SPOTLIGHT

 

 

Listen Here

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Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations. It often starts in childhood and if left untreated, can progress into adulthood. In the UK, approximately 1 in every 150 children have selective mutism, this falls to 1 in every 1400 when children reach adolescence. 

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Research suggests that the act of role-playing helps selectively mute children with vocalising, and the introduction of improvisation, script learning, and group activities gradually alleviate the social anxiety that causes selective mutism. Further research suggests that arts participation, education, and exposure fosters creativity and encourages discipline; it also suggests that the creative arts can be psychologically beneficial. Children who have anxiety, low self-esteem, are not academic and/or struggle in social settings can find purpose, confidence and develop important life skills just from being involved.

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“As a kid who wasn’t academic… theatre gave me a way to be creative, to dive into someone else’s world, which helped me to be empathetic to others. It also helped me to be confident in myself and my abilities” said Nadia Beaumont, Publicity Manager for Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society (LODS). 

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As someone working in theatre, Nadia has seen how being involved in theatre can positively impact children’s development. “We have seen theatre have a massive impact on the children we have involved in our productions. [They are able] to express themselves in different ways and immerse themselves in how productions work. It has been incredible to see the children develop their performance skills”.

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In a survey conducted by us, we found that 86% of respondents feel that theatre offers a community to children and 97% feel that this community helps their development. With one in every five children developing mental health issues at some point in their childhood, acting offers children a safe place to converse and heal creatively. As well as this, acting is a group activity, so performing also provides them with a community of support, friends, and positive interaction.

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As a child with selective mutism myself, I participated in theatre. I remember the deep pit in my stomach when I would be asked a question in my early years at school; there were times I would make myself throw up just so I could avoid going outside. 

 

I tried theatre for the first time when I was seven years old. My parents had to bribe me with ice cream in order to convince me to give the audition a try, and I did. I auditioned for the role of Marta in the production of The Sound Of Music at my local theatre company and was given the role. 

 

I was given the nickname ‘Trouble’ because I was absolutely far from it, and the directors wanted to make me laugh. From when I auditioned in November 2011 until to the end of the production in April 2012, my selective mutism became less mute. I would practise and perform my lines in front of all my family members, be excited to say hello when I walked into rehearsals, and was not afraid to offer my input when deciding on which side I should enter the stage from.

 

Being part of The Sound Of Music gave me an amazing outlet to play pretend and discover my confidence; and it blossomed my still prevalent love for theatre. Eleasha Hammond, an amateur theatre (AmDram) actress since childhood, said “there are some kids who are reserved, but if they feel that they can go into a class and start learning about characters, rather than feeling nervous about fitting in… that can help them learn about themselves”.

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Eleasha has been part of many shows in her two decades of acting, and the impact that has had on her has been “wonderful”. Through theatre, she “was able to try on personalities like a costume. [She] didn’t have to be just one thing”. She says that her love for theatre was not only on the stage, but also extended to watching musicals in the West End with her mum. “The atmosphere was just incredible and I would also think to myself ‘that’s what I want to do, I want to be up there on that stage’, but I wasn’t able to attend drama school which is why I am an AmDram actress. I love it though”.

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West End theatres involve scarlet red seats, dimly lit rooms, grand staircases, beautiful music, and immersive performances. AmDram offers the same ‘theatre’ experience but on a smaller scale, but it is often perceived as ‘lesser’ than mainstream theatre due to its smaller budgets and non-professional casts.

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Tamara (Tammy) Brown, Publicity Manager and Children’s Coordinator for Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society (SODS) said “I believe there are several factors that hinder the popularity of amateur dramatics. Local groups often do what they can, but are frequently overshadowed by larger London-based companies”.

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Tammy is not alone in this thought; Nadia also believes that local theatre does not get the publicity it deserves. “We don’t have the manpower or resources available like mainstream theatre does, and I think people forget that. But I would implore anyone who hasn’t seen an amateur production to try it out!”

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Tammy concluded by adding, “I believe theatres could support local amateur groups by utilising their larger platforms to promote local productions. Supporting community-driven performances would foster a stronger connection between theatres and their audiences”.

Theatre exposes children to a different, creative environment and encourages confidence through playing make-believe. So, being part of a supportive community such as AmDram will subsequently be beneficial to their mental health by reducing their social anxieties.

 

GET INVOLVED: Local Amateur Theatre Companies

1. IODS, Redbridge, Ilford

2. The Alexandra Players, Charlton, London

3. East End Shed, Tower Hamlets, London

4. New Stagers, South-West London