Oh the Drama!

Encourage Your Preteen's Theatrical Side

By Teri Brown

From stories acted out in front of a fire to the Greek tragedies that have survived for centuries, drama enriches and impacts our lives. Though many decry the low-quality movies that come out of Hollywood, other motion pictures touch our hearts and bring new understanding of our world and each other. Who can forget Life Is Beautiful with Roberto Benigni, Casablanca with Bogart and Bergman and even Titanic with DiCaprio and Winslet?

Yet drama is more than the stage or the silver screen, and it's important that we introduce our children to a wide range of theatrical experiences. Puppetry, traditional storytelling, mime, movies and theater all work together to enrich our preteens' lives and possibly give them a new means to express themselves.

When it comes to introducing preteens to drama, avoid a lot of fanfare beforehand, especially if you will be attending a live theatrical production. Some children will have preconceived notions of what to expect, and those ideas may not be positive. Yet consider this: Puppetry done by a professional is enchanting, and cultural storytelling is usually a raucous, audience-friendly affair. By simply scheduling the "date" and taking your child to a top-notch theatrical production, you can change their idea of entertainment forever. These experiences will expand your child's outlook beyond favorite television shows.

Beyond expanding personal taste, drama can be important to a preteen's personal growth, especially when used in education. Dan Murphy, founding general manager of the Broadway Rose Theater Company in Tigard, Ore., believes that drama can be an essential outlet for preteens. "I personally think drama is important at the middle school level, because it is a period in which the child has so many questions and feelings that are kept under wraps, and drama can be an outlet for emotions with the disguise of being someone else," he says. "What better way to push the envelope than in an acting class or camp that is safe and nonjudgmental?"

Want to see more?

• The Sound of Music: The Influence of Music Education
• The Sound of Music: Your Preteen Can Benefit
• Nothing to Do: Helping Your Preteen Beat Boredom
• Talk about it!