Drama.

It's usually regarded as a bad thing these days. No one wants drama in their lives, right? We try to help our children rise above the pettiness that often confronts them in relationships, culture, politics, and all the mess this world throws at them.

But there's a different kind of drama that can actually bring about unmatched growth in your child. I'm talking about the ORIGINAL drama. You know, the drama that involves a stage, curtains, script, audience...theater.

The Veritas Academy 4th through 6th grade drama club is gearing up to perform The Jungle Book this weekend, after months of having great fun and working hard together to bring this story to life on stage. Under the direction of Veritas parents Tami and Daniel Orama of Vocal Production Studios, these kids have grown together in their relationships and in their skills.

The arts are a big part of Veritas Academy's vision to connect students with truth, beauty, and goodness for Christ's calling, and to that end, we try to make it priority to give students of all ages an outlet into artistic expression, be it visual arts, music, drama, and more. There are benefits to the children far beyond the simple enjoyment of creating something beautiful and moving (though that is a fantastic benefit itself).

If you're considering whether to introduce your little one to the theater - whether they are already an outgoing, expressive budding thespian or you would like to give them a chance to come out of their shell - here are five reasons you should go for it!

For kids of all ages, theater:

1. Boosts Confidence

I know a man who is a fabulous entertainer. Since his school years, he has performed both professionally and as a hobby, traveling the country and even the world with his family putting on fun and engaging cabarets, musicals, dramas, and more. But before he stage found him, he was painfully shy with a nearly debilitating stutter. It was his 7th grade English teacher who suggested he try out for the school play. Against what seemed like his better judgment, he did try out (after all, someone believed in him!) and he made it into the cast! Though he had only a small role, he devoured the experience with joy and sang out every chance he had. And from that time on, his stutter dwindled to nothing and he's never looked back.

Not that every young child who performs in a school play will become a professional performer, but there is truth in the notion that an experience in theater will help a child discover a new brand of confidence they never had tapped into before.

Spending hours practicing, refining, and playing, only to get to stand up and do it all over again for a group of family, friends, and complete strangers can bring about a sense of accomplishment and boldness that can carry these kids through a slew of new challenges that school - and later, the workplace - will present. After all that practice and fun, to actually get up on stage and perform can be a defining moment for many kid in overcoming fears and insecurities.

2. Aids Emotional Development

Performers in a play or musical are often required to study the characters they are playing on a deeper level. They might read books on which the characters are based, learn the historical context of the story, or have interactive discussions with castmates and the director about the roles. Finding out what makes a character tick, why they make the choices they do, and how they are feeling in a given moment, is crucial to putting on a believable show.

But beyond just making for a better performance, this type of exercise can do wonders for our children's emotional intelligence. They are spending time walking a mile (or, at least across the stage several times) in someone else's shoes. In so doing, they develop empathy, and discover what it's like to see things from another's perspective. Additionally, it may even allow them to work through complex feelings in their own hearts, as they drum up and emanate a character's feelings.

3. Forges Friendships

The bond among cast and crew members in a show is unlike any other. Especially in a God-honoring environment, this group can become a safe place for your child to let loose, have fun, and forge lasting friendships.

Whether they are part of a cast or the crew, being in theater requires a commitment to an end goal (similar to sports, really). Every person has an important part to play, and the whole group, working together as a team, inevitably grows incredibly tight-knit by the time the show closes. Aside from the hard work, the antics and laughter that so often accompanies a theatrical production make for lifelong fun memories.

4. Improves Communication Skills

Kids in theater will often learn important tips on vocal diction, projection, and expression to put to use in the performance, but these skills are crucial as their grow into young adulthood and beyond. Just as the gentleman I described earlier credits theater with helping him overcome a stutter, early theater experience can do wonders to develop a child's communication aptitude.

Whether in the workplace, the church, or even interpersonal relationships, solid communication skills can not be overrated. Equipping your child to express themselves well and with confidence will carry them far in achieving the calling God has on their hearts. Not that someone who struggles with speech can't reach these goals (goodness, think of Moses), but giving them this experience and opportunity early in life can make some hurdles a little easier for them to clear as they grow.

5. Reveals Spiritual Truths

Daniel Orama, who is directing our students in The Jungle Book, has noted the way that drama can bring spiritual truths to light as the players dive into the material they're performing.

"What we love about directing theater is finding moments that are without question rooted in God’s word," Daniel says "One such moment surfaced when Shere Kahn, feared by everyone, claimed he feared nothing. It was his pride-filled statement that in the end was his fall. A teachable moment was born in our drama rehearsal revealing that Shere Kahn’s pride got the best of him, like Satan. The 4th, 5th, and 6th graders quickly understood, and it was a joy watching that revelation come to life in their eyes."

"The benefits of theater are many, but one benefit that we might not hear about often is biblical integration used as a teaching moment from the script," Daniel continues. "Theater serves as a building block to working together as a team, challenging each cast member to be fully committed to their roles, no matter the size. In addition, theater has helped students stay in school by greater attendance and a lower drop-out rate. Yes, the benefits are wonderful, but how much greater are those benefits revealed when acknowledging the One who gives us the breath of life to carry out such a production."

The 4th, 5th, and 6th graders of The Veritas Academy Drama Club are ecstatic to share their production of “Jungle Book” to their family and friends this weekend (February 9 & 10). May the Lord show you the moments His Word is revealed in the story, whether or not the author penned it as such.