Theatrical Productions Teach Collaboration and Creativity

Theatre shows offer audiences spectacular – and often energetic – performances that showcase talent and storytelling. From classic plays like Shakespearean tragedies to Broadway musicals, there’s something for everyone in the theater scene.

Working in the theatre often means dealing with dashed hopes and rejection on a regular basis. But it also teaches students how to work independently. This is a trait employers look for in their workers.

1. Teamwork

From costume designers to sound engineers, from directors to stagehands, the entire theatrical production requires a team of people working together toward a common goal. Practicing collaboration in theatre can teach students skills they can take into the workforce, such as time management, initiative and creativity.

A good director can lead their cast and crew towards a vision and help them overcome obstacles that may arise. Directors work with the art departments to ensure consistency across all areas of the show.

It’s also important to emphasize that every member of the team plays a starring role. Make sure your students understand that when the applause comes after a show, it’s not just for the actors – every member of the team deserves recognition for their contribution.

2. Communication

Whether you’re performing or working behind the scenes, communication is key. Theatre demands that everyone work cooperatively to bring a production to life. There’s no room for “me” versus “them” behavior. The star diva is a thing of the past, and employers look for employees who can communicate effectively.

Actors must rely on non-verbal cues to convey emotion and understanding. From body language to hand gestures, these small details help bring a character to life.

For example, when a director sets a play in 1890s Appalachia, actors must learn how to use their physicality to communicate that feeling of being disconnected from others. They must also know how to create an appropriate soundscape and pick music that enhances the atmosphere. Similarly, costume designers must communicate their vision to the rest of the team.

3. Responsibility

Theatre involves a lot of work that often has to be done outside of rehearsals. Whether it’s finding costumes, putting together flats or working out characterization on their own, students learn self-discipline and how to complete tasks without supervision.

The director is responsible for shaping almost every aspect of a production—from determining the cast; auditioning, casting and directing actors; providing design direction; coordinating and leading rehearsals; and managing the project’s schedule. Directors also bring a unique interpretation of the script and a vision for the final product to the show.

Actors must be able to work independently, and deal with the fact that their hopes and dreams may be dashed on a regular basis—whether it’s not getting the role they want or losing their spot on the tech crew. They also need to be able to rebound quickly from any setbacks.

4. Creative Thinking

One of the keys to theatre success is creative problem-solving. Whether you’re putting together this flat, finding that prop, or working out characterization outside of rehearsals, you have to think quickly and come up with solutions on your own. Being able to work independently is an invaluable skill that employers look for in their workers.

Research suggests that drama activities promote creativity and activate the brain by encouraging divergent thinking, which frees learners to generate multiple unique ideas and solutions. Studies also suggest that theatre training promotes cognitive flexibility and fluidity, elaboration and personal commitment. The ability to see the big picture while remaining detail oriented is another key aspect that employers value in their workers. Theatrical production is also an opportunity to learn the value of time management.

5. Creativity

Whether as an audience member or part of the crew, all involved in a theatrical production must be creative to bring it to life. Creativity is hard to define, but it is usually understood to mean taking an existing situation and seeing it in a new way. This process involves making intelligent links between ideas and finding inspired solutions to problems.

The creativity that characterizes theater is a combination of processes and products, from the overall preparation of actors to the individual performances. It is a highly collaborative effort that includes many domain-specific experts. Experts evaluate the final product, and they often reward their favorite performers with awards for their contribution. The practice of experts assessing creativity is common in the arts, but it also occurs in science, city planning and how people manage their offices.

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