To invest in performing arts training for my shy DD

[Mummadeeze]

My lovely DD is 10 and has been training on weekends and after school in drama, singing and dance since she was a toddler. I probably started her off on it because I went to a stage school and love all the performance arts myself. But being completely honest, she loves the training. She never complains about going and has asked to do week long full day workshops during half terms etc. And when I have suggested cutting back to give her more spare time she has begged me not to. But the problem is, although she loves the lessons and is talented, she is still shy when it comes to performing. She hates being the centre of attention and is embarrassed when she is chosen to do solos or singled out for being good. Am thinking about sending her to auditions for drama bursaries for secondary schools that specialise in arts because she has a passion for the training but if she doesn’t want to perform, an also wondering if there is any point. Will she grow out of the shyness and should I persevere or should I try to steer her towards other creative arts that don’t involve the spotlight shining on her (like set design or film making which she is also interested in). I know she is only 10 but I am spending a lot of money on all the classes and although I want her to be happy I am wondering if it might be better spent on something else?! Am keen to hear people’s views because I am also aware I may be projecting my dreams on to her.

I would imagine (hope) the RG university interview process would weed those people out.

This was a FOI request as to what A level subjects successful applicants to law degrees had and the percentage of each subject that were successful.

Comefrom, a sense of the theatrical is probably good if you are trial lawyer. I did not mean to knock drama myself, just that it plays to a stereotype of what lawyers do. I'd put it down to not the best careers advice because the most competitive universities for law as well as the major law firms would require A+ in more traditional subjects. Drama clearly has uses but I wonder whether someone needs to do it as an academic subject when it is a performing art.

I look forward to being enlightened slaughtered on this.

Blueshoes Damn, just curious what would these other things be?

No worries for the question :) I bring this up a lot in job interviews and people are always surprised!

Arts teaches us lots of things: confidence, creative problem solving, how to be structured in our work, self discipline, team-work, motor-skills, language skills, communication skills, semantics skills, critical thinking, analysis. These are all things that are learned through an education in the arts, not only that but arts is often such an enjoyable way of learning (although admittedly not professional level - that was damn hard work rather than straight joy :p) that kids will learn it faster and better than they might otherwise.

Interestingly enough, many of my arts friends went on to very successful careers in medicine, analysis, accounting, banking etc. Very competitive fields that require a lot of self-discipline and focus.

Damn that is most interesting. I never thought about it that way.

Apologies as this takes the thread on a slight tangent, but when you say 'arts' do you just mean performing arts. What about art as in drawing stuff. My dd 15 would love to combine art with computer science but that to me is like chalk and cheese!

Surprisingly enough it isn't! I trained a musician but am certain it applies to all arts.

Drawing for instance, that also requires discipline, self motivation, mathematics, ratios, an eye for detail. All things you need in computer science. I would think the two would compliment each other really nicely! Not only that but it'll open her field to a potential career in graphics which must be a developing area right now.

Amusingly enough I'm currently considering retraining to shift from music to computer science! I think your DD is on to a solid career choice there, one that'll be very useful in the future of automation and computing.

I believe studies show that music and mathematics are linked in the brain and because you need to appreciate the logic of mathematics to do it, computer science by extension.

Damn all the best in your shift to computer science.

Do look out for a good youth theatre nearby - perhaps attached to a theatre - for your DD. A good one will be as much about the taking part as being in the limelight, and will encourage the participants to develop all sorts of useful skills such as working together, supporting each other, and self-discipline. It may also lead to other opportunities such as working backstage, or directing or theatre design. I used to work in theatres which had youth theatres attached and the best ones were great and supported young people to develop a passion for theatre, but not necessarily as a career.

A level Drama is a lot of analysis of play texts and live performances along with a knowledge of drama theory and practitioners. There is a performance (or design) element but its a lot aboutthe process and throught behind it.

Quite different from most extra curricular drama.

I have an employment history in this area and a lot of West End friends. Honestly there's no need for full time drama schools at ten. All of the kids I know came from weekend theatre classes and the adults had mostly gone for post 16.
They often want natural kids and not stage school kids these days especially in theatre.

My quietest shyest friend has been in ensemble in many many West End shows!

Comefrom thanks for explaining A level drama.