The Power of Performance: How Drama Builds Grit, Resilience, and Supports Mental Health in Children
By Victoria Mackay, Joint Director of Drama
In today’s Daily Telegraph (Friday 16 May), Poppy Wood reports that schools are to take on the challenge of teaching ‘the value of “grit” to tackle a growing mental health crisis in schools’. (Children to be taught to show some ‘grit’ Daily Telegraph 16.05.25). It’s not clear how schools will be directed to add to our already packed curriculum, but I do know that helping children develop emotional strength and resilience is essential and something we try to do at Abbot’s Hill as a matter of course.
One powerful, yet sometimes overlooked, tool is drama and the performing arts. Far from being just a creative outlet at Abbot’s Hill, we know that drama plays a vital role in nurturing grit, resilience, and mental wellbeing in our pupils.
Building Grit Through Rehearsal and Performance – The School Play
Drama teaches perseverance. Whether it’s memorizing lines, refining a scene, repeating choreography over and over, or overcoming stage fright, students learn that success comes from consistent effort and practice. They face challenges—missed cues, forgotten lines, misplaced props, or receive tough feedback—and learn to bounce back, adapt, and try again. This process builds grit: the ability to keep going in the face of difficulty. They learn that direction doesn’t mean criticism and working as a team is the key to success.
Resilience Through Role-Play
In drama, students step into different characters’ shoes, exploring a wide range of emotions and situations. Developing empathy and emotional intelligence are key components of resilience. The girls can learn to manage their own emotions while understanding others’, which strengthens their ability to cope with life’s challenges.
A Safe Space for Mental Health and Friendships to thrive
Drama provides a safe, supportive environment where students can express themselves freely and develop positive relationships. It encourages creativity, collaboration, and connection—three powerful antidotes to anxiety and isolation. Our Tech Club and opportunities to learn about the theatre-making process through lighting, sound and costume design allow all girls to get involved and gain the benefits of working in a team.
Final Thoughts
Encouraging your child to participate in drama isn’t about nurturing a future star—it’s about helping them grow into a resilient, emotionally intelligent, and mentally healthy individual. The Abbot’s Hill stage is more than a spotlight; it’s a training ground for life.
