The role of theatre in children’s education

Sometimes a child does not need a real stage at all for theatre to begin. All it takes is a scarf draped over the shoulders, a chair that suddenly becomes a ship, or a twig transformed into a magic wand. One moment a child is treating a “wounded” friend’s hand, the next they are quietly creeping around pretending to be a fox, and moments later they are rescuing a playmate from a “castle tower.” Moments like these are a natural part of childhood – driven by imagination, curiosity, and the desire to step into a fantasy world, even if only for a moment.

In the preschool years, theatre feels especially close to children because they come to understand the world through stories, roles, and play. That is why theatre activities become such a meaningful part of early childhood education: they help children not only to create, but also to better understand themselves, other people, and the world around them.

Through role-play, children often find it easier to express feelings they cannot yet put into words. Sometimes anger appears in the roar of a tiger, sadness in the drooping ears of a puppy or the lowered gaze of a princess, and courage in the confident stride of a king or the sweeping movement of a hero’s sword.

In theatre activities, children gradually learn to recognise emotions, name them, and express them safely. At the same time, these experiences help children become more aware of other people’s feelings and perspectives. When a child takes on the role of a frightened rabbit, a caring mother, or a helpful friend, they learn not only to play a character, but also to empathise with someone else’s experience.

Theatre can also help children overcome both large and small fears. Speaking in front of a group can feel intimidating, but it often becomes much easier when it is not “me” speaking, but a character I have chosen to become.

Acting naturally strengthens a child’s language development. Preschoolers repeat phrases they have heard, create spontaneous dialogues, and invent their own twists to familiar stories. In this way, they expand their vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and gradually learn to express their thoughts more clearly and confidently.

Theatre also helps children discover their own voice – not only literally, but as the inner confidence to speak and express themselves. As children notice how their words influence the story unfolding around them, they begin to realise that their ideas and voices matter. Sometimes even a very small role is enough for a child to dare to speak up in a group for the first time or confidently suggest an idea.

Theatre gives children endless space for imagination. A silk scarf can become a river, wings, or a crown, while a simple cardboard box can suddenly transform into a ship, a house, or a castle. Children invent characters, create stories, improvise, and decide for themselves what will happen next.

Creativity flourishes naturally in these activities because children are not only retelling stories – they are reshaping them through role-play, movement, voice, and facial expression.

Theatre also teaches children how to work and create together. They agree on who will play which role, wait for their turn, listen to each other’s ideas, and decide together how the story should continue. If one child forgets a line, another may gently help them. If the story suddenly changes direction, the whole group adapts together and continues creating.

Experiences like these strengthen memory, concentration, problem-solving skills, and the ability to understand how actions and decisions influence what happens next.

In theatre activities, a child can become anything: an angry dragon, a sensitive hedgehog, a caring doctor, or a brave traveller. Through role-play, children safely explore both the world and themselves.

That is why theatre in childhood is far more than short performances for parents during celebrations. Theatre nurtures language, emotional expression, empathy, a sense of belonging, and the courage to be oneself.

Over time, this confidence extends far beyond theatre itself – helping children communicate more openly, express their feelings more freely, and feel more secure in unfamiliar or challenging situations.