Performing has been a passion of mine since I was young. 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 want to be on stage and they absolutely love every minute of it.
However, this is not the case for everyone, especially young children. Performing in front of an audience can be overwhelming for 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 find that sometimes the fear of being judged overwhelms them. Many a time 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 thrives 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.
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.
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.
So in conclusion – what is the best way? Performance-driven classes or non-performance?
Perhaps in the end with a little bit of confidence, no pressure and fun; some of these children will take to the stage in the future! However, they have to start somewhere, and at Zozimus Drama we believe that if we can “ignite a spark in their little imaginations”, give them a supportive environment with no pressure to perform, we can ultimately build up their confidence and ensure they lots of fun!