Drama and theatre have long been part of human civilization used to address different social and political issues and also for storytelling. In education, the performance arts (theatre and drama) are used as an effective tool for boosting creativity and communal engagement among students. Moreover, the inclusion of theatre and drama at the school level aids in experimental learning and developing essential skills.

Let’s elaborate a little more on the benefits of drama and theatre programs in school and what it brings to the table for students. 

Benefits of School Drama and Theatre Programs

The school drama and theatre program allows students to express emotions, connect and collaborate with their peers in a safe environment. Through drama and theatre, students are facilitated to convey social and economic issues and their perspectives on them to the audience. 

Besides, here are some other benefits of school drama and theatre programs in the UAE. 

Improves Academic Performance

Academic performance tops the list of benefits of school drama and theatre programs in the UAE. Students enrolled in drama and theatre programs have to read through complex stories and learn difficult dialogues. Moreover, they are also required to study different characters in depth. All of this combined, increases their memory, reading comprehension and understanding, thus leading towards an improved academic performance.

The creativity and thinking capabilities polished by drama and theatre also allow students to think critically and comprehend problems faster than their peers. 

Maintain Attendance 

Performing arts like drama and theatre is an engaging subject that attracts numerous students. However, these programs require regular practice, forcing students to be regular. The fear of dropping out from the drama or losing a prominent role helps in maintaining high attendance. 

Enhance Creativity

Drama and theatre allow students to transcend conventional boundaries and think outside of the box. Script improvisations, character development and analysis, allows them to think from multiple dimensions. Therefore, drama and theatre programs are considered an ideal tool for increasing creativity among students. 

In drama and theatre programs students are exposed to different emotions and situations which increases their critical thinking capabilities. Moreover, when in character, students can relate to it, which helps them understand the complex human nature. 

Fuel Reading Comprehension 

Another benefit of school drama and theatre programs is increasing the reading comprehension of students. They are required to read through difficult literature, learn dialogues and understand the situation elaborated by the writer. This helps them in increasing their reading comprehension which also aids in better academic performance. 

Imagine a student having to perform a character written by Shakespeare. The student will have to first understand the character, comprehend the situation and then learn the dialogues. All of this together, will significantly affect the student’s learning capabilities and reading comprehension. 

Build Self-Esteem 

Performing in front of an audience, memorising all the dialogues and maintaining a required expression is daunting for many. However, these moments can significantly increase the self-esteem of a student. 

Overcoming the fear of performing in front of an audience creates a self of achievement in them. That said, this sense of achievement is not only limited to the stage but also penetrates other segments of life. The confidence they gain through drama and theatre also helps them in achieving bigger goals of life. 

Polish Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills 

Students enrolled in school drama and theatre are required to perform different characters in front of different audiences. Therefore, they have to properly practise the dialogue delivery accompanied by perfect expressions. This helps them in building verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Develops Empathy and Concentration 

Students are required to play different characters and it is necessary for them to understand these characters. That said, a significant understanding of others' citations increases empathy among students. It provides them with a clear picture of different perspectives and schools of thought. 

Aside from empathy, drama and theatre also develops concentration in a student. During performance, an ideal blend of voice and expression is impossible without concentration. 

These were all the benefits of school drama and theatre programs in the UAE. The drama and theatre program is necessary to boost confidence and self-esteem among students. Moreover, it also contributes to increasing academic performance, concentration and empathy. You can browse through Schoolio and find a wide range of schools offering drama and theatre programs.