Why children should do theater at school, at home, and everywhere

Theater is more than a performance art; it's a transformative tool that helps children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills in ways few other activities can. Encouraging children to engage in theater at school, at home, and in various environments gives them the chance to explore a world of imagination, empathy, and self-expression. This goes beyond memorizing lines or acting on stage; it encompasses learning essential life skills in a playful, dynamic way. One effective approach that integrates these benefits is the MAT methodology—Mindset, Action, and Theater—developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos. This method focuses on cultivating the right mindset, encouraging active engagement, and using theater as a medium to bring learning to life. Neuroscience research supports this, showing that activities like theater stimulate neural pathways linked to empathy, creativity, and resilience, all of which are foundational for child development.

Mindset, the first pillar of the MAT method, emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive attitude towards challenges. Theater requires children to take on new roles and situations, often different from their everyday experiences. By portraying different characters, children learn to see the world from multiple perspectives, which fosters empathy and understanding. Consider the story of Viola Davis, who grew up in a challenging environment but found strength and confidence through acting. Her journey illustrates how adopting a constructive mindset through theater can change a person's life, teaching resilience and self-assurance that transcends the stage.

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The second component of MAT, Action, encourages children to actively participate and take risks. Theater is a safe space where mistakes are part of the learning process. Neuroscientific studies reveal that children learn best through hands-on activities and that action-based learning strengthens connections in the brain associated with memory and problem-solving. For example, when children participate in role-playing activities, they rehearse real-life scenarios, practicing how to handle emotions like fear, joy, and frustration in a controlled setting. This active engagement helps build emotional intelligence, which is essential for navigating the complexities of relationships and social interactions.

Theater also promotes the development of language and communication skills, which are critical in all areas of life. Studies show that children who engage in theater tend to have enhanced verbal skills, as they are constantly learning new vocabulary, practicing enunciation, and understanding the importance of tone and body language. Take the example of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who credits his love for storytelling and the arts as pivotal in shaping his communication skills. Through theater, children learn not only to express themselves but also to listen and respond to others, creating a dialogue that is fundamental in building strong, effective communication skills.

Creativity, a core aspect of the MAT method, flourishes in the world of theater. When children are encouraged to imagine, invent, and play, they engage the brain's creativity centers, fostering flexibility in thinking. Neuroscientists have found that creative activities like theater activate the brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for critical thinking and adaptability. An exercise as simple as improvisation allows children to tap into their imaginations, finding new solutions and thinking on their feet. This adaptability and openness to new ideas are skills that are increasingly valuable in a world that constantly demands innovation.

Self-confidence is another crucial benefit children gain from theater. Standing in front of an audience, whether large or small, requires courage and trust in one's abilities. Children learn to overcome stage fright, embrace their unique qualities, and take pride in their achievements. This kind of confidence translates into other areas of life, as children begin to understand that they have the capacity to succeed and make a positive impact. The story of Helen Mirren, who struggled with shyness as a child but found her voice through acting, underscores the empowering effect theater can have. When children learn to trust themselves, they carry that confidence into every aspect of their lives.

Through the MAT methodology, theater also teaches children about responsibility and teamwork. Each member of a play’s cast has a role to perform, and each contribution is essential to the final performance. Neuroscience supports the idea that collaborative activities stimulate areas of the brain involved in empathy and cooperation, skills that are essential for working well with others. Whether they’re practicing a group scene or working on stage design, children learn to value each other’s efforts and to depend on one another, strengthening their social bonds.

Theater has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase resilience in children. According to studies on emotional resilience, activities that encourage expression—such as theater—help children process their emotions healthily. When children learn to express joy, sadness, and anger through characters, they become more adept at managing these feelings in real life. The MAT method encourages them to confront challenges head-on through theatrical practice, teaching them that failure is part of growth and that they can always try again. This mental resilience is invaluable in helping children face life’s difficulties with optimism and courage.

Another significant benefit of theater is that it prepares children for public speaking, an essential skill in almost every profession. Many adults struggle with speaking in front of others, but children who engage in theater from an early age gain a familiarity with audiences that often makes them confident public speakers. Studies on brain activity show that public speaking activates brain regions involved in language and executive function, which are strengthened through repeated practice. By giving children opportunities to perform, theater allows them to overcome the fear of judgment and develop an ease with self-expression.

Finally, theater fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts and culture, nurturing well-rounded individuals. Children exposed to theater often develop an interest in literature, history, and the visual arts, as they learn about different time periods, cultures, and artistic expressions through the roles they play. The MAT method integrates these elements to encourage a curiosity for the world, inspiring children to be lifelong learners and appreciators of diverse perspectives. Figures like Meryl Streep, whose career has spanned countless cultural roles, demonstrate the richness that comes from an early appreciation of the arts.

By implementing theater through the MAT methodology, both educators and parents can offer children a multifaceted tool for personal growth. Theater isn’t just a class or an activity; it’s a bridge to emotional resilience, empathy, creativity, and confidence. Encouraging children to engage in theater, both in school and beyond, allows them to explore their potential, discover their voices, and build a foundation of skills that will support them in all aspects of life. Through Mindset, Action, and Theater, children are given the tools to navigate the world with confidence, curiosity, and a profound sense of connection to themselves and others.

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