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Coming from a school that was widely known for its theater program, I could never imagine a school without one. Whether you are talking about a few sketches or a full-blown musical, there are so many skills that can be learned through theater.

1. A sense of urgency. Very often directors do not have enough time to put on a show. Sure they may have months, but the rehearsal time can be rather little at times. They can't have rehearsals everyday, and even if they could there only have a few hours. This usually gives students a sense of urgency. Sure at first you think you have plenty of time, but as you get closer to the performance date, you realize there isn't. This brings one of the many aspects of adult life: Working under a due date.

2. Public Speech. Even if you have a small part, being able to go in front of many people and perform - while knowing they are scrutinizing everyone's moves - takes a lot of gusts. This raises a student's ability to be able to perform in nervous situations later on - especially since you'll most likely need to give public speeches sometime in your life.

3. Understanding of how to make due. Most school theater programs do not have enough funding to get great costumes, make-up artists, and sets. Seeing how these adults handle such situations will give students secondhand experience on how to make the best of what you have. In some cases, the adults may even ask students to come up with their own version of a costume. This will encourage students to think deeply about how to use what they have and create something completely different from it. (I remember having to create my own prostitute outfit even though I didn't own any revealing clothes.)

4. How to cope with rejection. Not everyone can be the lead, just as not everyone can be the manager or the star player or the best student. Being able to cope with rejection should teach students how to rejoice in what they currently have and how to aim, and prepare, for a bigger role when the next opportunity comes.

5. Working with others. Face it: Not everyone likes to work in groups. I know I don't. However very often students will have their own rehearsal periods, or will make rehearsal groups if the director isn't particularly focused on them.

6. Punctuality. Many directors will cut you out of a play if you are constantly late , or absent, without warning. This is one of the most important life lessons you can get: If you bail on your obligations, you will be fired from them. Whether it's

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