As we move into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let us not forget the artful opportunities that go with it. Plays, musicals and concerts are part of the storytelling and retelling, from favored classics and character portrayals to new, fresh themes.
A brief look-around the Golden Belt area reveals a lot of opportunities to experience a bit of culture expressed in high school plays, musicals and concerts, as well as community theater productions and visiting performers.
As school curriculums sight in on college prep and vocational pathways, districts also work hard to retain drama, debate and musical programs as electives.
Why?
Because they know that future employers are looking for creativity along with science, math and job skills. They want employees that can express themselves effectively among their peers, at conferences and in board rooms. Visual, written and oral skills are a must in today’s workforce, especially in an arena which requires the presentation of new ideas.
Past and current studies continue to show that students hone their self-presentation and public speaking skills with every performance. The arts help high school graduates prepare to excel in interviews, craft compelling proposals and share their biggest dreams with the world.
It’s also evident that group performances help foster a collaborative mindset and builds teamwork. No one person can accomplish as much as a cast, band or choir of passionate individuals. Performers and actors also rely on directors, as well as the background support of lighting and sound technicians, costume designers and set developers to achieve their collective goal of a quality performance.
There’s also the personal side benefits of promoting self-esteem, motivation, aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, improved emotional expression and the social benefit of harmony and appreciation of diversity.
These are not professionals, not yet. No one gets paid for a high school play except the company that handles production rights for the playwright.
Community theatre groups are in the same boat; the volunteer troupes rely heavily on sponsors and underwriters to defray expenses.
That’s because the typical cost of admission is less than dinner and a movie.
There will be missed lines and missed notes. There is no CG, it’s not in the budget. But that just adds spice to the memorable experience for all.
Besides the chance for an inexpensive night out, audiences get the chance to hone their public behavior skills – a lesson possibly in need by certain sports fans, judging by recent events.
In fine arts, there’s no down side; for the cast and crew and audience alike.
If we’re looking for a win-win this holiday season, the auditorium seems to be the best place to find it.
— Mike Gilmore
