The emotional benefits of musical theatre for children.
Let’s be honest—growing up can be a bit overwhelming. And in today’s world, kids are juggling more than just schoolwork. They’re navigating social pressures, digital distractions, and emotional challenges that many adults didn’t face until much later in life.
So it’s no surprise that parents are starting to ask deeper questions. Not just “Is my child doing well at school?” but “Are they feeling OK? Do they know how to cope?”
That’s where the performing arts can make a real difference.
Expression is a superpower
Kids don’t always have the words to say how they’re feeling—but they absolutely have the instincts. Through movement, music and drama, they get to express frustration, joy, nerves, excitement, sadness—all the big emotions that sometimes get bottled up.
Whether they’re leaping across a dance floor, creating a scene with friends, or finding the rhythm in a song, they’re not just playing—they’re processing. Performing arts give them a healthy, constructive way to understand and release feelings. And that kind of emotional awareness builds calm, confident, and resilient young people.
This emotional outlet is especially important today. Studies show kids born during lockdowns are behind in communication and social skills. That’s not their fault—and it’s not yours. But it is something creative classes can gently, effectively help with.
Science Backs It Up
health studies have found that music, dance and drama help children regulate emotions, reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Music in particular has been shown to lower levels of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone), while boosting natural feel-good chemicals like dopamine.
Other studies have found that children involved in creative arts tend to have stronger self-esteem and better emotional control—and that regular participation helps them feel more connected, more expressive, and more in tune with others.
Room to Grow, Not Just Perform
At our school, performing arts aren’t about perfection or polish. They’re about progress, confidence and joy. Children get to try things out, take creative risks and explore who they are in an environment that encourages experimentation—not competition.
Classes are structured with care, but never rigid. That balance helps children feel secure, while still having the freedom to be expressive and imaginative.
It’s not about forcing children into the spotlight. It’s about giving them the time, space and support to grow in confidence at their own pace—whether that means speaking up in front of a group, or simply feeling comfortable enough to let their personality shine.
The Real Goal: Emotional Resilience That Lasts
Ultimately, performing arts help children build emotional skills they’ll use far beyond the studio or stage. They learn how to handle nerves, bounce back from mistakes, work with others and express themselves clearly.
These are the everyday tools that support strong mental health—and make it easier for kids to cope when life feels tricky or overwhelming.
Confidence Starts From Within
Performing arts don’t just teach kids how to sing, dance or act—they help them understand themselves. And when children feel understood, supported and capable of expressing how they feel, everything else gets easier.
Whether your child is quiet or outgoing, anxious or adventurous, creative classes can be a powerful way to help them feel more confident, more connected—and more ready to take on the world.
References:
Centre for Creative Health (2023). Creative Health and Wellbeing Report
Arts Council England (2022). Arts and Emotional Development in Young People
UCL Millennium Cohort Study (2020)
NHS Research (2023). Music and Stress Hormone Reduction in Children