Every Wednesday afternoon, things got loud at the Cairns Early Years Centre when we joined forces with national drama group The Young Company for an after-school drama program.

For 3 months, drama and theatre transformed these Cairns kids by enhancing creativity, interpretation, innovation and cultural understanding. Children from 5-8 years explored and expressed ideas and beliefs through theatre games, improvisation and short sketches. The end result was a performance inspired by a classic Australian book, and a bunch of confident kids.

Powerful play
Occupational therapist, Jackie, says children’s development gets a boost from taking part in drama.
“The children built self-confidence, resilience and communication skills,” she says.
“We were thrilled to reach children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to drama classes, and it quickly became the highlight of the week!”

Barrels of benefits

Research shows arts education like drama and theatre boosts learning in other areas, addresses social exclusion and supports development of children with learning difficulties.
Jackie says parents noticed a difference in their children – and may have experienced a change themselves.

“Parents told us their children had more confidence and wanted to be part of school activities.”

“And while the children were in drama class, the parents had a chance to interact. Centre staff noticed the parents were more comfortable and open to engaging with other services available at Cairns EYC.”

Dinner is served
The children had a chance to showcase their hard work in a performance based on the classic Australian picture book, Wombat Stew.

“They were so proud to be showing off their new performance skills, and we had a great turn out of families to watch their big moment,” says Jackie.

“The program is a fabulous example of what happens when kids are given a chance to shine.”