By Monique Cole
Sometimes students need to push themselves out of their comfort zones to try something new. While it might be difficult to do this, sometimes it’s necessary to advance skill sets and change our perspectives. Because of this, every college student should take a theater class before graduation. Through theater classes, students can gain a sense of creativity, self-respect and become more career-savvy. These additional skills can develop a well-rounded student. Theater for some students can also be their escape from daily stresses and a place for self-expression. In other words, theater classes offer more than just improving one’s acting skills.
Some students’ blood pressure might skyrocket at the thought of taking a theater class. Fear of humiliation, rejection, failure, interaction and public speaking can cause a student’s palms to sweat in regards to performing in front of others.
To kill off a common misconception, theater is not all about acting. Theater is a very diverse field of study, just like any other major. While part of theater involves acting, it also involves the history of theater, technical theater and analyzing different aspects of theater and production. Technical theater involves all the people behind the stage making sure the production goes on. This can include: set designers, sound and lighting operators, costume designers, makeup artists and everyone else that isn’t in the play. There is something for everyone. In the words of Constantin Stanislavski, “There are no small parts, only small actors.” A student’s role in theater is what they make of the experience.
Theater can be a place to learn how to become a better student and human being. Theater is always live. Each performance is different in some aspect as a result. Every performance requires a team of people who are willing to work hard to achieve success. Theater classes are scholarly, utilizing constant creative and critical thinking. Icebreaker and warm up activities alone can improve a student’s patience, attentiveness and memory. Theater classes help develop a strong student mindset. Taking a theater class also demands students to sustain
Theater classes often test students through application and completion of tasks. When I took comedy and improvisation, it was the only class I took that year that required no textbook. I would only learn from my classmates’ feedback. I didn’t just have to listen to the feedback I received, but I also had to keep it in mind for my next performance. Even if it was a great performance, I always knew that the next one could be better. I practiced with my classmates for larger performances and found myself working hard to get that A.
Theater classes can help students prepare for their future careers. Employers aren’t just looking for someone with a degree or experience, but also for someone with a personality and a productive work ethic. A student can go to multiple workshops based on career development, but workshops don’t test the mastery level of individual understanding of what is being presented. A successful employee is one who can identify expectations, solve problems, effectively communicate and have a sense of confidence. Theater also helps students develop their own work ethic. Students have to create a work ethic that can be applied through performances and complete tasks. Performances and actives suffer greatly when just one person is not carrying their weight, and the same can happen in a real-life work setting. Therefore, students can realize the importance of their work ethic through application, instead of sitting in a workshop just listening.
Taking a theater class can ease stress, boost confidence and even make students more involved in the arts. When students take a very heavy course load, it’s complicated trying to find time to squeeze in a bit of fun or some form of entertainment. If you are still afraid of theater, understand that one of the best things about theater is that it is a place for self-expression and support. Everyone in the class is in the same boat.
We have humanities to learn about human experience. Theater can be a place to discover one’s voice and identity. Being able to endure public speaking and feel comfortable in front of others increases a student’s self-esteem. By feeling more confident and at ease, students tend to stand up a bit straighter, speak a little more and feel like they can accomplish anything. If for some reason you can’t sign up for a theater class, NSU does put on performances throughout the year. You don’t have to be a theater major or minor to audition.
Every college student should take a theater class before graduation. Taking a theater class can be a fun and interesting way to learn about yourself alongside other scholarly endeavors. Signing up for a theater class can be intimidating, and might even be terrifying to attend on some days, but by the end of the semester, students who choose theater will gain a new perspective.
