by Judy Zabriskie

Created on: April 30, 2008

Theater brings a certain humanity to an otherwise sterile public school curriculum. For as long as I can remember, my child, now a graduating senior, has been a participant in some sort of theatrical program beginning as far back as his elementary school years. This type of program takes the edge off a usually hard nosed, high pressured academically oriented curriculum. Having not been the consummate athlete, this venue gave him a chance to let out his frustrations and vent so to speak. I believe every child in public education deserves that right.

Throughout middle school, theater and forensics were his salvation. He was involved in the gifted program which involved a very rigorous academic studies program. Again, not being adept at too many sports (although still enjoying participation, but not at the competitive level), theater allowed him the opportunity to express his feelings, vent his frustrations and actually find a group (niche as it were) in which to fit in and become an integral part of the school community. I believe this was and continues to be the case for many of his friends, especially during these tumultuous times in which we live. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the middle school years (known now as the tweens), they are perhaps the most difficult of times for children. They have absolutely no idea where they fit into life's pattern. They are no longer children yet they are not yet adults. Theater activities allow them to be both and help them to transition into the high school years.

During high school my son continued his involvement with theater, not only as an elective course, giving him respite from the rigorous IB program with which he was involved, but actually giving him a sense of sanity in what was to him an insane world in which he seemed to exist. His mere participation in theatrical activities catapulted him to seek and ultimately attain leadership roles in various other school activities - activities he never would have dreamed seeking out lest he not gained the self confidence, self esteem and understanding of himself as a person, all obtained while participating in theater.

He is now going off to college in the fall, a self assured leader, scholar and thespian, all brought about because of his well rounded public education which not only included academics but the arts as well and this, believe you me, is a good thing!

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