Under Pressure: The Pressure to Perform

By Shayna Ronen, Co-founder/Theatrical Producer, I Can Do That Theatre

Now that we are a few weeks into the school year and the newness of teachers, schedules and classes has begun to wear off, it is now time to get to work! Whether your child is in elementary school or entering their senior year, this school year brings new responsibilities and expectations. Today’s youth are under incredible pressure to achieve. That pressure can come from their parents, teachers, coaches, and friends. But more and more these expectations are coming from themselves. When speaking with our students, these “expectations” often come out as fears. For example, what happens if they don’t get an A on their test, will their overall grade be negatively impacted? Or if they don’t get a high score on their SAT, will their chances of getting into their dream school be impacted? Will they disappoint their parents? Will their friends judge them? What will all of this mean for their future?

The days of playing with your friends in the cul de sac until the street lights turn on are less and less a reality for our kids. Time is scheduled and packed tightly each day, and often in ways that actually can keep our children from moving toward some definition of success.

Now, there is nothing wrong with success, and while this drive to achieve can be extremely positive, if it is their only experience throughout their week, it’s no wonder that our kids are burning out. We see it show up in our youth community as high rates of depression or anxiety, as well as kids choosing ways to escape through drinking or drugs.

We at the I Can Do That Theatre Company believe in the power of joy, creativity, and community to counteract the pressure that our kids are under. Our purpose is to empower our students to find their voice and express themselves through the theatre arts. Instead of focusing on ‘getting it right’ or ‘being perfect’ they are encouraged to explore and take chances. One class in particular is a perfect example of this. Our Improv class is offered twice weekly and is a form of acting where nothing is planned and our students are encouraged to be spontaneous and free. In class, kids are encouraged to listen to their instincts and act on their first thought without filtering or judging it. They are also taught to truly listen to their classmates and to trust, not to judge or correct them, but instead to work with what they have contributed and create something as a team.

We play all sorts of games that help our students discover their creativity and humor in a way where they don’t feel constricted, judged or stifled. They learn to think on their feet, out loud and in front of others. Instead of waiting until they have the perfect answer they instead are encouraged to jump right in and contribute.

When empowered to think for themselves, and getting positive feedback, the most amazing things happen. We watch kids who arrive shy and reserved on the first day, then walk out being able to make the whole class laugh while feeling free, accepted, and powerful. We truly believe that empowered and creative minds will be able to handle the pressures that come with being a kid these days and even allow them to achieve more than they can imagine.