Director of Dallas Children’s Theatre wants to encourage families to see and participate more in performing arts as an antidote to the endless screen time...
Birdie Alexander Elementary School in south Oak Cliff staged "101 Dalmatians KIDS," its first Disney Musicals in Schools production in 2023. The theater arts encourage creative expression, allowing children to explore their imaginations and emotions in a safe and structured environment.
This is crucial given the rise in anxiety and depression among young people, writes Samantha Turner. Children now receive cellphones and iPads while they are still playing with dolls and stuffed animals, posing significant challenges to their social and emotional development. While technology offers a host of opportunities for learning and activity, its excessive use has been shown to have major effects on the physical and mental health of our youth.He highlights the urgent need for youth to participate in activities that counterbalance the isolating and mind-numbing effects of excessive screen time.As children return to school in the Dallas area, parents should strongly consider encouraging their youngsters to take part in the arts because it equips future generations with vital skills and characteristics that screens are taking from them in this digital age — collaboration, empathy, perseverance and adaptability. Along with providing the right school supplies, parents should consider extracurricular options that teach their children skills needed to succeed beyond the classroom. Whether watching a performance unfold from the audience or performing centerstage under the glow of the spotlight, engaging in theater has been proved to impact young lives in dramatically positive ways.in London found that compared to peers who were not involved with the theater, children ages 7-10 demonstrated higher levels of self-esteem and a greater aptitude for speaking and listening. In a theater setting, children must work together to tell a story, understand and embody different perspectives, and communicate effectively with both their peers and the audience. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, the theater arts encourage creative expression, allowing children to explore their imaginations and emotions in a safe and structured environment. This is crucial given the rise in anxiety and depression among young people.As Haidt details in his book, constant exposure to social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, as children are bombarded with images and messages that promote unrealistic standards of success and happiness. Theater, on the other hand, provides a space where children can express themselves authentically and gain confidence in their abilities.The saying “the show must go on” exists for a good reason — a theatrical production is filled with challenges, from learning lines and stage directions to managing stage fright and handling unexpected technical issues. Children must improvise, persevere, think creatively and solve problems, all valuable life skills. Theater teaches that mistakes or failures, even in front of a crowd, serve as an opportunity to learn and grow in contrast, the instant gratification and passive consumption often associated with screen time. Many schools offer theater programs as electives or have partnerships with organizations in the area to make it accessible to interested children. Dallas Children’s Theater and other local theater organizations offer program scholarships and options tailored to various budgets and prices as well as opportunities for students to attend performances for free or at a reduced cost.found that children who participate in theater and other arts activities tend to have higher academic performance, better attendance records, and more positive attitudes toward school. The discipline, focus and teamwork required in theater can translate into improved academic performance, while the creativity and critical thinking skills developed through the arts can enhance a child’s ability to learn and problem-solve in other areas.Screens and social media are addictive, but there is a powerful antidote, particularly for our youth. By providing in-person and interactive opportunities for creative expression, social interaction and personal growth, theater can help children develop the skills and resilience they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.. Bring your children to live theater performances to expand their horizons. In doing so, we can help cultivate a generation that is emotionally intelligent, socially connected and creatively empowered.
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