Teenagers who have activities after school are less likely to get in trouble and are more likely to succeed in school. Encourage a teen with a passion for performing arts, and he or she may choose to continue studying the arts after high school. Volunteer even a small amount of your time each week or month, and you can make a difference in a young person’s life — and have fun doing so.

Going to College

Performing arts collegesare always on the lookout for bright new students with talent and passion for art, music and drama. High school students who might not otherwise be interested in college might be interested in one that centers on their passions. Similarly, students who think they can’t afford college might have the talent to qualify for a performing arts’ scholarship. In order to get accepted to a college specializing in the performing arts, and to qualify for a scholarship, teens need to fill their high school years with relevant experiences, so get a student interested in these colleges early. With the goal of higher education in mind, students with an interest in the performing arts will understand that their interests and talents have value.

Stage a Show

Teens have limited opportunities to perform in plays or concerts or to participate in art shows. Sometimes, the available spots for performers in high school productions are limited and too competitive for every student to be able to take part in. Volunteer to oversee a play, art show, talent show or concert yourself to widen the opportunities for the teens in your life. Teens with an interest in participating can take the initiative and help you organize the event. The experience, not only performing but organizing, will make great additions to their college and job applications. Your role can be to supervise and help the teens secure suitable venues for their shows.

Take Them to Performances

An interest in the performing arts isn’t limited to being an active participant. Teens should have the opportunities to see professionals perform plays, display art and give concerts. These experiences can inspire them. Many teens don’t have the funds or transportation to go to these professional performances, but you can provide both to a group of students or help the students raise funds for their outing. You don’t have to take a trip to the nearest metropolitan area, although you can do that, too; if your budget is tight, start with the local artists, hometown musicians and community theater performances.

Sign Up for a Dance Class

The performing arts aren’t limited to music, art and theater. Some teens have an interest in dance, so you should cultivate that interest by signing them up for a dance class, or even signing up for a dance class with them. Not only is it a chance to explore an interest in the performing arts, but it’s a great way to exercise, too, and get teens away from TVs, smartphones, computers and video games.

Provide a Music Tutor

If a teen expresses an interest in playing an instrument or in singing, hire a professional music tutor to work one-on-one with that student. Most instruments are available to rent from local music shops if purchasing an instrument is out of a student’s budget. If you have any musical experience yourself, volunteer to tutor the student at least once a week free of charge. Private lessons not only look great on a college application, but they help students improve their musical abilities so they’re more likely to get into choirs, bands and orchestras when they leave high school. There may also be local and state competitions in which they can compete.

Encourage a teen’s passion for the performing arts by talking to them about performing arts colleges; volunteering to stage a play, musical performance or art show with them; taking them to professional and community theater performances; signing them up for dance classes or providing music tutors. Many teens are in need of mentors who will encourage their creativity, so whether you’re a family member, a teacher or a family friend, do what you can to encourage a teen’s interest in the performing arts.

Image from Flickr’s Creative Commons

About the Author: Wei Tham is a contributing writer and associate professor of music. In her free time, she organizes performing arts activities for teens in her community.