10 Ways High School Theatre Teaches You About Life

1. It builds confidence.

Once you’ve mustered up the courage to get on stage (sometimes in tights!) in front of thousands (or even tens) of your peers, you know you have the confidence to take on the world.

2. It teaches you the value of a dollar.

You learn a lot about how to make a little money go a long way when you help put an entire musical production together with just a $1000 budget.

3. It teaches you about relationships. 

Chances are that your first brush with romance was during the fall production of Romeo and Juliet, or maybe you had your first kiss on stage in front of the whole school.

4. You learn to do nice things for others.

There’s always a friend who needs a ride home, or someone who forgot to pack a snack, or an exhausted director in need of Starbucks, and with a little effort, you can be the hero who saves their day.

5. You learn to succeed under pressure.

Nothing prepares you for future stresses like the dramas that happen during tech week.

6. You learn to appreciate other people.

After spending weeks in dealing with your castmates’ quirks and wacky theatre-people, whether it’s pretending to be lovers, family, or enemies, you will be prepared to deal with any personalities life throws at you.

7. You understand the importance of connections and mentors. 

Your theatre director and coaches can make a lasting impact on your life and development, and they could become some of the most important relationships in your life. Most won’t tolerate an ounce of disrespect.

8. You understand to never be late. Ever!

You never want to give your director an excuse to say (for the millionth time), “If you are on time, you are late!”

9. You learn to respect everyone in the company. 

Treat your technicians kindly or you may find yourself in white spandex.

10. You learn that sometimes a family is the one you make.

Insert your troupe number here: _____________ forever!

Tiffany Weagly-Wilkie is the Director of Theatricals for PerformerStuff.com. She also serves as the Casting Director for The Imagination House.