The Benefits of Taking Theater in High School

Although many public schools are cutting theater programs and budgets, many private boarding schools recognize the numerous benefits of theater programs, and place increased importance on student involvement in these areas. Studies show participation in theater programs among high school students improves self-esteem, reinforces good work ethic and boosts academic performance and attendance rates.

The American Alliance for Theater and Education (AATE), an organization of educators and theater artists dedicated to keeping theater in education curriculums and communities, says, “In addition to building social and communication skills overall, involvement in drama courses and performance has been shown to improve students’ self-esteem as well as their confidence in their academic abilities.”

Private boarding schools continue to place an emphasis on theater because these courses provide students with self-confidence, improved communication and interpersonal skills essential for workplace success later in life. Tasks like script writing improve reading and writing ability, while studying difficult Shakespearean plays improves reading comprehension.

Education.com, a site providing information and tips for parents and educators to keep children learning in the classroom and at home, says theater courses and drama productions also equip students with skills for life outside the classroom. Students in theater programs at private boarding schools learn a variety of communication techniques and relationship-building skills essential in both personal and professional contexts.

Theater teaches students how to speak publically, work cooperatively, problem solve, stick to a timeline and accept criticism, says Education.com. Theater skills are beneficial in a variety of careers such as, “teaching, law, and politics, not to mention broadcasting and performing.”   

In addition, Education.com says theater boosts academic performance. “Students involved in the arts tend to have higher academic performance and better standardized test scores; nearly 100 points better on the SAT.”

Private boarding schools place an added emphasis on theater programs because of the numerous benefits these courses have on student academic performance and attendance. AATE notes that in addition to higher SAT scores, students involved in theater also show improvements in reading comprehension and school attendance.

Lower high school dropout rates are correlated with student enrollment in drama. Studies show that theater is beneficial for children of all learning abilities, and positively influences academic performance. 

The countless academic and personal benefits of theater illustrate the subject as a crucial part of school curriculums. Despite the tendencies of many public schools to cut funding to these programs, private boarding schools recognize the benefits of drama programs — and continue to include them in educational curriculums.

Nicole Donaldson is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.