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