Theatre used for therapy

By Korey Lalonde

Since the early 20^th century, therapists and social workers have used drama to help clients with their social and emotional development.

Those who study dramatic arts are often familiar with the term “drama therapy.” It is the application of techniques from theatre to aid in emotional healing. Today the dramatic arts and therapy are considered by most people to be the same. High school students and young adults are at a critical stage in their emotional and social development, and many turn to drama as a form of therapy or an escape. For some people, being a part of a drama club or theatre company can aid in making friends and in some cases might save lives.

Meaghan McNish, 19, spent over two years in her high school drama club, and spent a summer at the Theatre Alive drama camp. The camp was meant to improve improvisational skills and encourage collaboration between participants.

“I wanted to get involved and I’m not really a sports person. Everyone in drama club was really nice,” said McNish.

McNish said she feels like drama club helped her socially.

“I’m a shy person and drama club really opened me up, it made me okay with being myself and I didn’t feel like I had to fake around people,” said McNish

Katina Vido, 18, is a member of the Riverfront Theatre Company in Windsor and she has been involved in drama for 13 years. For Vido, being involved in drama has been a form of healing.

“I started in the theatre for fun and I used it as a way to make friends who were into the same stuff as me,” said Vido.

Later while fighting depression and thoughts of suicide, Vido said she would go to the Riverfront Theatre Company every Saturday where she felt safe and free.

“I used that as the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Vido. “The love that I felt in the theatre was different and it saved me, so I do fully believe that it helped me develop in a positive way. The theatre saved my life and helped make it better because it taught me that I am loved for who I am.”