Theater-Arts – is it the right fit?

Erin Sforza, PR/Marketing Coordinator for CM Performing Arts Center, talks about how theater programs can benefit kids of all ages.

For children, an after-school Acting Program or  Summer Theater Camp experience can open up an entirely new world.  Children are able to forge new friendships, create lasting memories, and gain critical skills for life, including a sense of fair play, teamwork, self-confidence, as well as invaluable social skills.  Finding a class or after-school Theater-Arts program or Dance Class that peaks your child’s interest may be just the beginning of a life-long passion that connects your child to others who share a love for the Arts and Music.

Kid’s Theater program and rehearsal activities can be a source of self-confidence that children can use as a foundation to build on as they get older, especially into their pre-teen and teenage years, when it can be so valuable.  Through participation in these types of programs children as young as four years of age can begin to develop confidence through knowing that they are a part of a stage production, and have contributed individually to their group’s success.  Performing in itself also can teach children about self-discipline and commitment. The instruction and support that children receive in these classes helps to build not only their skills as far as the activity, but helps them to understand the true meaning of cast member, and most importantly friend.

Finding the right activity for your child may take some time, and they may try a few before they find the sport or class that suits them best, but once they do they may begin wonderful friendships and develop a love for their chosen subject.  It is also important to remember that many activities assist children in their academic life as well, such as the connection between music and a child’s ability in math, or script memorization playing a role in development of reading comprehension.  The benefits to children from kid’s classes and after-school activities are vast and can be a wonderful addition to any child’s life.

CM Performing Arts Center is one of Long Island’s most prominent community theaters offering a high quality theatrical experience at an affordable price, from Children’s Theatre productions, Broadway musicals, CM Teen productions, and even midnight performances of The Rocky Horror Show! Additionally, CM offers birthday parties and year round theater education programs for age 4 and up, as well as an extensive Summer Camp. CM Performing Arts Center is located at 931 Montauk Highway in Oakdale.  You can visit their website at www.cmpac.com or call 631.218.2810 for more information on any of their programs and performances.