Acting

• Watching a dramatic play can be the first step in learning how to act. Seeing the actors perform a role can help a child learn the basics of creating a character. It can also serve as an example of what it takes to be a good entertainer and how to connect with an audience. Although acting lessons are the best way to learn the craft, watching live performances can enhance knowledge.
  
  

Voice Projection

• In live theater, actors must project their voices for the audience to hear them. Many actors take voice lessons to learn this skill. Listening to an actor project his voice as he recites his lines gives a child an understanding of the importance of voice projection. This skill will help a child with any type of public speaking; whether it's a performance or reciting a school assignment in front of the class, he will be familiar with voice projection.
  
  

Articulation

• Some children, especially those who are shy, will not always articulate their words very well, but actors must. A skill a child can observe while watching a dramatic play is strong articulation. If an actor doesn't enunciate and express her lines clearly, the audience won't understand what she is saying, and a child is able to see the importance of this when watching the actors. This is an additional skill useful to a child in public speaking.
  
  

Self-Expression

• Many children are naturally expressive with their feelings, while others are more reserved. Children learn about the skill of self-expression while watching a dramatic play because drama is an art form that can move people emotionally. Many children have artistic abilities that take inspiration from watching others, and watching a dramatic play may encourage children to express themselves more fully.
  
  

Discipline

• Discipline is a good skill for children to learn. Actors must rehearse on a regular basis, be prepared and show up on time to put on a play. Realizing that it takes work and organization to put a production together can be a good start for a budding director, producer or actor. However, discipline is a skill that is helpful in anything, and children can observe an example of discipline by watching a dramatic play.