March is a month in which we celebrate and promote the importance of arts in education. The goal of Theatre in Our Schools Month is to highlight how theatre develops important skills in the leaders of tomorrow and empathy for our world. Theatre plays an crucial role in connecting subjects like literature, history, and, public speaking. 

FUN FACTS:

• High school students engaged in actor training develop a higher level of empathy, heightened understanding of what others are thinking and feeling, and are better able to control their own positive and negative emotions. -Mind, Brain and Education, 20111

• 89% of surveyed business executives participated in the arts during their school careers. -Unmasking Business Success, 2015 

• Students who take part in theatre education programs often score higher on standardized tests and are more likely to achieve academic honors than peers without arts involvement. -American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE)

• Engaging in theatre education cultivates critical thinking and creativity. A report from the Arts Education Partnership found that students involved in the arts are 4 times more likely to be recognized for their creativity by their teachers. The process of interpreting scripts, developing characters, and solving problems during rehearsals enhances students’ analytical skills, preparing them for complex problem-solving in various subjects.  -American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE)