thinking_on_stage_playful_styled

1.

Thinking on Stage: The Science of
Acting
• Based on research by Thalia Goldstein

2.

What the Research Explores
Academic performance
Language & communication
Social & emotional development
Creativity & collaboration

3.

Academic Outcomes
• Theatre increases school engagement
• Students stay motivated and graduate
• Belonging influences performance

4.

Language & Narrative Skills
• Drama enhances vocabulary
• Improves storytelling
• Strengthens spoken & written expression

5.

Social & Emotional Learning
Empathy
Theory of mind
Identity & self-concept
Emotional regulation

6.

Creativity & Collaboration
• Improvisation encourages flexible thinking
• Drama games develop teamwork & communication

7.

Core Phases of Acting Classes
Preparation
Generation
Interpretation
Reflection

8.

The 8 Habits of Mind in Acting
Body awareness & control
Releasing inhibitions & playfulness
Imagination / envisioning
Considering others' perspectives
Collaboration
Flexibility
Committing to choices
Reflection & evaluation

9.

Example: The 'Machine' Exercise
Coordinate movement → emotion regulation
Be playful → identity & confidence
Consider others → cognitive empathy
Make & commit to choices → decision-making

10.

Key Research Insight
• Growth depends on the mental state brought into the activity

11.

Measuring the Skills
Self & teacher ratings track:
Body awareness
Perspective-taking
Emotional expression

12.

What Children Say
• 'I can be silly and fun.'
• 'I create with my body and imagination.'
• Acting includes emotion + imagination

13.

Safe Learning Environment
• Students experiment without judgement
• Joyful engagement supports development

14.

Final Message
• Theatre = toolkit for emotional intelligence, identity, communication,
creative problem-solving

15.

Key Takeaways
• Theatre builds emotional & social intelligence
• Drama strengthens communication
• Acting develops life-long thinking habits