Published on 29th July 2025 by Tessa Robinson
There is a common misconception that drama is only for extroverts or that drama classes are only for those looking for a career as a performer. This isn’t the case at all. Some of the world’s most renowned actors can be quite shy when not in character, and many students join drama classes, like Drama Kids, for a whole host of reasons. From building confidence to exploring their creativity and self-expression, drama classes have a positive impact on children and young people whether they’re shy, outgoing or a complete ambivert.
If your child is shy that generally means they show a degree of nervousness or discomfort about other people, most often than not this will be people they don’t know well yet. There is nothing wrong with this, neither is it something that has to be solved, it is a personality trait, like all other personality traits. Actually, it is possible to argue that children who are shier might be more observant, empathetic, sensitive and better listeners as compared to the more social children. Nevertheless, in a world where communication and interpersonal relationship are the key elements of a successful society, rather than hindering shy children development, it would be much better to assist shy children develop self-confidence in talking to others and developing their social and communicative skills. This is where the likes of Drama Kids can be very useful!
Providing a Safe Space
When you mention drama classes you may believe that this means productions and performance opportunities, but this can be only a memorable aspect of the process confidence gain and development occur in the classroom. Drama games and group activities make children talk to people they do not know yet and discover their teamworking/communication abilities. This enables shy children to get out of their shell in an enjoyable and unintimidating atmosphere by obeying the directives given by their teacher. In Drama Kids, lessons are organized in a special curriculum that teaches children to develop trust, develop language and creative skills. The game and design of the classes remains familiar in structure and progression so the children feel calm and in control of the format but the content remains original, fun and exciting each week. This is a good middle-ground between familiar and challenging to shy children. At the time of performances then, the teachers and team at drama classes will be able to work with the children within their classes to determine the way in which to split up the piece and provide children in their classes with appropriate parts that suit them and their comfort levels.
For some kids, they may discover a lifelong love of acting. For others, it gives them a safe and friendly space away from their mainstream school or home life to develop skills and try something new without the risk of failure or embarrassment. Drama classes are built on group participation (though no child is forced to take part if they’d rather just observe activities until they feel ready to join in) and children are encouraged to try again if they don’t get something right first time. They are taught their ideas and imagination is powerful and worthy of sharing which also builds self-esteem and a positive attitude to learning.
How to Approach Your Shy Child’s First Drama Class
If you’re ready to sign your child up for a drama class but you’re nervous about making sure they have the best first experience, here are a few ways you can approach your shy child’s first class:
- Speak to the team – whether it’s the Principal or teaching team, and whether it’s a phone call before the first class or if it’s on the day of, just let them know if you have any concerns or questions to reassure both your child and yourself. You could also ask for an outline of what happens in the class so you can share this with your child ahead of time.
- Talk to your child about what will happen in the class and why it will be fun – focus on the positives so they go in expecting to have fun even if they are feeling nervous.
- Book a trial – most drama classes will offer some kind of trial so your child can try out the classes before committing to a full term.
- Trust the process – children are good at picking up on their parents/carers’ emotions so if you’re nervous about how they’ll get on, they could become nervous too. Trust that they’ll be in good hands and have a nice time and be supportive of their experience when you pick them up at the end.
Drama classes are perfect for shier children.
