Exploring the Benefits of Theater for Homeschool Kids: Confidence, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication

Now that it’s finally October, if you see cheerful kids dressed in creative and whimsical costumes, your first thought might be, “Of course! Halloween!” But not so fast—maybe they’re just gearing up for their next big show!

If you, as a parent, have ever been involved in a theatrical production, you may already know the benefits of this extracurricular activity. For those of us who haven’t, Jessica Clark, a homeschooling mom currently mentoring a teen musical theater class at her local co-op, explains that kids and teens introduced to theater excel in the four C’s: Confidence, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication. She says, “I have seen this at work in my own ‘shy’ kids. Performing gives them a rush of positive emotions and helps them see themselves more positively. The younger they start, the more amplified the effects. It doesn’t have to be formal—even just performing for engaged parents alongside siblings, cousins, and friends can help young kids develop these skills.”

Scott Savage, Program Manager of UVU's Theatre for Youth and Education (TYE) Center, adds, “Theater should appropriately broaden students’ worldviews. It should offer a glimpse into something I might not otherwise see. Whether it’s a play like The Miracle Worker that tells Helen Keller's story, or a different narrative with unique insights, there’s value in asking questions and exploring different perspectives without fully stepping into someone else's shoes.”

Even before the recent surge in homeschooling families, children and youth theater options have been available through community organizations, clubs, universities, private theaters, and businesses. As the demand for homeschool theater grows, these venues are expanding their offerings. Scott Savage’s program already does outreach to public schools, but they’re looking to serve the homeschool community as well and are open to input and feedback. This is great news because, while there are plenty of children’s theater options, opportunities for teenagers are still somewhat sparse.

But hey—we’re homeschoolers! We can take care of that! If the list below doesn’t include a reasonable theater option near you (and a Google search doesn’t help), consider starting a class yourself! Check out the resources Jessica Clark recommends:

• Stage Milk - Monologues for Actors

• Fun Drama and Theater Games and Activities for Students

• High School Drama Activities

• For the dancing aspect of musical theater, check out this beginner dance tutorial.

Theater options around the state:

• Up With Kids (Statewide - they’re everywhere!)

• Utah Children’s Theatre (South Salt Lake) – Their website is currently down.

• Spanish Fork Youtheatre (Spanish Fork)

• Great Hall Theater (Spanish Fork)

• Half Penny Youth Theater (Salem)

• Youth Theatre at the U (Salt Lake City)

• SCERA Youth Theater (Orem)

• Theatre for Youth and Education Center (UVU) (Orem)

• Utah Conservatory of Performing Arts (American Fork, Draper, Tuacahn)

• Utah Arts Collective (Heber)

• Timpanogos Youth Theater (American Fork)

• Studio Kids (Draper, Suncrest, Daybreak, Salt Lake/Sugarhouse, Salt Lake City West, Lehi)

• South Valley Youth Theater (South Jordan)

• Smithfield Youth Theater (Smithfield)

• Bluffdale Arts Presents (Bluffdale)

• High Valley Arts (Midway)

• Timpanogos Valley Theater (Heber)

• Ziegfeld Arts Academy (Ogden)

• Backstage Performing Arts (Centerville/Bountiful)

• Sweet Harmony Performing Arts (Clinton)

• Center Stage Youth Performers (Lindon/Pleasant Grove)

• Vernal Theater Live (Vernal)

• Julie's Dance Center (Hurricane)

• Hurricane Rec Center Afterschool Classes (Hurricane)

• Washington Rec Center Afterschool Classes (Washington City)

• Iluminate for Kids (St. George)

• Encore Performing Arts (St. George)

• Utah COPA (American Fork, Draper, Tuacahn)