Having confidence is a vital part of everyone’s lives. We can all encounter situations where we need to believe in ourselves, share our ideas, say what we think and stand up and be seen.
MX Masterclass was established in 2016 by Michael Xavier with an ambition to offer West End quality training to young people who may not normally have had access to it. We run musical theatre classes in London and know that dancing, singing, acting and expressing yourself in the performing arts can be a fantastic way to build confidence for people of all ages.
In the post we explore the many ways that musical theatre can support the growth of confidence in young people such as the importance and impact of teamwork, overcoming your fears and embracing your style and personality, the power of an actual performance and how that can set them up for their future lives either as performers or whatever pathway their life takes.
Teamwork
Musical theatre is a collaborative performing art that relies on teamwork and cooperation where it is important to learn to communicate effectively with everyone in the cast including other actors, musicians, and crew members. Others need to have confidence in you and that you can do what you need to do, remember lines, and dance routines, and fulfil your part of the performance. By having that confidence in you, you feel valued and able to perform at your best or even take creative risks. By contributing to a collective vision, performers develop a sense of belonging and confidence in their ability to work collaboratively towards a common goal.
Overcome your Fears
The theatre environment provides you with a safe space to overcome fears that many of us, not only those in performing careers, encounter regularly. This includes public speaking, sharing your skills in front of others or being the focus of a room full of attention. The theatre’s supportive environment and sense of camaraderie and shared goals can make taking these risks less daunting.
Trying something new is also a fear for many of us because our inexperience means that we might fail, which can knock our confidence. By overcoming that fear, learning that skill (be it hitting a higher note that you thought you could, trying a new dance routine or putting your name forward for a leading role) and building resilience to face challenges you bring a sense of self-belief and accomplishment that brings confidence for the future.
Embrace your Individuality
Performing arts and musical theatre are places where diversity and uniqueness are celebrated. You should be able to be authentic about who you are and by not trying to be someone else you feel more confident in your own abilities, skills and personality which is essential for your own self-esteem. In musical theatre you can also explore different characters from various backgrounds and experiences. You can also literally find your own voice and through singing and acting in character potentially overcome issues with communication or being more introverted which can be very empowering.
The Power of Performance
By preparing for a performance, you dedicate hours to practising your skills and perfecting your singing, acting, and dancing so you feel comfortable and confident that you know what will happen, how your part works within the overall performance and how you contribute to the whole cast and show. The process of rehearsing and perfecting a performance instils discipline and resilience, teaching individuals to overcome challenges and setbacks with confidence.
Once the rehearsals are over and it’s time to perform to an audience, getting up and performing on stage requires a certain level of confidence that you find within you when you need it. We have talked about how a supportive and safe environment for you to showcase your talents and express yourself freely can contribute to building your confidence. Furthermore, the affirmations, applause, and celebration from the audience, can reinforce your self-confidence and self-esteem and reaffirm your belief in your own abilities.
Welcome to MX Masterclass
Explore our website to discover inspiring testimonials showcasing the transformative influence of musical theatre on the confidence of our students. Witness first hand the profound impact of our performing arts classes in London and how pursuing your passions can uplift self-esteem and bolster confidence. Visit our website for details on our musical theatre and acting classes, as well as instructions on how to audition and start this exciting journey.
