As a homeschool parent, you’re always seeking ways to enrich your child’s education beyond the standard curriculum. One way to foster creativity, build confidence, and develop soft skills is by introducing your child to theater. Whether your goal is to help your child explore new perspectives, find a fun and fulfilling hobby, or simply boost their confidence, theater can provide valuable life lessons.
To explore how theater can benefit children and what opportunities are available, we spoke with Scott Savage, the Program Manager of Utah Valley University’s Theatre for Youth and Education (TYE) Center. Scott has a deep love for storytelling and a background in theater education, giving him a unique perspective on how theater can empower kids.
Scott’s Journey into Theater and Education
Scott’s passion for theater began early in life. He recalls doing "lots of plays and things in school" and how the theater was where he felt most successful. His love for storytelling came from his parents, who took him to see Broadway tours like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Phantom of the Opera. But despite his love for acting, Scott knew he didn’t want a career as an actor. Instead, he pursued a path that would allow him to connect with others through theater without the lifestyle of a full-time actor.
"I love what theater does for me personally in terms of telling stories and connecting with people. But the lifestyle of an actor just isn't for me," Scott explains. He earned a BA in theater education from BYU and an MFA from the University of Central Florida with a focus on theater for young audiences. Since then, he’s worked in children’s theaters across the country and recently became Program Manager of the TYE Center at UVU.
Why Should Homeschool Parents Consider Theater?
When asked why parents, especially homeschoolers, should consider getting their children involved in theater, Scott shares three key reasons: fun, worldview expansion, and the development of soft skills.
"I think theater for youth should do any one or combination of three things. First, it should be fun... They should laugh, they should feel more confident, and they should enjoy being part of the group," Scott emphasizes. The second benefit is the ability to broaden a child’s worldview by helping them see life from different perspectives. Whether it’s a story like The Miracle Worker or another play that presents new ideas, theater can offer a glimpse into someone else's experience in a meaningful way.
Finally, Scott highlights the soft skills that children learn from theater, which can be difficult to acquire elsewhere. "Theater teaches people to put the spotlight on someone else, to be part of a group, to think about the meaning of their words, and to consider how factors like costumes and objectives inform who we are to ourselves and the world around us."
These skills are critical in many areas of life, from communication to empathy, and they provide lifelong benefits no matter what path your child eventually pursues.
UVU’s Opportunities for Homeschool Families
As the Program Manager of UVU’s TYE Center, Scott is excited about expanding the theater offerings to homeschoolers. "[What do we offer homeschool kids] at the moment? Little that's exclusive," Scott admits, but he is eager to change that. The TYE Center already offers workshops, summer camps, and matinee performances, and Scott is looking into tailoring some of these to homeschool groups specifically.
"In the vision that TYE Noorda had for this space, she wanted it to be a resource for kids like her," Scott says, explaining how Noorda, for whom the center is named, grew up in a rural community with little access to the arts. Today, the TYE Center hopes to reach more rural families and provide unique theater experiences that are not commonly available in schools.
In the future, Scott hopes to create theater productions during the academic year or even offer concurrent enrollment courses. "We’re open to making classes or potentially productions during the academic year or finding a way to offer concurrent enrollment courses," he shares, hinting at exciting possibilities for homeschoolers in the future.
Getting Started with Theater in Your Area
Even if you don’t live near UVU, there are many ways to introduce your child to theater. "Many theaters offer educational classes, though your mileage may vary with how useful or aligned to your goals they are," Scott advises. For parents looking to get started, he suggests looking for local youth theaters, classes, or even social media groups like Utah Theatre Makers to connect with other families and find resources.
If there’s enough interest, Scott also mentions that the TYE Center would love to offer remote workshops or discuss creating theater on your own. His years of experience in theater for young audiences make him an excellent resource for homeschool families who are eager to bring the arts into their homes.
Why Theater Matters
For many homeschool families, theater is an incredible tool for teaching creativity, confidence, and empathy. Whether you’re looking to help your child explore new perspectives or simply have fun, theater offers a unique blend of life lessons and artistic expression.
As Scott wisely says, "If theater isn't making you more confident, more inquisitive or bringing more fun, then someone is doing something incorrectly." With Scott’s guidance, UVU’s TYE Center is poised to offer exciting new opportunities for homeschool families to experience all the benefits of theater.
Are you ready to introduce your child to the world of theater? Keep an eye on UVU’s TYE Center for future offerings, or look for opportunities in your area to help your child grow through the magic of performance!
For more information on UVU’s Theatre for Youth and Education Center, check out their website or reach out to Scott Savage directly at scott.savage@uvu.edu.
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