“Everyone can act. Everyone can improvise. Anyone who wishes to can play in the theatre and learn to become ‘stage‑worthy.’”
— Viola Spolin, Improvisation for the Theater
The most commonly cited fear for 90% of adults is the fear of public speaking. It is the cold dread of standing up in front of an audience with faces looking expectantly at you that gives you nightmares. Many of us are crippled by social anxiety that sees us holding back our thoughts or opinions for fear of being judged or sounding stupid. We fear failure so we don’t push ourselves to try new things, or, let’s be honest, to even pursue those things we know we’re good at, but maybe haven’t practiced for a while. Why risk it? It’s far easier staying in our safe comfort zone where we follow our tried and tested routines. But this approach does not lead to fulfilment or achievement in life or work. We know that confidence is the game-changer that gives highly successful people the edge.
What if we could give our kids a head start in life by equipping them with the tools to deal with their emotions, understand others, and have a strong core self-belief – through laughter, play, and storytelling? If most adults had regular drama & improv training as part of their education from early on, speaking in public could be incorporated into life as a normal social activity rather than as an ordeal, and taking risks which could expose us to failure would be embraced as part of the journey.
Confidence Through Creative Expression
The theatre offers a safe and supportive space for kids to develop these essential life skills. Whether they’re 4 or 14, every rehearsal and game in class nudges them gently outside their comfort zone. A growing body of research shows that theatre-based education helps children build self-esteem, social confidence, and emotional intelligence (americanspcc.org).
The repetition of rehearsals, the joy of storytelling, and the celebration of each small success create a steady path towards inner confidence—on stage and in everyday life. Every idea is valued and accepted in an improv exercise, so children learn from an early age that their ideas matter and can be used to build amazing creative collaborations. They start to trust their first impulse and realise that everyone there will support them, and the censor in their head telling them that their ideas don’t matter starts to fade and they start to believe in themselves.
Supporting Shy Kids and Tackling Social Anxiety
Theatre is uniquely powerful for children who struggle with social anxiety or find group settings overwhelming. Unlike sports or traditional academics, there’s no pressure to be “the best” in our classes. Instead, we focus on inclusion, encouragement, and playful risk-taking.
Studies from the University of Michigan and others have found that theatre—particularly improv—helps reduce symptoms of social anxiety and increases children’s willingness to speak, collaborate, and be seen (detroit.umich.edu). By stepping into different roles and scenarios, kids gain perspective, practice empathy, and learn to navigate social settings with growing ease.
This opening up results from the theatre creating a space where children feel they are accepted and they trust their ideas will be heard and they can be fully themselves.
Embracing Uncertainty Through Improv
In improv, the unexpected isn’t a problem—it’s a gift.
Each class encourages kids to say “yes, and…” to ideas, build stories together, and learn how to move forward when things don’t go to plan. These skills translate beautifully into real life—where curveballs and surprises are part of the game.
Psychologists call this psychological flexibility, and it’s one of the most important predictors of long-term wellbeing. Kids who practise improv regularly are more likely to tolerate uncertainty and manage anxiety in everyday situations (psychologytoday.com).
Brave Kids Become Bold Adults
Imagine a generation of adults who aren’t paralysed by stage fright, who collaborate confidently, and who welcome challenges instead of avoiding them. That’s what theatre makes possible.
When kids learn:
It’s okay to be seen and heard
It’s safe to make mistakes
Their voice matters
…they carry that courage into classrooms, friendships, job interviews, relationships—and beyond.
We’re not preparing kids for Broadway—we’re preparing them for life.
Theatre-based learning strengthens a wide range of soft skills, including:
| Life Skill | How Theatre Helps |
|---|---|
| Speak Up | Voice projection, eye contact, confidence |
| Bounce Back | Embracing mistakes and trying again |
| Handle Pressure | Performing calmly under observation |
| Think on Your Feet | Responding creatively to the unexpected |
| Work With Others | Ensemble-based storytelling & empathy |
| Connect Socially | Building trust and confidence in groups |
