Are you looking for a way to take your career, sales, or personal life to the next level? Well, what if I told you that the transformative power of theater could be the answer you’ve been searching for? 

That’s right, theater training isn’t just for aspiring actors and performers; it can provide you with transferable skills that can enhance your life in numerous ways. 

As a former theater student myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how theater can transform individuals and prepare them for success in any industry or field. So, let’s dive in and discover how the transferable skills learned through theater can boost your career, sales, and personal life.

1. CONFIDENCE TO STAND AND SPEAK IN FRONT OF OTHERS

After hours of practice, eventually, a non-actor in training can have enough experience under their belt in rehearsing and attempting to perform so that they know what to expect when they speak. They have the presentation tools to draw upon and have failed so many times that they know how to recover from mistakes. That equates to growth in confidence.

According to a study by the University of Wolverhampton, participating in theater enhances self-confidence, self-esteem, and social skills in children and adults.

2. GOAL-ORIENTED AND FOCUSED COLLABORATOR

Drama requires many helpful minds and hands to physically interpret and execute a series of goals. Theater trains its participants to become leaders, followers, listeners, and creative problem solvers who all coordinate their efforts through group planning and timed execution. The planning and organization it takes to work with all these people to produce a stage play require discipline and focus. Theater people are often a tight-knit group after a show because of all the pressure to meet goals together. They have more appreciation for the final product.

3. BRAVERY

Actors are the face of theater because they’re who you see walking about during a performance on stage. It takes practice to develop the focus required to perform. Telling your own story takes bravery, and it means we have to be honest and prepared to let people into our real imperfections. Before going onstage, actors still get nervous and have to be brave. Eventually, it becomes easier, and the momentary fear is over as soon as they get going and feel the energy of the room. Imagine how it would feel to give yourself the gift of bravely being yourself!

4. CREATIVITY

Boring is no longer a theater person’s preferred setting for working. They may like a peaceful, uneventful, restful day like anyone, but they can’t be happy just numbing their mind for years in the workplace. They know how to use their imagination! They like to play out “what if” in their mind or just say what they’re thinking. Teachers adore their presentations, employers fear & love their ingenuity, and their friends often come to them for ideas. Theater enhances creativity and imagination, which is a valuable skill in any profession.

5. REAL LISTENING

Listening is not something most people naturally excel at, but it’s a crucial skill that is often overlooked or given up on. To be a good listener, you must be in the moment mentally and physically and be willing to be changed if convinced. You can’t be thinking about what you’re going to say next and then just waiting for your turn to talk. Off the stage, anyone can use listening skills to be very effective in a world where people want to be acknowledged, understood, and accepted.

According to a study by the University of Arkansas, theater arts education improves reading, comprehension, and verbal skills in children. These skills transfer to other aspects of life and can lead to better communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

In the wise words of Oscar-winning actor, Alan Arkin, “Theatre is a transformative experience because it requires you to be present in the moment, to be in the now. And there’s something transformative about that, both personally and collectively.” The skills learned through theater can truly be life-changing and have a profound impact on one’s personal and professional growth. So, if you’re looking for a way to enhance your skills, build your confidence, and unlock your full potential, consider taking a theater class or workshop. You never know where it may take you, but one thing’s for sure – it will be a journey worth taking.