10 Reasons Every Teacher Should Take an Acting Class.

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Many years ago, there was a popular movie about a young man, who, in the midst of family abandonment, found a saving grace in playing football. It was in this heartfelt, true story, that I saw football players tasked to take a ballet class as part of their training. Big burly guys juxtapose petite ballet dancers was not only a visually humorous moment in the movie, it was an educational one.  The two disciplines (football and ballet) actually made sense together.  The oversized, stiff athletes at the barre reaching and bending, over time and much practice, became flexible and light on their feet. Later, we see just how much of a positive impact ballet training had on their ability to play the game. After all, their commitment to an unfamiliar process proved to give them an edge over their competition.

It is widely known that when athletes cross train with dance, there are physical and mental perks. The connection between acting and teaching is similar. On the surface they seem worlds apart, but upon closer look, acting classes, like ballet for football players, offer teachers skills that transcend beautifully into the classroom (and life).

Take a look at the 10 reasons/skills that are awaiting your leap into the world of acting training.

SELF AWARENESS

Having an ability to observe oneself and others without judgement is a pretty big deal in the acting world. How else will anyone effectively play a villain? Priority is made for self discovery in an acting class so that actors can become aware and take ownership of their choices. That awareness becomes a breeding ground for new choices in one’s work. A teacher with increased self awareness will find themselves being more intentional about finding new ways to empower their students’ learning.

CONFIDENCE

Acting is a celebration of humanity.  The strengths and weaknesses of the human race is out there on full dramatic display.  In an acting class, actors are trained to embrace their own peculiarities and honor their perspective.  It’s their gift to the world. They recognize this as not only true for themselves but for every human. A teacher who can be comfortable in their own skin and express themselves through their work, style, clothing and conversation will model permission for students to embrace their own uniqueness as well. 

EMPATHY

Although acting is considered make-believe for the majority.  Those who take a class discover acting is more than that. It is an opportunity to explore your personal truth around a given situation. It also exposes you to the personal truths of others inviting a more empathetic, authentic connection with your students.

CREATIVITY

Despite what you’ve heard, acting is a “process over product” art form. You are taught to rely on the process, commit to and trust your choices. It sets the stage for taking creative risks. A teacher will learn to unapologetically trust their creative instincts in the classroom without the shroud of failure or wasted time.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Using the imagination is the actor’s superpower. Acting classes invite play and abandon of limitations. What a wonderful world for teachers who are the shaper of minds to use their imaginations to reimagine lessons, classroom culture, and teaching methods. Imagine the possibilities: Problems become opportunities to problem solve; distractions turn into dance breaks; and a noisy class becomes a symphony.  

PATIENCE

Who couldn’t use a little more patience in the classroom, heck, in life?  Practicing patience with oneself and others in the face of nerves, mistakes, long waits, heckles, forgetfulness is part of the acting experience.  Any teacher who takes on that experience will be better equipped to practice patience in the face of classroom management concerns.  

SPONTANEITY

Actors are trained to think on their feet. Unplanned, unscripted creations are some of the most meaningful and memorable moments in an acting class and I would dare to say in the academic classroom too. Teachers who take on this training will learn to get out of their head and land on their feet with a sense of humor to boot.

TRUSTWORTHY

Acting is a community sport and everyone involved is working together on all cylinders: physically, mentally, personally, socially, intellectually, emotionally and professionally. It raises one’s level of respect for collaboration, community, conversation and connecting. A teacher with a heightened sense of community will provide a safe space for students to not just show up to class but make room for them to be valued contributors.

CRITICAL THINKING/LISTENING

Acting requires actors to prepare for performance by getting into character. In order to get into character, actors have to know those characters’ stories. One of the first ways to get to know a character’s story is through asking questions.  Questions root actors in their purpose for showing up, performing and speaking. Teachers equipped with more questions than answers will invite much discussion and introspection in their classrooms.

ENDURANCE

Acting is 70% preparation for performance. 

A large part of that preparation are relaxation techniques designed to identify and release undue tension in the body and voice. As a practice, actors are trained to tap into a relaxed but ready state during tense moments. Teachers who commit to an acting class will find themselves accessing their chill in the face of the unexpected.

Are you intrigued? Here are some things you can do to get started.

• Find a virtual or local acting class for adults in your area. Remember like dance, it’s not a one-off. It will require a commitment to see the new skills emerge in practice.

• Study the craft on your own with subscriptions like “Masterclass with Helen Mirren”.

• Join my virtual acting class for educators. Coming Soon.