October 11, 2023

The Pros and Cons of Performing Arts Exams

When it comes to nurturing your child's artistic flair, there are various routes to choose from, each with its unique benefits and considerations. Which option suits your child best?

When it comes to children’s performing arts education, there are different approaches, each with its merits and considerations. 

Performing arts exams have long been seen as a way to measure progress and proficiency, but they can have downsides. 

Here at Theatretrain we offer an alternative approach without exams. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both methods to help you as a parent make informed choices.

The Advantages of Performing Arts Exams:

1. Structured Learning

Exams provide a structured curriculum, ensuring that children cover essential techniques and knowledge in a systematic manner.

2. Goal-Oriented Progress

Exams set clear goals for students, motivating them to work towards achieving specific levels of proficiency in their chosen art form.

3. Recognition and Accreditation

Successfully passing exams can lead to recognized qualifications, which may be beneficial for future educational and career opportunities.

4. Feedback and Improvement

Exams offer constructive feedback, helping students identify areas for improvement and refine their skills.

The Downsides of Performing Arts Exams

1. Creativity Restriction

The rigid exam structure may inadvertently limit a child’s creativity by emphasizing conformity to specific techniques and guidelines.

2. Pressure and Anxiety

Exams can induce performance anxiety and stress, potentially hindering a child’s ability to fully enjoy and express themselves through the arts.

3. Focus on Technique Over Expression

The exam-centric approach might prioritize technical proficiency at the expense of emotional expression and creativity.

4. Standardization vs. Individuality

The exam-centric approach might prioritize technical proficiency at the expense of emotional expression and creativity.

The Theatretrain Way

At Theatretrain, we’re all about helping kids unleash their creativity and have a blast expressing themselves through art! Forget about exams – our focus is on making learning fun and exciting. We really want children to fall in love with the arts and enjoy every moment.

Every child is a star at Theatretrain! We love cheering on their unique abilities and encouraging them to be themselves. It’s all about letting their artistic journey be as special and one-of-a-kind as they are.

At Theatretrain, there’s always something new and awesome to discover! We make sure kids get to try out a bunch of cool art forms and styles, making their performing arts education super exciting and diverse

Performing arts education offers different paths, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. 

Performing arts exams provide structure, clear goals, and recognized qualifications, but they may restrict creativity and induce stress. 

On the other hand, our approach prioritises creativity, individuality, and a stress-free environment for children to explore and enjoy the arts. 

Only you as a parent can make the decision on which is best for your child.

If you want to give Theatretrain a go, click one of the buttons below to find out about taster sessions

If exams are what you are looking for check out Stagecoach or PQA

Theatretrain, a nationwide provider of weekend theatre schools for young people aged 4-18, specialises in weekly classes in acting, singing, and dancing. An emphasis is placed on learning valuable life skills such as confidence, empathy, courage, and resilience. If you know a child who loves to dance, act and sing or could do with a little confidence boost why not visit to find out what our performing arts classes can offer your child at one of our 80 locations across the UK.

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