How can an involved structure of youth theatre groups be implemented to help build confidence and social skills?

Abstract

This study investigates how a more involved structure in youth theatre groups can help increase the confidence and social skills, where an involved structure means that participants are able to contribute in all areas of theatre other than Acting. This includes Theatre Arts, Directing, Stage Management, Costume, and Make-Up etc. The aim is to help build confidence within the participants and also enhance social skills that children will need in their future academic studies, skills including working as a group and communication. A prototype for a new youth theatre group was created, and tested on a sample group of second year high school students to determine that the new structure does meet its goals. This is also achieved by using questionnaire, interviews and observing the improving of the participant's confidence and social skills. A handbook is then created that can be used by future youth theatre facilitators to guide them in operating a youth theatre where the children are free to experience all aspects of theatre. The data provided from the participants proved that by involving them in more aspects of theatre, their confidence increased, and there was a change in their social skills with regards to working as a group and communicating with one another.