Boosting Confidence & Fostering Connections through Theater

Welcome to the eighth episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast. In this episode, Grade 9 student Sophie, Grade 10 student James, and their Theater teacher Leah Bramley joined us to discuss the Middle School and High School Theatre programs at WAB. They talked about how theater can improve communication and collaboration skills, their memorable experiences in theatre, and how they built self-confidence and fostered friendships along the way.

Leah discussed the structured progression from Middle School to High School theater. In Middle School, all students rotate through a a unit of theater, with the opportunity to specialize at the end of the year. As students transition to High School, they can opt for a semester of theater in Grade 9 and specialize further in Grade 10 for a full year.

Leah further emphasized the significance of theater in developing essential life skills like collaboration, communication, and confidence—skills that are invaluable and not easily acquired elsewhere. Through ensemble building, trust exercises, and collaborative show productions, students learn to express themselves vocally and physically, honing their storytelling abilities and fostering strong interpersonal connections.

Reflecting on her personal growth, Grade 9 student Sophie shared how theater has bolstered her self-confidence since joining in fifth grade. She said taking part in theater helped her build her strength, overcome stage fright, and be courageous to put herself more out on stage. 

Grade 9 student James highlighted his journey over three years in the program, shedding light on memorable experiences such as his participation in the Middle School play “I Hate Shakespear” and APAC Theater. He underscored different plays have diverse themes to explore and he has fostered many friendships during a theater trip to Guangzhou last year.

If you want to listen to more of our students' theatrical experiences, please tune into this episode!