Benefits of Performing Arts for Special Needs Kids

• Benefits of theater involvement for kids with intellectual disabilities:

• "Learn communication strategies: 

• kids in theatre exercises practice respectful dialogue with peers and learn how to speak in large groups. Since the dialogue is from a script, the participant can practice taking turns speaking without having to consider what to say.

• Learn to work in groups: 

• producing a play or performance requires kids to develop group skills, which will be helpful in other classes and areas of life. Learning these skills is facilitated by the adult instructor.

• Learn to manage anxiety: 

• many kids with autism experience anxiety regularly, and theatre exercises can teach coping skills, especially in unfamiliar settings.

• Increase ability to correctly recognize facial expressions: 

• when working through a scripted scene, participants learn the correct facial expression for a situation.

• Increase ability to identify emotions: 

• theatre participants will learn to express an emotion outwardly in an appropriate way.

• Learn problem solving skills: 

• as a participant takes on the “role” of another person, he can learn new ways to work through real life situations. Playing a role gives a new perspective on how others think and act, thereby increasing “theory of mind” in a kid with an intellectual disability.

• Increase in happiness and life satisfaction: 

• theatre participants reported feeling happy with their accomplishments at the conclusion of a program or class. Parents often noted a decrease in their child’s aggression.