Is drama/theatre important for students?

Question

There's an idea out there that sports provide a physical and metal exercise that the arts simply cannot give. In schools today, the arts are the first to go when cutting budget. Is it not important for the emotional well-being and creativity of high school and junior high students to have a place to express themselves freely?

Answer 1

I agree with you completely.

Theatre training helps create confident, creative, well-spoken people. It keeps the imagination working (since the basic school system is about right/wrong with nothing in between, thus squashing the imaginative process).

And the imagination is the true self.

The lack of funding for the arts, in schools and in communities, is appalling.

Answer 2

Drama / theater provides many things for students. Yes, it provides for the emotional well-being and creativity of students. But there's more than that...

1) Learning to be comfortable in front of groups will help in business presentations later in life. - and helps with self confidence.
2) Taking on different roles allows students to see the world from different viewpoints - will help students put themselves in other people's shoes later in life.
3) Memorization of lines, emotions, etc. excercises student brains similarly to learning a language.

Answer 3

I think drama/theatre is a great deal, because it helps students build confidence in themselves.

Plus, from my experience, the drama club was a closer group of friends, than most sport teams are.

Answer 4

I believe the arts in general are important, but theater should not be the only one or most important one offered. Theater is NOT for everybody.