Stage fright was something that never affected me when I was young as performing has been a passion of mine. It gives me a chance to escape from the realities of life and explore new identities that I can adopt and make my own. Each time I step onto the stage, I am free to create something special. Because of this, I now run a Youth group that wants to be on stage, and they absolutely love every minute of it.
However, performing in front of an audience can be overwhelming for children, especially young children. Stage fright can prevent them from taking part in the activities they enjoy. This dread of “performing” in front of an audience can lead to children wanting to quit activities that they once loved. You’ll find that sometimes the fear of being judged overwhelms them. Many times I have witnessed a child panicky and upset because they are too scared to go on stage, or they have just completely clammed up when being asked to show their performance work to the class. For these children, it seems that the need to perform just sucks the enjoyment out of it all. Don’t get me wrong; there are children, like me, who thrive on stage! But what about the others who ultimately just need a little bit of confidence and self-belief?
At Zozimus drama, we strip away the pressure to perform! Our focus is all on having fun, as essentially all drama is at the end of the day, imaginative play!
So why is non-performance so important to our ethos, and how can it benefit your child?
Firstly, our non-performance Zozimus drama classes allow children to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Whether it’s through improvisation, role-play, or storytelling, kids can explore their emotions and ideas freely without the pressure to perform in front of an audience. This can help them to develop a sense of self-awareness and empathy for others, as well as enhancing their communication skills.
In our non-performance classes, children can take risks, try new things, and experiment with different ideas without the fear of failure or judgment. This is a crucial aspect of building self-confidence and self-esteem. Children can feel free to express themselves without worrying about making mistakes, and this can help them to develop a healthy attitude towards learning and growth.
Secondly, our classes are all about collaboration and teamwork. Children are encouraged to work together to create a shared vision, whether it’s a group performance or a problem-solving activity. Through this process, they learn how to listen to each other, support each other, and work towards a common goal. These are important skills that will benefit them not only in drama class but in life.
Collaboration and teamwork are essential skills for success in any field, and drama classes can provide an excellent platform for children to develop these skills. Working in groups can also help children to develop their social skills and make new friends.
But let’s not forget the fun factor!
At Zozimus drama, our non-performance classes are a great way to inspire creativity and imagination. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they explore different characters, settings, and scenarios. They can experiment with different ideas and approaches, without fear of judgment. This can help to build their confidence and self-esteem, and encourage them to take risks and try new things.
At Zozimus drama, we believe that every child is unique and that each child should be given the opportunity to explore their creativity and imagination in a safe and supportive environment. Our non-performance classes are designed to provide just that, a space where children can be themselves and have fun without the pressure to perform.
So in conclusion – what is the best way? Performance-driven classes or non-performance?
Both performance-driven and non-performance classes have their own unique benefits. While some children may thrive on the pressure to perform, others may find it overwhelming and lose the enjoyment of their activity. At Zozimus Drama, we believe in the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their creativity without the pressure to perform.
Our non-performance classes allow children to express themselves freely, develop important communication and teamwork skills, and build confidence and self-esteem. If you’re a parent looking to enroll your child in a drama class, consider their personality and needs before choosing between performance-driven and non-performance classes.
If your child loves the spotlight and enjoys performing, a performance-driven class may be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if your child is more introverted or struggles with anxiety, a non-performance class may be a better choice to help them build confidence and enjoy their activity.
In summary, performing can be a wonderful passion for many children, but it’s important to remember that not everyone enjoys the pressure to perform. At Zozimus Drama, we provide non-performance classes that prioritise fun, creativity, and self-expression, allowing children to explore their imaginations in a safe and supportive environment. Ultimately, whether your child is a natural performer or needs a little extra encouragement, the most important thing is to find a program that fits their unique needs and interests and helps them develop confidence, teamwork, and creativity.
To find out more about the classes we offer, head to our classes tab https://zozimusdrama.com/#class or head to our facebook page for updates on all our upcoming lessons www.facebook.com/zozimusdrama