have to use it.
2. Speaking to adults with confidence
One thing that often surprises parents is how quickly children become comfortable talking to their teachers.
Whether it’s asking a question, sharing an idea during drama or chatting during break time, they gradually learn that their voice matters.
For younger children, that might simply mean introducing themselves.
For teenagers, it might mean standing up in front of a group and sharing their thoughts.
These moments might seem small, but they build confidence that carries into school, interviews, presentations and everyday life.
3. Working with people they wouldn't normally choose
Life doesn’t always allow us to pick our teammates.
At Theatretrain, children regularly work with different people in scenes, songs and group activities.
Sometimes it’s their best friend.
Sometimes it’s someone they’ve never spoken to before.
Learning how to listen, contribute and work towards a shared goal is a valuable skill, and one that becomes more important as children grow older.
4. Recovering when things don't go to plan
Every performer forgets something at some point.
A line.
A dance move.
A lyric.
It happens.
The important thing isn’t avoiding mistakes. It’s learning what to do next.
I’ve watched children make a mistake, take a breath and carry on.
I’ve watched them laugh about it afterwards and realise the world didn’t end.
Those moments teach resilience in a way that no lecture ever could.
Children learn that mistakes are part of learning, not evidence that they’ve failed.
5. Discovering they're capable of more than they thought
This is probably my favourite one.
Sometimes a child arrives convinced they can’t sing.
Or dance.
Or act.
Or perform in front of people.
Then, little by little, they do.
Not because somebody forces them to.
Because they’re given the opportunity to try.
Over time they realise they can remember the routine. They can perform the scene. They can stand on stage.
And once a child starts believing they can do one difficult thing, they’re often more willing to try another.
The skills that stay long after the performance ends
The songs change.
The shows change.
The costumes get packed away.
But the skills children develop along the way tend to stay with them.
Every Saturday at Theatretrain Hitchin, Letchworth and Stevenage, we see children building confidence, friendships, resilience and independence alongside their singing, dance and drama training.
Those are often the things parents tell us they value most.
See What It's Like for Yourself
If you’re wondering whether Theatretrain might be a good fit for your child, the best way to find out is to experience a class.
We offer paid taster sessions throughout the term, giving children the chance to join in, meet the teachers and see what a Saturday at Theatretrain is really like.
You can find out more about our centres in Hitchin, Letchworth and Stevenage and book a taster session when you’re ready.
