Theater in Schools by Benjamin

Theater in Schools by Benjamin - November 2021 Scholarship Essay

When individuals are asked what subjects should receive the most emphasis in our public schools, theater is seldom at the top of the list. In fact, I highly doubt it would even make a top 10 list of important classes offered to students in public schools throughout the United States. To me, this is a travesty, as I have learned more valuable life lessons and grown more as an individual from theater classes than I have from both traditional core subjects and other classes falling into the electives/arts realm. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the subject I feel needs more emphasis in schools, for children of all ages, is theater.
I was first introduced to theater at age 5 while attending a summer camp which ended in a performance of Tom Sawyer. My character came bounding out from stage left, swinging a paint can and pretended to joyfully paint Aunt Polly’s fence. After painting, I enthusiastically thanked Tom for letting me paint before I joyously skipped off stage. The small town theater crowd went wild, cheering loudly and from that moment forward, my life was never the same. This moment was the catalyst for my love of acting and the important lessons that I’ve acquired along the way. Not all children are afforded the opportunities that I have had available to me. Community theater opportunities can be expensive for children to participate in. Public school theater classes and programs are so important and help to level the playing field for those who are disadvantaged and might encounter barriers to community theater opportunities.
Performing in theater is not just all about the performances. There is an elaborate process involved in putting together a show. This process has taught me many important lessons that will serve me well throughout life; teamwork, communication and time management to name a few. Offering theater classes in schools, and providing them with the budget needed to put on quality shows helps make theater accessible to all students so that all are able to grow and learn through theater.
Theater not only taught me how to act, but has taught me many skills that employers value in their employees. Learning teamwork through theater has taught me how to forge strong, supportive, trusting relationships with others. It has taught me to respect others, to respect myself and to respect the entire creative process of putting a project together from start to finish. I have learned to communicate with others more effectively, to project my voice, make eye contact and to enunciate. I have learned to give and accept both compliments and constructive criticism in a respectful manner, and to be thankful for both. I have learned to manage my time effectively, and to carve out time for school responsibilities, family time, time with friends while still devoting time to each show I am a part of. I have learned to be disciplined, as not attending practices and/or not learning my lines affects the entire cast and crew as “the show must go on”, whether or not the cast is prepared or not. Theater classes provide the opportunity to instill these values into students before they leave public education and enter the work and/or college world.
Most, if not all, theater shows teach crucial life lessons. Each play I have been a part of has taught me valuable lessons that have helped to make me a better person. A Christmas Carol taught me that it’s never too late to change your life and become a better person. In Lion King, I learned that family doesn’t have to share D.N.A. From Miracle on 34th Street I learned that you should support and speak up for those who need help; even if it’s scary. Shrek taught me that anyone worth knowing doesn’t care if you’re unique or different. It’s a Wonderful Life taught me that family, friends and feeling good about yourself are what make you rich and are more important than money will ever be. Seussical, the Musical taught me that once you make a commitment, you need to see it through. From Little Shop of Horrors, I learned that money and fame can come at an extremely high price. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe taught me that even when it looks like all hope is lost, don’t lose faith and have courage. Beauty and the Beast taught me that true beauty comes from within and what is truly important is what is in a person’s heart. From Twain by the Tale I learned to not take yourself too seriously and that worrying is a waste of time and doesn’t solve anything. Little Women taught me that life is too short to fight with those you love. Every play I have been involved in has taught me valuable lessons that will serve me well throughout my life.
An unknown person once said, “Theatre doesn’t last. Only in people’s memories and in their hearts. That’s the beauty and sadness of it. But that’s life. Beauty and sadness.” While it’s true that a theater performance doesn’t last, the lessons learned through theater classes will stay in our minds and hearts forever as we traverse from childhood into adulthood through the beauty and the sadness of our lives. That is why theater classes should receive more emphasis in schools.