I think most would agree that the last few years has sadly witnessed increasing levels of stress, anxiety and social dislocation in society. Most indicators of psychological wellbeing suggest that we are experiencing unprecedented problems with the nation’s mental health. Discussions around what causes these issues rage on, but even more important must be the quest for solutions to such problems.
The bigger picture
Of the many options available that can improve mental health and wellbeing, and social connection, getting involved in Drama is sometimes overlooked. Yet, the potential benefits are enormous: it turns out that just going to watch a show at the theatre appears to improve mental health.
In May 2021, the UK Theatre and the Society of London Theatre, a not-for-profit organisation that runs Official London Theatre, released figures indicating that theatres provide the NHS with an annual cost saving of over £102 million by improving the mental and physical wellbeing of those in surrounding communities! Furthermore, a survey by the Old Vic conducted around the same time found that around 93% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed when asked if theatre outings benefitted their health and wellbeing.
Join a local drama group today
Reformed Allerton Dramatic Society (RADS) and drama groups offer a variety of activities that directly benefit those taking part, whether its onstage or in the wings. Whether it’s helping with set dressing and design, props and costumes, front of house, lighting, auditioning for a part in a play – there are numerous ways to get involved, all of which are valued and appreciated by any drama group.
8 benefits of joining a drama group
So, what are the benefits of joining drama group?
1. Reduce social anxiety
Drama groups are highly collaborative and creative environments. Rehearsing a play allows participants a safe environment to try out new ways of interpreting a play text, make mistakes and then try again. Rehearsals allow, and indeed even encourage, actors to celebrate such “failures” in order to find out what works best in performance. In this way, shyness and social anxiety are reduced.
2. Meet new people
Putting on a play is a team sport which means there is no better place to make friends. Drama clubs directly reduce loneliness and social isolation. Moreover, the people who have graced RADS with their presence over the years come from a variety of diverse backgrounds, ages and levels of experience.
Turning up for the first time at a drama club can be daunting, but rest assured no one, and I mean no one, is ever ridiculed for their possible lack of drama experience! You may be very quickly invited to get involved in an activity such as reading a character’s lines from a script, but if you want to take your time and just observe before deciding whether amateur drama is right for you, that’s absolutely fine.
3. Exercise your body and mind
Drama involves physical as well as mental exercise. Acting is very much an active pastime; actors use their whole body to express themselves physically, and drama often involves a fair amount of physical exercise as movements around the stage are rehearsed or “blocked”. In doing this, actors improve their bodily and spatial awareness, as well as developing improved self-awareness and posture.
4. Learn new skills
Drama helps you to learn new skills and self-reliance, such as developing self-discipline and time management skill set to learn and remember lines. There is also the creativity and teamwork required to design, light or dress a stage set, to use IT to design posters or programmes, the list goes on and on …
5. Put your analytical skills to the test
Putting on a play helps to improve thinking skills, as it involves a variety of thinking styles and processes that include analysis, creativity and collaboration with others so that the production can be the very best it can be.
6. Rediscover your inner child
Drama returns to you the playful spirit and inventiveness that you had in your younger years. To a time when our imagination and creativity was awesome before routine, paying bills and earning a living began to disconnect us from our inner child. Drama is beneficial for all age groups, but many middle aged and senior actors find this element of staging a play particularly attractive.
7. Boost your confidence and self-esteem
Join a drama group and see your confidence and self-esteem get a well-earned boost. RADS and other groups are inclusive, supportive and welcoming environments, where each person’s unique contribution to the creative process is valued. Drama inspires all of us to be brave and face the challenges that await us when we walk on to the stage.
8. Become more present
Acting on stage can help you feel comfortable showing sides of yourself that you may be ashamed of or want to conceal, for instance, your vulnerable side. Learning to occasionally show our vulnerability is no bad thing. In addition, your listening skills will improve as you become involved in putting on a show. Listening can take the pressure off ourselves, helping us to feel less self-conscious and awkward, and helping us to realise we are fully accepted by others in the group for who we are.
Find your light
The above eight points are just some of the benefits from being in a drama group. There are so many more, it would take me quite a while to list all of them. If you have benefitted from joining a drama group or would like to, but aren’t quite sure how to begin, why not leave a comment on this post?
Now it’s over to you!
If you would like to try your hand and get involved in something, why not give it a go?
To get involved with RADS, get in touch via info@radsdrama.uk or our Facebook page. You can also request to join the RADS WhatsApp chat to keep up to date with the latest news:
If you do, well, it might just change your life…
Take care,
Neil x
Reformed Allerton Dramatic Society (RADS) 
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