Teaches creative problem solving—In the best-selling book A Whole New Mind, Daniel Pink writes,”In short, we have progressed from a society of farmers to a society of factory workers to a society of knowledge workers. And now we’re progressing yet again—to a society of creators and empathizers, or pattern recognizers and meaning makers.”
Oklahoma! First read thru–Presser Performing Arts Center July 2009
When a group of students tackle any problem and solve it together using their imaginations to project an outcome and then produce it, they are incredibly valuable. I have the honor to work with some of my students for nearly six years.
They are very adept at creative problem solving. Recently, my co-teacher and I charged our musical theatre students with the task of creating of the wall, dying trees and flowers with their bodies in our production of the musical, Secret Garden.
Without discussing it very much, the students twisted and contorted themselves to make the atmosphere we intended. We complimented them and they beamed with pride.
Through creative problem solving, we stretch the boundaries of what can’t be done to what can be. Voila! Besides, creative problem solving makes one happy.
Lastly, drama is just plain fun! Teachers know that humor helps students learn more efficiently. We are joyful when we are relaxed. When we are relaxed, we are more likely to learn. Through studying drama and performing, we laugh, poke fun at ourselves and develop a kind of camaraderie with one another that is rarely experienced anywhere else.
We create a strong bond that isn’t easily splintered. Some of my best friends have come from working on a production together. My play production experiences are the some of the greatest memories I have of my life.
Several years ago, a professional actor and director-friend of mine remarked that, “Theatre is history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, music, dance, art all wrapped into one.” He’s right. It makes us more human by “playing” at being a human. Where else can you find that?
