Today I used theatre to reach kids in crisis. Today I used theatre to help kids suffering from PTSD. Today I used theatre to help kids from broken homes. Today I used theatre to help kids in despite need of help and a listening ear. Today I used theatre to help kids longing for a “dad” figure or an example of “a real man” in their lives. Today I used theatre to teach kids about the consequences of choices. Today I used theatre to help kids feel creative. Today I used theatre to help kids make connections with others. Today I used theatre to help kids talk about and work through differences. Today I used theatre to teach kids about cooperation and working together. Today I used theatre to teach kids about responsibility and dependability. Today I used theatre to help and encourage students to do well in all of their classes, even helping them to make sense of their English, Mat, Science, and other classes.
Theatre matters in education!
Theatre matters because it does no harm. Seriously. While engaged in creating or attending theatre, students are not engaged in war, persecution, crime, abuse, substance abuse, pornography, or any other social or personal vice they could engage in instead. In stead, theatre helps students to make human connections, helping them to learn how to talk to others and to work through differences.
Theatre matters in education!
Theatre is the expression of a basic human need to to mimic, to share their stories, creating meaning through narrative and metaphor. Every person’s story is important. Sharing those stories is instinct. We can’t help ourselves. It’s part of what makes us human… and in a world where technology is assisting people in more than information, but assisting them in forgetting what it means to be human, we NEED theatre to make those connections and to share stories.
Theatre matters in education!
Theatre brings people together. Again, in an age where most of our communication is in front of a screen, we need opportunities to gather for shared experiences. For a performance to happen, people must gather for a couple hours and share in the experience, witnessing and contemplating the experience that may be funny, moving, thought-provoking or at the very least, a diversion from the stresses of life.
Theatre matters in education!
Theatre models skills for listening to different sides of a conversation or argument, and help to develop empathy for struggling fellow human beings whatever their views may be. As we watch a play, we learn what happens when conflicts are not resolved and when they are. We develop our ability to imagine the outcomes of various choices we may face in our personal and politic lives.
Theatre matters in education!
Theatre is a contributing industry in society and in our economy. Theatre offers more jobs than acting jobs. Theatre offers jobs in directing, design, construction, lighting, writing, marketing, management, stitching, painting, research, and more. It is one of the largest industries in the United States.
Theatre matters in education!
Both the making of and the attending of theatre contributes to the education and literacy of students. Watching characters have conversations in theatre requires sharp attention, quick mental shifts, and nimble language skills. Theatre teaches us about human motivation and psychology. Theatre offers lessons in history, leadership and government. Theatre offers lessons in different cultures and an understanding of where people are coming from. Theatre helps students to come out of their shells and helps them to socialize in productive and healthy ways. Studies have shown that students who participate in theatre do better in school. That should get education decision makers to sit up and listen!
THEATRE MATTERS IN EDUCATION!
Resigning as the General Manager of the Universe 