Why Theatre Education is Important in the Digital Age

Counters Digital Overload

Social media now dominates our era, providing us with instant access to enormous amounts of content. As reports increasingly note shorter attention spans, poorer communication, and rising mental health challenges among Gen Z, one might ask: Is theatre education still relevant? The answer is yes.

Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is the first generation to have never known a world without the internet. According to a 2019 study by Global Web Index, Gen Z now spends more time on social media daily than Millennials, with an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes.

According to a 2023 study from the McKinsey Health Institute, Gen Z is, on average, more likely than other generations to express negative feelings toward social media.

Theatre education can help Gen Z students counter digital overload by fostering collaborative, mindful engagement, shifting them from passive screen use to active participation. It is an effective remedy for screen fatigue, distraction, and social isolation caused by excessive device use.

Enhances Critical Thinking

As information becomes increasingly abundant in the digital age, and quick decision-making grows more important, developing critical thinking skills is essential. Theatre education offers students a dynamic and engaging way to build these skills.

Theatre education boosts critical thinking, especially through character analysis. Students deeply examine their characters’ motivations and behaviours, requiring thoughtful consideration of each choice made. By seeing situations from various perspectives, students develop the ability to assess scenarios from multiple angles, a skill useful in academics and daily life.

Additionally, drama often uses improvisation, prompting students to think quickly and solve problems on the spot. This spontaneity not only nurtures creativity but also builds confidence and adaptability in facing challenges.

Fosters Community

In today’s world of rapid online communication, we can feel more disconnected than ever. Theatre stands out by fostering community through authentic, face-to-face interactions. Genuine human connections are crucial—especially for people who frequently seek connection online, often finding it unfulfilling. Participating in a theatre community offers a healthy, meaningful alternative to the shallow connections common on social media.

Theatre’s collaborative nature builds teamwork and fosters camaraderie, whether you’re acting, designing sets, or managing the stage.

Theatre is a uniquely shared experience: laughter, gasps, tears, and applause all blend into a communal energy that makes live performances truly special. Such genuine human connection simply cannot be replicated by a screen.

Helps Develops Skills for the Modern Workforce

We now find ourselves in a world where skills like good communication, creative problem-solving, and adaptability are more valued than ever. Many employers are looking for team players who can handle complex projects from start to finish and speak confidently in public or with clients. They appreciate employees who can think outside the box, adapt to new situations, and understand different perspectives.

By emphasizing communication, collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, theatre education develops crucial skills for the modern workforce. These abilities are transferable and highly valued across a wide range of professions, including sales, management, medicine, and law.

SOURCES

• Coe, Erica, et al. “Gen Z Mental Health: The Impact of Tech and Social Media.” McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company, 28 Apr. 2023, http://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/gen-z-mental-health-the-impact-of-tech-and-social-media.
• Viens, Ashley. “This Graph Tells Us Who’s Using Social Media the Most.” World Economic Forum, 2 Oct. 2019, http://www.weforum.org/stories/2019/10/social-media-use-by-generation/#:~:text=Generation%20Z,such%20as%20YouTube%20and%20Instagram.
• “The Science Behind The Arts: How Drama Enhances Critical Thinking Skills.” Theatretrain, 18 Feb. 2025, theatretrain.co.uk/the-science-behind-the-arts-how-drama-enhances-critical-thinking-skills/.
• Rice, Duncan. “Cultivating Critical Thinkers: The Power of Performance Arts in Education.” CrEd, 28 May 2024, credinternational.com/cultivating-critical-thinkers-the-power-of-performance-arts-in-education/.
• “Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills.” Dramamommaspeaks® – Theater Teacher Resources, 2 Dec. 2024, dramamommaspeaks.com/2024/08/08/why-theater-education-matters-developing-key-life-skills/.
• “How Theatre Creates a Sense of Belonging for Young People.” Theatretrain, 16 May 2025, theatretrain.co.uk/how-theatre-creates-a-sense-of-belonging-for-young-people/.
• Raphael, Jo, and Joanne O’Mara. “What’s the Point of Drama Class? It Teaches the Workplace Skills Employers Want, for a Start.” The Conversation, 5 Sept. 2024, theconversation.com/whats-the-point-of-drama-class-it-teaches-the-workplace-skills-employers-want-for-a-start-236862.