A STUDENT'S REFLECTION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THEATRE. . .

Another year. More resolutions. Lots of reflections. NJ Jr. Thespians asked our very own Junior State Thespian Officer, Kayleigh, to reflect on the importance of theatre.

WHY IS THEATRE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
"Theatre is important because it can influence all aspects of life. You are able to express yourself, be creative, and share your ideas with others. Your memory improves even school work can improve."
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WHAT VALUABLE LIFE SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM PARTICIPATING IN THEATRE PRODUCTIONS?
"Many valuable skills can be learned from participating in theatre productions. Performing builds self confidence. It allows you to cooperate and collaborate with others of all ages. You become a team, solve problems, trust each other and have fun."
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WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT THEATRE?
"I think “we” should care about theatre because it’s very important. Theatre is a safe space for anyone who wants to feel welcome because nobody judges you. You’re free to be yourself and not worry about what people think of you."
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HOW DO PEOPLE CONNECT THROUGH THEATRE?
"Students learn to work together. They develop compassion and appreciation for things that they have in common as well as the things  that make them different from one another."
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DESCRIBE A PAST DRAMA CLUB EXPERIENCE THAT MADE YOU RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THEATRE.
"I think that theatre is important from my own experiences. Before I decided to audition for plays in middle school, I was very shy, and I didn’t have many friends. Theatre gave me the chance to make some very good friends. During practices I felt free, and had a sense of belonging."
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WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO DONT UNDERSTAND THEATRE?
"Some tips I would give to people who don’t understand theatre are as follows: watch a play/musical, join a play/musical, or take a drama class. I think that in doing these things, people can really learn about how plays are created and all of the friendships that form behind the curtain." 

Author

Kayleigh Cahill; Junior State Thespian Officer 17-18
​Carl H. Kumpf Middle School