Helping children find their voice

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts* (PQA) provides an inclusive environment for every young person to nurture their skills and build self-belief.

Overcoming the perception that the performing arts are only for those who fit a certain mould, at PQA young people are encouraged to discover their true self, find their unique voice and be heard, while also developing performing arts technique and essential life skills.

Navigating new challenges

Young people today navigate an ever-evolving world of opportunities, but also of new challenges. The ability we now have to communicate through many different channels, 24 hours a day, should make it easier to voice opinions, thoughts and feelings. But often it is having the opposite effect.

Some young people struggle to articulate thoughts and feelings – for a variety of reasons. It may be they’re naturally reserved or haven’t much opportunity to find a voice in a supportive setting. Having creative spaces outside school is so important; places they can safely practise self-expression, enhance communication skills and in turn build confidence.

Voicing opinions is vital for creating an inclusive culture and enabling diversity. Learning from the experiences and ideas of others, particularly young people’s, contributes to a future more inclusive, empathetic and forward-thinking society.

Developing critical thinking

For the young people we teach at the academy, expressing themselves without judgement is crucial for their mental and emotional development, helping them to process feelings and challenges. It empowers decision-making, making them feel more capable and comfortable in making those decisions.

It also helps young people develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and strengthens social connections. Open dialogue creates spaces for mutual respect and understanding, meaning stronger relationships between individuals from different backgrounds.

One of the most notable benefits of engaging in performing arts is the enhancement of emotional resilience. Performing arts activities provide a creative outlet for expressing emotions, which can be particularly beneficial. Whether through the opportunity to act out a scene or simply the physical release of dancing to a favourite song, young people can channel their feelings in constructive ways.

Having worked with many young people under pressure to get the best grades, I’ve seen that time doing something they love allows them to pause, let go of pressures and recognise that their best effort – whatever that looks like – is enough.

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Young filmmakers at PQA. Photo: PQA, Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts

What can industry do?

Young people need equal access to creative spaces and education that reflect and value their unique experiences – spaces that help them find their voice and use it.

It’s important they are represented throughout the industry – on stage, on screen, behind the scenes, directing, producing, designing or guiding the next generation. Seeing their own experience, identities and voices reflected in the arts industry boosts self-worth, enables aspiration and creates a sense of belonging.

The industry can provide spaces and environments where young people feel safe to explore their creativity without judgement or barriers, and are free to explore new ideas and forms of expression without fear of failure.

In the performing arts, young people can be who they are; push themselves as much or as little as they want. At its best, it’s fun, encouraging and collaborative – never about competition. Experienced teachers and professionals can support and guide young people on their journey, providing constructive feedback for life.

But as an industry, we need to remember that not every young person learning performing arts will go on to work in the industry as an adult. What we teach is as much about life skills as it is about industry skills. We prepare them for job interviews, for presentations, for adulthood.

Supporting mental health

NHS England has found that one in six children aged 5-16 is likely to experience some form of a mental health issue. Behind that statistic are young people who might need someone to listen, a safe space to create or a moment simply to feel seen.

Many young people quietly experience anxiety or low mood – some of the most common mental health conditions – even if they don’t know how to name it. But it can be difficult for young people and their families and carers to know whether their feelings are symptoms of poor mental health of or normal developmental behaviour.

Our emphasis on collaboration and teamwork strengthens social bonds and reduces feelings of isolation. And the resultant sense of belonging can be hugely beneficial for mental health, as strong social connections are protective against depression and anxiety.

Those of us working in the industry have a role to play in supporting young people with their mental health, providing access or signposting resources to navigate the pressures of being a young person.

Top tips for supporting young people in self-expression

• Champion diversity by promoting stories, experiences and skills.
• Create environments where young people can experiment, play and have fun without worrying about conforming to standards or expectations.
• Connect young people with mentors and role models to inspire and guide.  
• Encourage collaborative projects where young people and adults work together – this exchange of ideas and mutual learning hugely benefits children and young people.

In our sector, we can be too hard on ourselves and too critical of the work of others. It’s important to provide feedback to children and young people that is both encouraging and constructive, helping them to grow and develop while maintaining their ability to build self-belief.

When we support young people to express themselves freely, we help shape confident, compassionate individuals ready to make their mark on the world, whatever that may be.

* Founded by Pauline Quirke MBE, PQA is a family-owned performing arts academy, with more than 250 academies across the country, which provides training in comedy, drama, musical theatre and filmmaking to children aged 4-18.