Performance allows us to feel confident, powerful, brave and independent, says Charlotte Bell.
The Arts provide an amazing platform for people with learning disabilities, offering a wealth of benefits that contribute to their personal growth and social wellbeing. Through active and regular participation in theatrical classes, students can develop vital skills in communication, memory, interaction, teamwork, confidence, and independence. The process of learning lines, rehearsing, and performing in front of an audience builds self-assurance and self-belief. Theatre provides a safe and supportive environment for its actors to step out of their comfort zones, take on challenging roles, and showcase their talents. As they receive positive feedback and recognition for their achievements, their confidence soars, empowering them to tackle new challenges. Theatrical tools like role play offer a safe environment to take creative risks, play, and even rehearse real-life situations. This in turn builds a deeper understanding of themselves and social dynamics, and leads to improved overall learning and integration into society.
Theatre plays a vital role in promoting social inclusion for people with learning disabilities. In inclusive theatre spaces, everyone’s abilities and contributions are valued, creating an environment of acceptance, and belonging. Theatre breaks down barriers and promotes a diverse and inclusive community, where people with learning disabilities are recognised for their talents. By engaging with fellow actors, crew members, and audiences, our performers are part of an integral team, building social connections and developing a sense of belonging in their communities.
Performing gives actors space to raise awareness about learning disability rights in a society that doesn’t always have an understanding of other’s lives. Working with qualified performing arts tutors provides amazing opportunities to our actors. By using a mix of mediums like comedy, physical theatre, dance, art and music, the students have the space to express themselves in ways that suit them best, working through telling their own stories to the wider world.
Performing arts also has its benefits in the way of dance. Mostly, dance promotes cognitive development and learning for people with learning disabilities. Learning dance routines involves memory, sequencing, and spatial awareness, which can enhance attention, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Dance also stimulates creativity and imagination, encouraging people to explore new movements, experiment with choreography, and think outside the box.
Above all, performance empowers people. It allows us to feel confident, powerful, brave, independent. By being on stage, people with learning disabilities can command attention, be heard, and be listened to in the hopes of creating a more accepting world.
Author: Charlotte Bell
Charlotte Bell
Charlotte Bell Senior Facilitator | Media and Marketing Manager.
Website: www.bakedbeancompany.com
