The dimming of the house lights, the quiet hum of anticipation, the controlled chaos behind the curtains these are fun, but so is the infectious energy of the students I work with, particularly those who can't seem to sit still, the ones who are always cracking jokes, making scenes, and, let’s be honest, often being what some might label "smart-asses."
While these traits might make them challenging students in a traditional classroom setting, they are absolutely perfect for the world of theatre!
In a conventional classroom, these students are often the ones who struggle the most. They’re the ones being told to be quiet, to sit down, to pay attention.They’re often seen as troublemakers, their quick wit mistaken for disrespect, their boundless energy for misbehavior. But in the theatre, these so-called "flaws" are not just accepted—they’re celebrated.
Theatre is not about staying in your seat and quietly raising your hand. It’s about expression, movement, and emotion. It’s about taking the raw, untamed energy that these kids bring and shaping it into something powerful and beautiful.
Where "Bad" Kids Shine
One of the most rewarding experiences in using theatre to teach English, is witnessing the transformation that occurs when these kids step onto the stage.
They realize that the very things they’ve been criticized for can be their greatest strengths. The kid who was always told he was too loud now hears his voice projected to the back of the auditorium, filling the space with power and emotion. The one who was always told she was too dramatic now brings an entire audience to tears with her performance.
This shift in self-perception is transformative. Suddenly, these students who have been labeled as "bad" or "difficult" begin to see themselves as capable, talented, and worthy of praise. They develop confidence, not just in their abilities as performers, but in themselves as individuals. They learn that they have something valuable to contribute, that their voices matter, and that they can be leaders in their own right.
A Community of Acceptance: The Theatre Family
Beyond the individual transformations, there’s something incredibly special about the community that forms within a theatre group. In this space, there’s a sense of belonging that many of these students have never experienced before. They find themselves surrounded by others who, like them, don’t quite fit the mold of the "perfect student." There’s a shared understanding, a mutual respect for each other’s quirks and idiosyncrasies.
This community becomes a safe haven, a place where they can be themselves without fear of judgment. It’s a space where they can take risks, make mistakes, and grow both as performers and as people. The bonds last long after the final curtain falls and so does the English they learned without noticing along the way.
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