Whenever I am at a Theatretrain centre I like to be near the entrance and see the looks on the faces of the kids as they enter. This is especially true of the first day of term.
Some of them are old friends meeting up again and really pleased to see each other. Of course, some of them are new and anxious, possibly not knowing anyone. It may have been an act of bravery even to get this far. We all know what that feels like. Will anyone talk to me? Will I fit in? Will they be judging me? Will I show myself up? Who knows the terrors of being new anywhere? And then they are all swallowed up by the classes and they disappear for the session.
“They’ve made contact with new people, they’ve learnt something new but more important they felt welcomed so they felt that they fitted in.”
But the best part is at the end when they come out. Again I like to be at the door and see some of those faces again. Energised, excited, buzzing with energy and possible ready to be exhausted later. And I look out for the new ones. Usually with the broadest smiles on their faces. They survived the ordeal they thought it would be! They’ve made contact with new people, they’ve learnt something new but more important they felt welcomed so they felt that they fitted in. Again we’ve all had that experience of joining something where the people already there look down at you.
At Theatretrain we make a special effort for newcomers to feel part of the gang straight away. We should never underestimate the guts it takes to go somewhere new. And the upside is you feel great when you’ve done it especially if the people make you feel at home. As I watch them I think I know who will be back for more and when they grow up a bit and are asked to buddy up with a newcomer they remember what it feels like – part of that great chain of making friends with new people and making them feel good about themselves.
Theatretrain is delighted that our schools are reopening for the Autumn term. Our awesome classes in acting, singing, and dancing have been providing teenagers and kids alike with life skills since 1992. Taking performing arts classes are proven to improve academic achievement across the board. Our classes encourage confidence, friendship, communication skills and so much more. If you would like to find out more about our weekend stage schools or your child has shown an interest in attending drama, dance and singing lessons then visit our website www.theatretrain.co.uk or follow us on Instagram by clicking here!
