From Spotlight to Social Skills: How Theater Helped Me Find My Voice

Growing up as an only child felt like always being the youngest guest at a grown-up dinner party—lots of adult conversation, but not many kids to share my world with. Peer relationships didn’t come naturally; I didn’t have siblings to argue with, joke around with, or navigate day-to-day kid dynamics. So, when I got to school, I often felt like a fish out of water—awkward, unsure, and slow to make friends.

Sensing this, my parents made it their mission to plug me into every activity under the sun. Softball, Girl Scouts, art club—you name it, I tried it. Each gave me something, but nothing clicked quite like the performing arts. Theater didn’t just teach me to project my voice or memorize lines; it helped me build emotional muscles I didn’t even know I had. It turned out to be a masterclass in emotional intelligence—and a crash course in making friends.

Let’s break down exactly how the performing arts nurtured these vital life skills.

1. Emotional Self-Awareness: Learning to Feel Out Loud

Ever played a game of mirror with another person? That’s where early theater starts—matching facial expressions, copying gestures, and tuning into what feelings look like on the outside. These exercises do more than just warm up the face; they awaken something deeper. They train kids to notice emotional shifts, both in themselves and in others.

Improvisation, a staple in theater classes, is a prime example. When a scene takes a sudden twist, you have to pivot—fast. It’s not so different from real-life conversations, where picking up on subtle cues and adjusting your tone can make all the difference. Neuroscience backs this up too: mirror neurons in the brain fire when we observe and mimic others, helping us decode emotions.

Tip: Encourage kids to narrate how they feel during and after a performance—this deepens their emotional vocabulary.

“Acting is not about being someone different.

It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”

- Viola Davis

2. Effective Communication and Social Skills: More Than Just Lines on a Page

Behind the curtain, theater is a team sport. Scripts are only one part of the equation. Performers rely on stage managers, lighting techs, costume designers—and most importantly, each other. Everyone must communicate clearly, listen actively, and collaborate constantly to bring a show to life.

That kind of coordination demands strong communication skills—both verbal and nonverbal. Actors learn to use tone, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. These are the same tools we all need to navigate personal and professional relationships.

Tip: Practice “intentional listening” with your child or students by watching scenes and guessing the characters’ motivations based on tone and gestures alone.

“The actor has to develop his body. The actor has to work on his voice.

But the most important thing the actor has to work on is his mind.” - Stella Adler

3. Empathy: Stepping Into Someone Else’s Shoes—Literally

The magic of theater lies in its ability to make us feel something real for someone imaginary. Actors must understand their characters deeply—exploring backstories, values, and vulnerabilities. This constant exercise in perspective-taking sharpens empathy, both on and off the stage.

For children, theater games that involve role-playing or reimagining events from different viewpoints help develop this critical skill. They begin to see the world not just through their own eyes, but through the lens of others.

Tip:Ask young actors to journal about their character's feelings or write a letter from the character’s point of view—it’s empathy in action.

“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” - Meryl Streep

4. Belonging Through the Backstage Door

For kids who feel like outsiders, the stage can become a second home. Theater offers a sense of belonging that’s often missing elsewhere. Castmates become confidants. Directors become mentors. Everyone has a role, and every role matters. I found my first real friendships in green rooms and dress rehearsals. Being part of a cast gave me the confidence to take social risks in other areas of life too.

Tip: Look for community theater programs or school productions where teamwork is emphasized over perfection. It’s the process that counts.

5. Creativity Meets Coping: Handling Emotions Through Expression

Whether it’s joy, sorrow, frustration, or fear—there’s a place for every emotion on stage. Theater offers a safe space to channel complex feelings, often before kids even have the words to describe them. Studies show that participation in the performing arts reduces anxiety and increases emotional resilience in children. It’s a healthy outlet that promotes social skills, emotional regulation and creative problem-solving.

Tip: Encourage kids to create their own short skits or scenes about everyday problems—they’ll work through tough feelings while flexing their imagination.

Curtain Call: The Lasting Impact of the Performing Arts

Looking back, the stage gave me more than applause—it gave me connection. Through theater, I learned how to read a room, express myself with clarity, and connect with others. Those emotional intelligence skills shaped the person I am today.

The performing arts are more than extracurriculars; they’re emotional boot camps. For kids who struggle with social cues or emotional expression, the theater can be life-changing. And for audiences, each performance is a reminder of our shared humanity.

What performance left you feeling truly seen or deeply moved?

Written by Chyanne Cuevas, MSW

Edited by Carlita L. Coley, LPC

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About the Author

Chyanne Cuevas is a Resident-in-

Counseling, Navy wife and advocate for emotional well-being whose journey—from navigating childhood solitude as an only child to embracing the complexities of an interracial marriage—has shaped her commitment to fostering connection, identity, and resilience. Through constant moves, shifting communities and managing social biases, she’s learned firsthand the power of self-awareness and relationships. Drawing from both her personal experiences and professional insight, Chyanne is passionate about helping others build strong emotional foundations and face life’s challenges.