WHY THEATRE? Theatre, Empathy, and Faith

WHY THEATRE? Theatre, Empathy, and Faith

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Theatre

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Sage Friedline

When a student participates in theatre, they receive or create a part to play. Whether that part is a person, an animal, or something else entirely, more often than not the actors are not playing themselves; they must believably act as someone else. This forces students to step into someone else’s shoes and “leave themselves” backstage. This practice builds empathy, as actors get to experience firsthand a different point of view, different struggles, different joys, different customs, and much more.

Two of our Kids’ Musical students — Haley, the youngest of many Greenleaf-involved siblings, and Joshua, an enthusiastic theatre lover— shared that their favorite part of Greenleaf was the show experience. Performing can cause stress, especially in the new or inexperienced actor, but presenting is a vital part of building empathy. While performing, actors share the story and characters with those in the audience, exposing them to the world of the show.

Theatre at Greenleaf also imbues the truth into a field that desperately needs it. In today’s world, art and media are distancing themselves from modesty and propriety, casting worldly shadows. Faith and theatre can easily go hand in hand. Watching or performing the stories we know so well on the stage can result in a profoundly spiritual experience, strengthening the faith of many in the process.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8

 

Interested in experiencing theatre for yourself? Click here to see theatre classes this fall, and register here. We can’t wait for you to join us!

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Community

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Community

by | May 9, 2022 | Theatre

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Sage Friedline

Greenleaf has built a true Christian arts community in the Kansas City metro over the past 23 years. I have seen, firsthand, how actively Greenleaf participants of all ages seek to include those who are new or feeling insecure, reminding all of He who loved first.

Jane, daughter of a Greenleaf alum, shared: 

My first theatre event at Greenleaf was in the autumn of 2018… Greenleaf has helped me grow so much and in part, this is because of the amazing kids here! Although I usually like to keep to myself, the people at Greenleaf make me feel wanted despite my quiet nature, and they kindly pursue me in conversation and friendship even today. I am so thankful for this, even though it can be difficult and scary at first, I’m still growing… and I am very grateful to God for giving me Greenleaf, it truly is the place to grow. 

Rebekah, a member of the Drama Performance Company, wrote:

I started Greenleaf about seven years ago. When I first came I didn’t have any friends and I didn’t know how to talk to people. At first, I started out doing voice lessons because I was too scared to do anything else. Then, I was convinced to do the musical, and I immediately made tons of friends. I’ve done every show since then! 

Peighton, whose family is also involved at Greenleaf, said:

I started Greenleaf in 2019. I have learned how to grow in my skills by watching the older actors and having amazing teachers. I have grown in this community, and I have made many friends that encourage me to be myself and to grow. I feel like I am a better actor because of Greenleaf.

Isaac, who will be graduating this year, wrote:

I started performing in shows through Greenleaf in 2017. So many of the people that I’ve met and looked up to in Greenleaf have had a huge spiritual influence throughout all the time that I’ve participated in it. Between the caringness and encouragement that comes from directors and teachers, to the love and the trust that comes from all my friends and fellow castmates, every single person that I’ve encountered through Greenleaf has been incredibly influential and more than I ever deserve. The work that Greenleaf is doing throughout so many communities is very outgoing and selfless, and I’m so thankful to be part of this group of family and friends! 

Ruby, a long-time participant and staff member, said:

I started theatre here when I was 9 years old and I’ve loved it since! God has used my theatre experiences at Greenleaf for growth and encouragement in so many ways- playing improv games, putting together shows and musicals, performing- I love all of it! I have gained so much confidence and have grown closer in my relationship with God and my fellow actors. I’m so grateful for Greenleaf and all the amazing memories I’ll cherish forever!

Ryan, an improv student and a member of the Performance Drama Company shared:

“My first theatre class was the summer musical, The Prince of Egypt, in 2010 when I was 4. Before that, I had taken Kindermusik classes at Greenleaf, starting when I was only 18 months old! Greenleaf really holds up to its motto: The Place to Grow.” I’ve seen people, including myself, grow into their full potential and change into amazing people. For example, over years of Greenleaf influencing my life, I can now proudly say that I can talk to people without worry of saying something wrong or embarrassing myself [although I am introverted]. Also, Greenleaf’s community is completely unmatched in my eyes.

We’re so happy to learn how theatre has benefitted these students! If you want to experience this for yourself, consider taking our Theatre Essentials camp or an Adventures in Odyssey camp this summer. You can learn all about that here. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

WHY THEATRE? New Blog Series!

WHY THEATRE? New Blog Series!

by | May 3, 2022 | Theatre

by Maizie Ferguson and Sage Friedline

Since 1999, Greenleaf Performing Arts Academy has been “the place to grow.” Director Evi Wheeler’s original vision was “to serve students with excellent training in music, dance, and theatre, while providing a family-friendly environment and holistic Christian perspective on the arts,” an idea that has blossomed over the years, has created a rich community, and has been an abundant blessing to hundreds of families. 

One of Greenleaf’s treasured art forms is theatre. Why do we love theatre? Aside from scientific benefits, our families have found that theatre has encouraged their personal growth in community, empathy, and faith.

We recently surveyed Greenleaf students, asking how they’ve been impacted by their experience in theatre at our school. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be posting some of these results. Stay tuned!

Want to jump into theatre right now? Check out our 2022 Summer Camps here, and view our list of upcoming shows here!

Embodied Education: Improv Classes + Behavior

Embodied Education: Improv Classes + Behavior

by | May 3, 2019 | Blogroll

Earlier in this series, we talked about how embodied education positively influences both physical health and mental health. Because of this, it’s unsurprising that embodied learning is also linked with improved behavior! Here are three ways that embodied learning opportunities, such as improv classes and theater involvement, lead to better behavior in children.

Adaptability

Drama classes require students to take on the characteristics of the characters they play. It also drives them to adapt to the people around them. Everyone works together toward a common goal. Drama encourages students to work toward this goal with self-possession and growing skill.

On a more specific level, improv theater classes don’t just school students in adaptability and cooperation. They also help children become more flexible problem solvers. Each scene children play out brings with it new challenges to solve creatively. This serves as excellent practice for situations students encounter later in life.

Confidence

The performative nature of theater is wonderfully structured to help build confidence in students. Having to face any fear of being onstage or performing is often just the thing that some anxious students need to overcome their fears.

Studies also show that drama classes improve communication with others, especially for shy students, or children prone to anxiety¹. Between defeating fears of the limelight and improving communication with others, theater is an excellent way to help instill confidence in students.

Empathy

Earlier, we established that drama requires students to adapt their mannerisms to the characters they play. To achieve a deeper level of theatric proficiency, students need to really get inside their characters’ minds – to understand their characters beyond surface appearances. For this reason, drama classes help students develop empathy. For the rest of their lives, students will need the capacity to look from different perspectives. Improv classes and theater activities help build this capacity in a fun, memorable way.

Are you interested in enrolling your student at one of our Olathe, KS locations? Click here to find out more about current drama class offerings and enrollment.

¹https://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/theater-and-arts/fl-fea-sfp-theater-camps-20170222-story.html

Embodied Education: Fine Arts + Physical Wellness

Embodied Education: Fine Arts + Physical Wellness

by | Apr 24, 2019 | Blogroll

Earlier in this series, we talked about how embodied education positively impacts mental health. In this article, we want to focus on how an embodied philosophy of learning can positively impact physical health, too. Whether your student is interested in dance classes or acting classes, an embodied arts education provides numerous opportunities to build healthier bodies.

Dance Class Benefits 

Different types of dance will have different impacts on student bodies. However, most dance disciplines share at least a few benefits. Better Health¹ states that dance lessons:

  • Improve muscle tone + overall strength
  • Develop essential motor skills
  • Improve cardiovascular fitness
  • Result in better coordination, balance, and spatial awareness

Recall also that various types of dance will work various parts of the body. For example, ballet classes may use a completely different set of muscle groups than hip-hop classes will. Engaging with different types of dance will help students’ bodies engage with different muscle groups and help improve all of them, over time.

Theater Class Benefits 

Acting classes can also be a helpful, productive physical experience. In theater, students learn to embody different characters and accomplish different scenes. Recently, researchers studied whether theater could be used to help with students who experience either a type of weight disorder or a level of body dysmorphia. They found that participation in theater lead to “positive changes in peer communication, improved body satisfaction, increased resilience to comments from others, [and] may be an effective strategy for prevention of weight-related disorders”². So, the benefits of theater for physical well-being may not be as immediately obvious as dance. But they may be longer-lasting and have deeper impact overall.

Are you interested in enrolling your student in theater or dance classes at one of our Olathe, KS locations? Click here to find out more about current class offerings and enrollment.

 

Sources:

¹https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/dance-health-benefits

²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18443982