The Stage is My Happy Place
By Andrea J. Faria, Producing Artistic Director at The Stage
Summer production of Beetlejuice!
Only goodness comes from exposing children to the performing arts at a young age. I can attest to this as my grandma started taking me to the theater when I was just six years old. Who would have known that being her sidekick to a thousand productions would have set me on the journey to spread my love of theater to all the littles in my entire community.
Kids have higher GPAs across all socioeconomic backgrounds
Due to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills fostered through artistic activities, our little performers sore academically. This seamlessly transitions from the arts to core subjects like Math and English. I’ve had more than one mother come to me in tears over their child’s achievements since joining The Stage. That they went from Fs to AP classes.
The Little Mermaid
They are more inclusive
The theater is a mishmash of misfits who often don’t belong anywhere else. And because of this, you’ll find a group of the most accepting individuals you’ll ever come across. Not to say we don’t get kids from every background. We absolutely do. But here we hold firm that our kids who hold prayer circles will respect the kids who don’t. We had multiple parents in tears (we’ve had a lot of parents come crying to us over the years!) come to us and say their child never felt like they belonged anywhere until they found us. That they tried sports, and scouting, and clubs… nothing. The theater was the only place they could be themselves. Different, and still accepted.
Hadestown
Theater kids have higher self esteem
Children involved in the arts often exhibit higher self-esteem due to the unique opportunities for self-expression, skill development, and accomplishment. Engaging in creative activities allows children to build confidence by expressing their unique perspectives, mastering new skills, and receiving positive reinforcement for their creations. Our goal is to build each of our cast members up so they all feel like stars!
These little actors are better at expressing their emotions
Children involved in the arts often demonstrate enhanced emotional expression due to the creative process providing a safe space for self-discovery and communication. Art allows for the externalization of thoughts and feelings, fostering emotional regulation and self-awareness. Kids can convey complex emotions, narratives, and experiences, often in ways that verbal communication may not allow.
They are stronger public speakers
Kids in the arts often excel in public speaking due to the skills honed through drama, music, and visual arts. These activities foster confidence and the ability to connect with an audience, all crucial for effective public speaking
All that to say, do we expect them to run off to New York to try their hand on Broadway? Probably not. But we do expect them to be better people. And boy do we love being a part of that of their story.
Support The Arts
Play a Part… Keep the Performances Great!
Donor support allows our artistic community to thrive. Thanks to our generous supporters, we can continue to host vibrant, quality performances. Make sure the cultural theater experience continues to shine in Lincoln by contributing today. We would love to count you as one of our valued sponsors.
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Andrea Faria
WEBSITE:
PHONE:
(916) 258-2082