Some people are lucky enough to have total self-belief. They are rare individuals and in 50 years of teaching acting in performing arts schools I have met a few who combined it with real talent. Most of us aren’t like that. Most of us start confidently as a child but reach a stage where we become anxious in public and uncertain in performance. Am I doing it right? What do they think of me? We question what we’re doing and are easily brought down by a cruel remark. Sometimes we can be our own worst critics.
Going to classes in acting, dancing and singing helps you grow in confidence. For me it took a time. I would blush and speak too quietly and I’m sure I looked like a piece of wood and didn’t know what to do with my hands. That’s where good teachers came to my rescue. They made sure that I didn’t feel wrong or stupid. They helped me discover my place among everyone else and part of their trick was to show me that everyone else had insecurities as well.
We live in a world where people can be randomly judgemental without any real knowledge of the person they are talking about. It’s so easy to take away from others and impose your view of the world. It’s far harder to give space, positivity and praise. At our theatre school, our teachers work hard to create a supportive environment. You can’t learn surrounded with negativity but a sharing, caring space with warmth and laughter encourages creativity and self-belief. And then our young performing arts pupils flourish. It’s contagious when that confidence is spread to other aspects of your life. It develops what I call an upward spiral, vital for good mental health.
And later you realise that the shyness, the reticence you started out with and overcame was something quite important. It is your own special sensitivity to the world. Without that sensitivity you are just a robot without any feelings. So, we can say performing arts classes make nicer human beings.
Our nationwide performing arts schools, teaching young people skills in singing, acting and dancing can provide your child with a weekend activity that encourages confidence, friendship, communication skills and so much more. If you would like to find out more about our theatre schools or your child has shown an interest in attending drama, dance and singing classes then visit our website www.theatretrain.co.uk
