www.inlandempirefamily.com/t-MiddleYears_children_theat -
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Published on: 8/1/2008
Last Visited: 8/6/2008
Especially during the preteen years, when children are faced with increasing pressures to "fit in," theater programs can offer a stage for building self-esteem and confidence, says Madeline Porter, of South Coast Repertory.
"It's all about learning to work together and allowing yourself to use all of your imagination, which, sometimes in a school setting, is not easy to do," she says.For those kids who may be shy or lacking confidence, Porter says participating in theater is one way to give kids an opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment.
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Parents who are used to a shy child get a huge kick out of seeing him learn to open up on stage," adds Porter.