Why are performances important?

Here at Open Window School the students have many opportunities to perform every year. From small performances during drama classes, to all school assemblies and grade level performances on the stage for friends and family. This time of year is filled with grade level performances, at least one a week for the next several weeks. Planning and rehearsing these performances is one of my favorite aspects of my role as drama teacher. In the midst of switching from second grade's fabulous show, Everyday is Earth Day, last Friday to the Kindergarten Multicultural Parade and Performance this Thursday, I found myself reflecting on the importance of performance and how wonderful it is that our students get so many opportunities to perform.

You may or may not be aware that, according to several different surveys, the number one fear among adults is speaking in public/performing in front of an audience. Many adults are so afraid of public speaking that it has held them back in their careers and social lives. I want all of my students to have the confidence to speak or perform in front of audience if they ever want or need to. I am well aware that the majority of my students are not going to pursue an acting career, but public speaking is an important skill to master. One of the goals of all our performances is to give the children the confidence they need to feel comfortable speaking or performing in front of people.

The performances start out simple with large group song and dance numbers and become more complex with individual students speaking/singing/dancing alone. By Fifth grade, the students perform a complete musical comedy and I am blown away by it every year. Many students tell me that these performances are one of their favorite parts of the year. I am thrilled to hear these type of comments because I want to make performing a fun and positive experience for all of my students.