Students with involvement in the performing arts are not merely cultivating artistic skills; they are crafting a path toward a brighter future. Participating on stage or experience with production, rehearsals and other elements in the performing arts helps children and youth build a variety of skills that will serve them well into adulthood and throughout their lives.
For starters, research asserts that arts exposure correlates with reduced likelihood of school dropout and better academic achievement. A study by the National Endowment of the Arts entitled “The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth” found that “Teenagers and young adults of low socioeconomic status who have a history of in-depth arts involvement show better academic outcomes than do youth who have less arts involvement,” according to the study. “It also showed they get better grades and are more likely to go to college and achieve there.
In “How the Performing Arts Benefits Kids,” Scholastic.com stated that children who sing, dance, act, or play instruments are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. But the benefits extend beyond getting praise; they can be found in enhanced cognitive, motor, and social development.
While the advantages of children and youth experiencing the performing arts are born out, that doesn’t always mean there are opportunities for parents to put their children in programs.
Fortunately, in Miami-Dade County there are numerous free or low-cost programs that come with performing arts aspects. Music, dance, drama, poetry and more performing arts are part of many programs funded by The Children’s Trust and parents can look for them on the Find A Program page of The Trust’s website, TheChildrensTrust.org/Find-A-Program.
While programs can nurture and help develop performing arts talents, not all creative energy and imagination are bound to such environments. Natural talent runs through many of our children and often all they need to let it free is a venue or outlet. Enter the Young Talent Big Dreams talent contest going into its 14th year.
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, together with presenting sponsor The Children’s Trust, recently announced that the 2024 competition, the most widespread, local FREE youth talent competition in Miami-Dade County, starts auditions in March. Last year, hundreds of hopeful contestants attended six auditions held throughout the county. Participation is free but limited to residents of Miami-Dade County.
The competition features a total of six individual categories: pop/rock/rap vocals, musical theatre/jazz standards/classical vocals, dance, musical instrument, original spoken word and original vocal and/or instrumental composition. Group categories (six or fewer members) include musical instruments/bands and vocal groups. For more information on audition dates, times and locations, visit actorsplayhouse.org.
Art and the performing arts are a gateway to expression, unlocking avenues that words may fail to deliver. Artsfairfax.com emphasizes the profound impact of arts on a child's development. When the curtain rises on this year’s Young Talents Big Dreams talent contest, parents whose children love to perform can expect a journey of self-discovery, creativity and growth.