The theater has been a favorite type of pastime for many years. There is so much to love when you decide to spend the evening at the theater, whether you decide to go and see an old favorite or something that is new. We can marvel at the many hours that are put into the performance, the scenes, and everything else that puts it all together. While you may have some of your own reasons for visiting the theater, some of the biggest benefits include:
- Helps us to see a new perspective: When we go to the theater, we are shown conflict and resolution, motivations, psychology, and humanity all in one. We get to see so many emotions and thoughts all on the stage. Theater can help us to see things in a new light, while giving us some of the entertainment we are looking for.
- Reminds us that we are not alone: Not only do we get a chance to share the space and experience with the wonderful artists who put on the show for us, we also get to share this whole experience with the other members of the audience around us. This intimacy is not the same as what we see at the movies or on television, making the theater a truly unique situation for everyone.
- Theater is always different: If you put a movie on your computer or television screen, it will be the same, no matter how many times you choose to watch it. But when you go to a play or another performance, it will be different each time you walk in. It can be truly magical to see a play or another performance multiple times and have a chance to see it a little differently each time.
- Helps promote social change: in some cases, going to the theater can help to promote social change. It will depend on the situation and the play at hand. We are able to study a variety of societal problems and work to find the necessary solutions along the way. Opposing views are sometimes shown as well.
- Promotes literacy and education: Studies have shown that when students are allowed to participate in the theater, they are able to do better in school. This is because the theater that the rest of us may view as entertainment can provide ways to promote literacy and a different education than the student will be able to find in the classroom, regardless of their age at the time.
Minnesota is a great place to go and catch a show and be a part of the theater community. Whether you wish to perform or you would just like to see some of the performances, the work of the Minnesota Theater Alliance helps make this a reality. From help with scheduling, fundraising and more, many of the theater companies in Minnesota are now part of this alliance so that they can grow and continue putting on the great performances that audiences love.