There's something magical about experiencing a live performance in a room full of strangers that makes you feel both wonderful and vulnerable. That's partially because the actors on stage are vulnerable as well. Theatre is a unique experience for both actors and audience members alike. It's not the movies (though movies are great too). There is no screen separating you from the actor. There is no camera separating the actor from you and your reactions to their performance whether it be booing, laughing, or crying. We (the actors and the audience) are experiencing everything simultaneously without delay or separation, and it's an amazing thing. So let's list some reasons why we can't let this experience die.
1. It is honest.
Live theatre is different from watching a movie or TV show. The actors do not get a redo or new take every time they make a mistake, they just have to keep going. That actor making (or not making) those mistakes is giving you an honest performance. Actors are human, we don't do everything perfect every single time but we decide to go on stage anyway and tell our stories to the world. By accepting and admitting we will make mistakes once in awhile and that we will do our very best to give a great performance we are being honest with ourselves and our audience. As an audience member, you also have the opportunity to share genuine emotions both with the actors on stage and other strangers who may be sitting in the audience with you. For example, if something is funny, you laugh out loud or if something really moves you, you might cry. You are sharing these very real emotions and reactions with everyone In the room and we are all sharing our energy with one another. Honesty and vulnerability are a beautiful thing and that's something we lose sight of in today's society. The theatre teaches us that these characteristics are still very important.
2. It has the ability to start powerful conversations.
Since the beginning of its' history, theatre artists have been challenging the norm. We are constantly writing and performing shows that question history and society and discuss controversial topics. You can find a play about almost anything: racial inequality, sexual identity, the legalization of marijuana; you name it, it probably exists. Theatre takes these topics and puts them in the minds of audiences all over the world through entertaining dialogue, characters, and sometimes song and dance. Whether the audiences agree or disagree with the themes or statements the theatrical performance has presented, conversation is being created and opinions are being formed on important topics.
3. It provides freedom to express yourself.
I can't explain the feeling you get when you're on stage singing and dancing your heart out or delivering a very powerful monologue. I honestly wish that everyone could experience the overwhelming joy of getting a standing ovation after that final bow. Theatre is an outlet for so many people of all different ages and backgrounds all over the world. Theatre lets you be yourself and someone else all at once. It helps you realize who you want to be, while also getting to be someone or something you never thought you could be. Being an actress is like realizing all the things you said you wanted to grow up to be when you were little could actually all come true. Theatre is an art form, and like any other art form, allows people to express themselves freely. It can even be therapeutic. Drama therapy is a new form of therapy that is being developed more and more all over the United States and has proven to be very effective. We should always protect new ways of helping people get through conditions such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, etc, especially now that they are becoming more and more common in the average American.
4. It helps improve communication skills.
What better way to learn public speaking than to take an acting class? Memorizing speeches (monologues) and delivering them to hundreds of people (audiences) is considered a very important skill to master in today's world. It is essential in any good job position and sure enough, is also the number one fear in America. People are terrified of public speaking and that Public Speaking I course isn't always the trick to getting over that fear. Doing fun and energizing theatre exercises and learning new approaches to memorization and performance is a fresh take on conquering the fear of public speaking. Want to try to beat your fear of public speaking? Take an acting class. It also helps you learn better communication skills in general. In theatre, we are taught to trust the people we're working with and we are usually asked to be very vulnerable in front of them. We may laugh, cry, do something embarrassing, or even kiss someone we barely know. All of these things are possible within the theatre, but it helps develop a confidence within yourself and it helps you learn to quickly establish a comfort around people you may barely know. We also learn to be strong listeners in the theatre world. Every line we say within a show has some kind of cue to tell us when it's time to say the line. Whether it be a sound, light, or vocal cue, we are being observant and listening well so we come in with our lines at the absolute perfect time. With that new found confidence and improved listening skills, it is easier to communicate with people in your everyday life.
5. It is a unique entertainment experience.
If nothing else, theatre is just plain fun. Sometimes it has some song and dance. It always has interesting characters and interesting plots. There is often amazing, magical looking sets and lights. But the best part is that is has no limits. You can go to a traditional theatre, or see theatre pieces performed in the streets. It can be interactive, immersive, or the audience could be completely invisible. It can be hilarious or tragic or unbelievably powerful and moving. Whatever kind of theatre you go to see, you'll never see the same performance twice. That is the beauty of live entertainment. It is always changing and is never dull. You just never know what surprises you may be in for. It is a beautiful experience to share with friends and loved ones.
I could list a million reasons why theatre should continue to live and progress throughout time, but I've listed only a few important ones for now. It's so important to support the arts and to keep them alive to be our voice and outlet for social change and self expression. Theatre brings together such a unique community of artists and allows them to showcase their talents to the world. There is just nothing quite like it, and so naturally, it must live on.
