DreamScope Theatre

© 2025 Puja Goyal

In a world dominated by screens and structured curriculums, theater stands as an opportunity where imagination, expression, and collaboration take center stage. While traditional education emphasizes rote learning and standardized testing, theatre fosters all-round development, making it an important learning medium for children. Theater improves cognitive abilities and instills emotional intelligence.

1. Theatre and Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is important in developing a child’s success. Nowadays, design thinking also includes programs that guide children in this field. In theatre children to step into different characters, analyze motivations, and express emotions they may not have encountered in their daily lives, allowing them an outlet to engage and understand. By portraying diverse personalities and situations, they develop a deep understanding of human emotions, which improves their interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and self-awareness.

Studies have shown that children who participate in theatre programs exhibit higher levels of empathy. A study published in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that theatre participation significantly improves students’ ability to recognize emotions in others, making them more compassionate and socially adept individuals.

2. Combating stage fear, and learning how to express

Standing in front of an audience and making a speech, or expressing themeselves can become a task for introverts and shy children and adults. Theatre naturally eliminates this fear by immersing children in an environment where self-expression is encouraged. Through regular rehearsals, improvisation exercises, and stage performances, children develop confidence in their voice, body language, and articulation.

Consider a shy child hesitant to participate in class discussions. After a few months in a theatre program, they begin to project their voice, articulate their thoughts, and engage actively in conversations. The important thing for any child is to learn to speak up, without feeling uncomfortable. This not only helps their academic performance but also prepares them for future leadership roles. In my experience, I used to be so shy that I wouldn’t ask my teachers if I didn’t understand something, later, having learning difficulties. it is important also, not only to be able to speak, but learn how to articulate.

3. Learning to work with others—teamwork

Unlike individual-based competitions, theatre is a collective effort. Every play, no matter how small or grand, requires a team of actors, directors, set designers, and crew members to work in sync. This collaborative nature of theatre teaches children valuable lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and shared responsibility—skills that are highly sought after in any profession.

Theatre practitioners often use ensemble-building exercises, such as trust falls and mirroring games, to enhance group cooperation and composition. These exercises train children to listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and synchronize their actions with others—abilities that extend beyond the stage into everyday interactions.

4. Improves Academic Performance

Many educators and researchers argue that arts-based learning significantly enhances cognitive abilities. Theatre integrates literature, history, psychology, and even mathematics (timing, spatial awareness), making it an interdisciplinary powerhouse.

^{A report by the National Endowment for the Arts revealed that students involved in theatre and performing arts score higher on standardized tests, particularly in literacy and critical thinking. Theater compels children to memorize scripts, analyze texts, and engage in improvisation, all of which stimulate intellectual growth.}

5. Encourages Creativity & Problem-Solving

In a world where automation and AI are replacing traditional jobs, creativity remains one of the most valuable skills a child can develop. Theatre fosters out-of-the-box thinking through improvisation games, storytelling, and experimental performances.

Broadway actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, attributes his creative genius to his early exposure to theatre. Theatre encourages children to think quickly, adapt to unexpected situations, and innovate—essential qualities for any entrepreneur, scientist, or artist.

6. Teaches Resilience & Handling Failure

Not every audition leads to a role, and not every performance is flawless. Theatre teaches children how to handle rejection, learn from mistakes, and persevere despite setbacks. These experiences are crucial for personal and professional success. It teaches children to learn that you won’t succeed everytime, but you need to put in the effort, and creates room for learning.

Renowned theatre director Peter Brook once said, “Failure is built into creativity… the trick is to take risks and learn from failure.” This philosophy is ingrained in theatre education, helping children embrace challenges rather than fear them.

7. Develops Cultural Awareness & Social Sensitivity

Theatre introduces children to stories from different cultures, historical events, and social issues, fostering a broader perspective of the world. Whether performing a Shakespearean tragedy or an indigenous folk tale, theatre exposes children to diverse narratives, making them more culturally literate and socially aware.

Theatre is more than just entertainment—it is a vital educational tool that nurtures emotional intelligence, confidence, teamwork, academic performance, creativity, resilience, and cultural awareness. As schools and parents seek holistic learning approaches, integrating theatre into the curriculum can empower children to become articulate, compassionate, and innovative thinkers. If we truly want to prepare the next generation for an unpredictable future, performing should be at the heart of education.

© 2025 Puja Goyal, written for DreamScope Theatre