Why Drama Matters - in every community, for every age.
I always begin each class with the definition of drama as “the art of storytelling live.” This form of art is so special, and is becoming increasingly important as technology advances. Across classrooms, community centers, and theaters around the world, drama isn’t just an activity, it’s a force for connection, growth, and wellbeing at every stage of life.
I often express a desire to ‘be in the room where it happens,’ and I love theatre because it puts everyone in the room: the actors, the production staff, the audience, and allows them all to have a role in that very special moment.
Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, and Social Connection
One of drama’s most powerful effects is its ability to help people walk in someone else’s shoes. When students and audience members engage with stories from different cultures, backgrounds, and historical moments, their capacity for empathy and understanding grows.
Attending live theatre has measurable social benefits. Large-scale studies show that experiences in live drama can increase empathy in audiences, encouraging charitable giving and deeper social awareness.
Drama isn’t only for children and teens. Senior theatre, for instance, has grown into an important movement globally, with hundreds of active groups offering creative and social engagement for older adults. Participation supports mental agility, emotional wellbeing, and social connection.
Across generations, from youth to older adults, drama serves as a shared cultural space where stories are told, emotions are explored, and relationships are formed. The first CoCreated showcase featured actors from age 4 to 100! It was a beautiful sight to behold, especially from my perspective - in the wings of course.
Strengthening Community Fabric
At its heart, theatre brings people together. Whether it’s a school production, a community play, or a professional stage performance, drama creates a shared experience grounded in human connection. Research on community theatre underscores how these shared moments help build cohesion and break down social barriers, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices can be heard.
More Than Entertainment
In an increasingly digital world, live drama reminds us of the value of being present; in the room, in the moment, and in the shared experience of storytelling. It nurtures empathy, builds essential skills, connects generations, and strengthens the very fabric of our communities. From classroom rehearsals to community stages, drama continues to matter, for every age and in every corner of society.
Video Spotlight
Grab your friends or your kids and check out one of our favorite drama games!
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CoCreated Is Committed to Strengthening The Local Theatre Community
While I recognize the vast amount of theatre in Central Oregon, I have decided to bring my passion for community to life in the form of drama clubs for all ages. Drama club brings the education side of this art form downstage center. We want to help build a foundation for our students to prepare them for performance opportunities.
If you were to pop into any one of our drama clubs, whether it's for ages 4-6 or 75-100, you will see us using exercises from The Viewpoints, Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner and more. Drama club is the place where our imagination can run wild! We practice and play in the world of storytelling without the pressure of memorizing a script or blocking. CoCreated partners with Bend Parks and Rec for our students ages 4-15. We also host The Drama Gym, which is drama club for older teens and adults (16+) and we offer private classes for our homeschool co-op and assisted living partnerships.
Since performing is an important piece of this art form, the drama club classes present a collaborative showcase in the fall and spring. There are also week-long summer camps for ages 6-15 with a show at the end of the week. Follow us on social media if you would like to be part of what we are doing locally!
Lyrics We Love
from “Be Happy” - Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)
*screenshot this and send to your favorite scene partner*
A: We can’t stay here.
B: Why not?
A: It’s not safe.
B: You keep saying that.
A: Because it’s true.
B: You’re overreacting.
A: Not this time.
B: It seems quiet enough.
A: Don’t kid yourself.
B: When do you think it will happen?
A: Could be any moment.
B: Or maybe never.
A: I doubt that.
B: Are you afraid?
A: Even more than yesterday.
B: At least we’re together.
A: But for how long?
B: Does anyone know we’re here?
A: I’m sure of it.
B: Did you just hear something?
At CoCreated we love a good open scene! An open scene gives us the opportunity to fill in the who, what, when, where, and why of the story. It can come to life in so many different ways depending on the actors involved.
We recommend finding a scene partner (or two, with person C having the extra challenge of being in the scene with no lines!) and reading the script aloud together. Then determine the given circumstances and try reading it again. See what happens after a few run-throughs, adding in some blocking and pantomime. Have fun and don't forget the power of a dramatic pause!
DID YOU KNOW?
I had the pleasure of seeing an angled stage for the first time in person this past summer. I was in Italy and toured the Royal Palace of Caserta. The “intimate” Court Theater was completed in 1769 and it is still absolutely stunning!
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