Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class
When I was a young girl, I studied piano and played it for ten years (you’d never know it to hear me now, however). I wanted to perform in theater, but it was discouraged by my parents until they realized I was serious about it. You can read more about that here: How Theatre Saved My Life. That early mix of music and theater reminds me of today’s topic—Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater.
In theater, it’s easy for students to think their only job is to act. But drama is one of the most collaborative art forms—it pulls from dance, music, literature, and visual design. When teachers encourage students to step outside acting and experiment with other artistic expressions, both the classroom and the students’ work on stage become stronger.
Why Interests Matter as Much as Skills in Theater Class
Even in elementary school, I was a good singer. Because I played the piano for many years, I could and can easily hear harmony in a song. However, even with all that natural ability I was far more intrigued by acting. Yet, I wasn’t a triple threat. My acting and singing talent outweighed my dancing skills though I did my best to catch up once I attended Stephen College. What I lacked in skill, I made up for in interest. I’m one of those people who loves all the art forms. Is that you, too? Nevertheless, not every student realizes this about themselves. Understanding the value of one’s interest in the other arts is important to your blossoming theater arts students.
Beyond Acting: The Value of Other Art Forms in Theater Class
Let’s consider the various reasons I encourage students to study other art forms while they are studying theater.
1. Theater Is Already a Blend of Art Forms
Dance and movement: Actors borrow from choreography to express emotion. Here’s the good news–you don’t have to be the next winner of Dance Off to learn to dance. Even just learning to move with confidence is a help.
Music and rhythm: Timing, pace, and mood often reflect musicality. Learning how to play an instrument or sing can’t do anything but help you with your acting. Comic timing can be helped by learning about rhythm.
Visual art and design: Sets, costumes, and props rely on strong visual choices. I’ve never known an actor who didn’t like some other art form. Many enjoy drawing. Why not show them a video or two of artists who became set designers. For example, Ming Cho Lee Often called the “Dean of American set designers,” studied art and architecture before becoming a celebrated Broadway and opera designer. He also taught design at Yale, shaping generations of designers. If you’d like a lesson about Lee, check out: Ming Cho Lee
Creative writing: Scripts are born from writers who understand character and story. By learning to be a better writer, you can’t help but hone your skills. If nothing else, you’ll be more aware of the talent it takes to write a script. Plus, you’ll understand the value of learning the script word for word. By dipping into these areas, students see how interconnected the arts really are.
Fresh Energy from Exploring New Arts
2. A Cure for Creative Ruts
Students sometimes get frustrated when a scene or role doesn’t click. Pivoting to painting a set piece, choreographing a short movement sequence, or designing a costume can rekindle their excitement. That renewed energy often carries back into acting. This is fascinating to me. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt for a whole cast to do this for one rehearsal. If you want to know how to direct a youth theater production, check out this post: Ten Steps in a Play Rehearsal in Youth Theater
3. Building Empathy and Respect
When students explore beyond acting, they begin to understand and appreciate the many roles that bring a production to life. Suddenly, the costume designer isn’t just “the one who sews,” and the lighting crew isn’t just “flipping switches.” Students see that every role—whether onstage or behind the scenes—requires creativity, problem-solving, and artistry. When I attended college, the theater department required us to put in 100 hours in the set and/or costume shop. (Me? I put in 200 hours.)
This realization helps them value their classmates’ contributions. Not to mention, they respect the effort that goes into each part of a production. Over time, that empathy translates into a stronger ensemble spirit. Instead of competing for the spotlight, students begin to celebrate one another’s strengths, which makes the entire performance richer and more unified. I’ve observed it occurring many times.
4. Cross-Training Makes Stronger Artists
Just like athletes cross-train, drama students benefit from developing skills in other arts. I believe it is our job to point that out to our students and encourage them to use their undiscovered talents:
For instance, a student who plays an instrument may develop stronger rhythm in their line delivery. Or a student who sketches may have a keener eye for stage pictures. That comes in handy when they get a chance to try directing a one act or scene with their peers. Do you have a student who is always writing stories and poems? They may build more authentic characters., because of their love of the written word.
5. Teachers See Hidden Strengths
For teachers, encouraging pivots helps uncover talents is exciting and very fulfilling. Personally, I’ve introduced many students who entered my classroom thinking they wanted to perform only to discover they preferred technical theater once they studied it. Read this post if you’d like to hear about a student of mine who went on to be a set designer.
He attributes his interest in it from building a model of a set design when he was in middle school. The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design Learning to draw a set design of their own choosing, encourages them to explore their own ideas. They approach researching a time period with a different attitude or outlook because they can see a reasons for doing so. Encouraging them gives them the license to see things differently. You can’t beat that kind of affirmation.
Do you have any shy students? They may thrive in sound or light design. How about a restless one? Encourage them to audition for the dance squad. Exploring different art forms ensures that every student finds a way to shine. If you’d like to learn how to encourage students to study technical theater, check out: Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class
Exploring other art forms doesn’t pull students away from theater. It makes them better theater artists. When teachers provide opportunities to pivot, students gain resilience, creativity, and confidence. My advice? Let students try on multiple “hats” in the drama classroom. You may discover your actors become better performers precisely because they also became designers, dancers, or writers.
Have you ever encouraged a student to explore another art form to strengthen their acting? I’d love to hear your story—feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.
