As children, we are naturally free thinkers, with vivid imaginations and an unbridled enthusiasm for exploring the world around us. Unfortunately, as we grow up, the academic system expectations of the adults in our lives can often squash this, leaving many of us feeling trapped and unfulfilled. We squeeze ourselves into the mold of who we think we should be, rather than exploring who we truly are.
Drama classes in school would be loved by some and hated by others, but run well they should provide a safe and supportive space to explore our inner selves, to experiment with different roles and personas, and to connect with our core identity.
Here are six ways that exploring drama might help us both as kids or adults.
Drama is a great way to express emotions: Many of us struggle with expressing our emotions, whether it’s due to societal pressure, fear of vulnerability, or simply not knowing how to articulate our feelings. Drama allows us to explore a range of emotions in a safe and supportive environment, helping us to better understand and express ourselves.
Drama builds confidence: The act of stepping into different roles and personas can be incredibly empowering, allowing us to experiment with different aspects of our personality and push past our comfort zones. Through drama, we can develop the confidence to take risks, to speak our minds, and to assert ourselves in our daily lives.
Drama fosters empathy and connection: Drama classes require us to work collaboratively with others, to listen and respond to each other, and to develop a sense of trust and support within the group. This helps us to develop greater empathy and understanding of others, and to form deeper connections with those around us.
Drama encourages creative thinking: In a world that often prizes conformity over creativity, drama allows us to think outside the box and explore new and unconventional ideas. This not only stimulates our creativity but also helps us to develop problem-solving skills and a more flexible mindset.
Drama improves communication skills: Drama classes require us to speak clearly, listen actively, and communicate effectively with others. These skills are valuable not only in the theatre but also in our personal and professional lives.
Drama is fun!: Finally, it’s worth remembering that drama classes can be a lot of fun! Laughter is a powerful tool for improving our mental health, reducing stress, and boosting our overall well-being. Drama provides a space to let loose, to be silly, and to embrace our inner child.
It’s an interesting question to consider why many people no longer participate in the fun and creativity of acting or other creative pursuits, but are happy to consume media like box sets on Netflix or spectate the play of other people’s lives on social media.
One possible reason for this is that we live in a culture that values consumption over creation. We are bombarded with a constant stream of media that encourages us to be passive consumers, rather than active creators. This can make it easier to sit back and watch a TV show or scroll through social media, rather than engage in the effort and vulnerability of creating something ourselves.
Another reason may be related to societal expectations and pressures. Many people feel that they don’t have the time, resources, or talent to pursue creative endeavors, and so they focus their energies on other areas of their lives, such as work or family obligations. Additionally, some people may feel that the pursuit of creativity is frivolous or not a worthy use of their time, compared to other pursuits.
There may also be a sense of fear or anxiety associated with putting oneself out there creatively. Acting, writing, or other creative pursuits can be vulnerable experiences that require us to tap into our emotions and inner selves. It’s natural to feel a sense of hesitation or self-doubt when it comes to expressing ourselves creatively.
However, it’s worth noting that there is value in both creating and consuming media. Just as it can be enjoyable to watch a TV show or read a book, it can also be deeply rewarding to engage in the creative process ourselves. And just as watching a football game can be a fun and social experience, so too can participating in drama classes or other creative pursuits.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide how they want to spend their time and what activities bring them joy and fulfillment. Whether we choose to spectate or participate in creative pursuits, it’s important to remember that life should be fun and that creativity is an essential aspect of our mental health and well-being.
Exploring our creativity through drama classes can be a powerful tool for transforming our mental health, development, and growth. It’s never too late to reconnect with our inner selves, to remove the limits that society has placed on us, and to embrace our full potential. Life should be fun, and drama classes can be a great way to rediscover that joy. So why not give it a try? You never know where it might lead you.
Sir Ken Robinson’s 2006 TED Talk titled “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” is one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time, with over 66 million views to date. In this talk, Robinson challenges the traditional education system and argues that it is failing to cultivate the creativity and imagination that is essential for personal and societal progress.
Robinson begins his talk by sharing a personal story about a young girl who was renowned for her creativity and imagination. However, as she progressed through the education system, her creativity began to diminish, and she was eventually diagnosed with a learning disorder. Robinson uses this story to illustrate how the current education system is designed to prioritize academic achievement over creativity, resulting in a narrow and standardized approach to education.
Robinson argues that the education system is based on an industrial model that was designed in the late 19th century to prepare students for jobs in factories and other industrial settings. However, in the modern world, creativity and imagination are critical for success in many fields, including business, technology, and the arts. Robinson believes that the current education system is not equipped to prepare students for these diverse and dynamic fields, which require new ideas and innovative thinking.
Throughout his talk, Robinson presents a compelling case for the importance of creativity in education and argues that the current system is stifling the natural creativity and imagination of children. He advocates for a more personalized and holistic approach to education that values creativity and encourages students to explore their passions and interests.
Robinson’s talk has had a profound impact on the education community and has sparked a global conversation about the need for education reform. His message has resonated with educators, parents, and students around the world who believe that creativity and imagination are essential for personal and societal progress.
In conclusion, Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk on “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” is a powerful and thought-provoking critique of the current education system. Robinson’s message has inspired a movement for education reform that seeks to cultivate creativity, imagination, and innovation in students around the world. His talk serves as a reminder that education is not just about preparing students for the workforce but also about nurturing their full potential as human beings.
