Dr César A. Cruz, educator and activist, is attributed to the following quote: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable”. As the Head of drama here at Rugby School Japan, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of the art of theatre in the lives of our pupils. Over the years, I have come to understand that the true benefits of drama extend beyond the thrill of performing on stage. Whether you’re in front of the curtain as an actor, behind it as a member of the backstage crew, or working in technical roles, choreography, or design, there are invaluable life skills and personal growth opportunities to be gleaned from each experience.
1. Comforting the disturbed
According to The Guardian, in England, National Health Service referrals for child anxiety more than doubled from nearly 99,000 in 2019/20 to over 204,000 in 2023/24. This rise in anxiety in young people is a global trend, where access to more information via the internet can often lead to them feeling more isolated or troubled by the world around them. Participating in a theatre group offers significant benefits for mental health by reducing anxiety and fostering collaboration and belonging. Engaging in creative arts, such as theatre, has been linked to improved feelings of well-being and social connectedness, which can alleviate feelings of isolation and anxiety. Moreover, community-based theatre promotes social cohesion and a sense of belonging, further enhancing mental health. The collaborative nature of performance encourages teamwork and communication, essential components of social interaction that contribute to reduced anxiety and increased feelings of belonging.
Something we have clearly seen in preparation for the school productions this year, is a connectedness that you would find difficult to cultivate within the classroom. One that expands age group, gender or skill set. As our pupils work together towards a common goal, they often find friends and comfort in unexpected places.
2. Disturbing the comfortable
At Rugby School Japan, our learners are guided by a set of attributes we call the ‘Rugby Learner Profile’.
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These attributes have been carefully selected to ensure our pupils are working outside their comfort-zones to achieve their full potential.
The Actor’s Perspective
For those who find themselves drawn to performing on stage, the feeling of performing in front of an audience can be one of the most rewarding and nerve-wracking experiences. As an actor, the skills gained from performing go beyond memorising lines and blocking. Whilst it is clear that pupils who act on the stage will be working on their communication and collaboration skills with each other, as well as an audience, what you might not see are the many weeks of practice that lead up to the performance. Actors are required to be extremely resilient as blocking gets changed, lines are momentarily forgotten or their performance falls flat. They need to be constantly listening, watching and aspiring to improve, reflecting on their own performance and how it speaks to the audience as a whole. Actors are also asked to be globally-minded, as they are transported to lands far away and to characters whose cultural experiences may be unfamiliar to them.
The Backstage Perspective
The backstage crew is the backbone of any production, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This group of individuals plays a critical role in making sure that the show goes on without a hitch, often working under tight timelines and immense pressure. For pupils and staff alike, being part of the backstage crew is an opportunity to cultivate versatility. In the midst of unforeseen technical challenges or last-minute changes, crew members must think on their feet and come up with quick solutions to keep the performance on track. Moreover, being part of the backstage crew demands a high level of adaptability. The nature of live theatre often means that things will go wrong — a prop will break, an actor will miss a cue, or there will be a lighting malfunction. The ability to adapt and pivot in these moments fosters resilience and the capacity to handle unexpected situations with grace.
The Tech Perspective
The tech crew, which includes sound, lighting, and special effects teams, plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a production. This is a group that thrives on innovation and technical skill. For pupils involved in the tech crew, it’s an opportunity to become curious, enquiring into how things work to learn complex technical systems and gain proficiency in the use of industry-standard equipment, knowledge that could open doors to careers in fields like broadcasting, film, and design.
One of the most profound benefits of working with the tech crew is the sense of responsibility it instills. Unlike actors, who are generally performing in front of an audience, the tech crew is often working in the background to ensure everything functions perfectly. The responsibility that comes with these roles can be life-changing. The sound operator, for instance, must ensure that cues are perfectly synchronized with the actors’ performances. The lighting technician must communicate an atmosphere that matches the mood of the scene. This responsibility sharpens students’ ability to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure.
The Choreographer and Designer’s Perspective
Choreographers and designers, whether working on set, costumes, or choreography, bring the artistic vision of the production to life. Their role demands a high degree of creativity and vision. For me, as both an educator and drama enthusiast, I recognize the importance of fostering creativity and self-expression, both of which are critical for personal growth and problem-solving. Working with choreographers and designers, students have the chance to think outside the box and push their boundaries.
Moreover, like actors, choreographers and designers must work closely with other members of the production team. This requires strong collaborative skills. A choreographer, for instance, needs to communicate their ideas clearly to the performers, while the set designer must ensure their work complements the vision of the director and aligns with the production’s overall aesthetic. Working with others to bring a shared vision to life teaches students about compromise, communication, and the power of teamwork.
Being involved in a theatre production offers countless benefits for personal growth, creativity, and wellbeing, both on stage and behind the scenes. The collaborative nature of theatre fosters teamwork, communication, and resilience, while offering a unique opportunity for self-expression and empathy. As parents, we encourage you to come and experience these incredible productions for yourselves. By attending our performances, you’ll witness firsthand the hard work, dedication, and talent of our pupils and see how theatre brings our school community together. Your support not only inspires our performers but also strengthens the bond between school, students, and families. We look forward to welcoming you next week to our performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing!
If you have not yet reserved your seats for these productions, you can do so via the links below:
