Stagecoach Performing Arts

Alongside all the many challenges of the 21^st century, children still have exams to sit, homework to do and lessons to attend. One of the key ways parents and carers can support their children with their school lives is by enrolling them in extracurricular activities to not just learn something new outside of school, but also to help them thrive within their mainstream education too. When a child engages with activities like Stagecoach Performing Arts’ singing, dancing and acting classes, they bring out their imagination, creativity and curiosity. This is in addition to helping them develop key life skills, equipping them to take on every challenge the classroom or playground throws at them.

Time for English

The performing arts have been found to boost skills in literacy, improve vocabulary and expand children’s communication skills. These skills can be invaluable when it comes to essay-writing and presenting, as well as helping children to know when and how to ask for help from their teachers, peers, parents and carers.

Drama lessons can also help children become interested in story telling which not only supports their literacy and English studies but also helps them understand those around them better. As they learn to embody characters, bounce off the performances of others and explore improv exercises, children build their empathy and are challenged to consider other points of view – maybe even quite far from their own. This can teach them how to work with others, not just in school, but in all walks of life.

Strength in Numbers

Speaking of empathy, activities like Stagecoach also help children meet new peers outside of their regular school circles, make new friends and find their crowd. Through performing arts exercises that encourage them to speak to others, work as a team and explore their own voice and ideas, children are gently challenged to build their confidence at a pace that feels right for them.

Stagecoach has many stories of students going from very shy at their first class, to becoming the leads in their school shows after building the courage to step into the spotlight. Ultimately, it’s all about ensuring that the students gain what they need to from the experience, for some, feeling confident enough to say one line in a performance or to volunteer to be the class helper for the day can be a huge step.

Every performanceis an exercise in teamwork as students work with their castmates to put on the show, and problem-solve any issues that arise as a group. If someone forgets their lines or the next dance step, it can be their fellow castmates that prompt them to find their place. If someone drops a prop on stage or there’s a technical hiccup, this the perfect opportunity for students to put their teamworking skills to the test as they find a way to either fix the issue or keep the show going regardless. This prepares them for group work in school by learning leadership, delegation and collaboration skills, as well as teaching them how to problem-solve and remain calm under pressure.

It’s Just Science

Learning how to manage their emotions and respond to pressure is so important for children in school. Whether their external stressors are to do with their schoolwork and assessments, or social pressures, we all know school can be tough. Nowadays, we have a better understanding around mental health, and we know anxiety can be a real challenge for children. If this includes your child, please know they aren’t alone as childhood anxiety disorders affect one in eight children,according to the National Institutes of Health*.

The performing arts are known for helping those experiencing anxiety, from singing classes teaching students how to control their breathing to the combined performing arts helping children to build their confidence and resilience. Many children also need space away from school pressures to self-express and enjoy an activity that doesn’t involve screens or the pressures of social media. Many performing arts activities, such as dancing, involve physical activity which promotes exercise and boosts the brain’s happy chemicals. This, in turn, gives them a healthy way to release pent-up energy and wind down from any worries that they have at school.

That’s not all though, as there is scientific evidence that learning lines and songs improves children’s memory which can help children retain their school learning and equip them for their exams. Plus, rehearsals and having teachers that encourage students to try again if they don’t succeed at first encourages a growth mindset and a positive attitude to learning.

Saved by the Bell

There are so many ways that the performing arts have a positive impact on the school lives of children and young people – we could go on and on but we’ll leave it there!

Stagecoach have schools across the UK operating during term time with many schools offering workshops through the school holidays too. If you’d like to enrol your child for the new term to see what impact these classes can have, head to Stagecoach.co.uk and search your postcode to find your local school and book a Two-Week Trial.

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