Extracurricular activities are becoming a beacon of light for many families, providing opportunities for their children to have time away from screens, make new meaningful friendships founded on common interests, and discover new ways of expressing themselves.
This is leading to plenty of opportunity for investing in a franchise that combines growth potential with heart, tapping into the very real need for activities that support our youngest generations, both with their development and mental health. Paving the way for activities that really tap into this need are drama-based programmes such as that offered by Drama Kids. They use drama exercises and principles to equip children with the emotional dexterity to manoeuvre through life’s challenges.
Creating a safe space
Outside of their school and regular peer groups, children can be free to self-express in a way that feels natural to them. Through drama exercises such as improv and characterisation, children are encouraged to use their own interpretations and judgements to work as a group and tell a story. This both improves all-important communication skills and gives them permission to explore emotion in a controlled and pressure-free space. When children and young people are in times of high stress e.g. during exam season, having time to let off steam, step into someone else’s shoes for a while or explore complex feelings through the arts can be invaluable for helping them either have a break from their stresses, or learn to face their emotions without fear.
Human connection in a digital world
No matter how switched on we may feel we are with technology, it seems the younger generations are always ahead. They’ve grown up in a digital age where screens, social media and being contactable 24/7 is second nature. Many children and young people are growing up feeling lonely and disconnected from their peers than ever before. Despite the benefits of constant communication, it seems for many children, especially for those where growing up in a lockdown became the norm for some years, in-person connection is limited.
Activities such as drama classes advocate for teamworking and interpersonal connection as children work together on performance pieces. This brings a weekly dose of real human interaction with no screens in sight, helping children and young people to learn how to build relationships, talk to new people and have a break from technology. These teamworking activities and group environments also serve to remind young people that no matter what they’re going through, they’re never alone. There are always peers out there going through the same stages of life and engaging in the same interests and hobbies as them, this creates a sense of belonging which can be difficult for young people to find in an increasingly divided world.
Reassuring parents
Whilst the benefit for children is undeniable, it’s important to get parents on board too. Despite the cost of living pressures, there is still demand for activities that benefit children’s wellbeing, especially now. Plus, with a better understanding of anxiety and increased self-awareness around personal development, many drama providers, such as Drama Kids, offer adult classes at select franchises to give the adults in their communities a confidence boost too.
What does this mean for an investor?
All of this good that drama classes can do for children and young people really points to the potential that can be found in investing in a children’s activity franchise. Not only do they respond to a strong market need, but these are also businesses that enable you as a franchisee to see a profound impact on the next generation. For many franchisees in the children’s sector, it’s the emotional draw that keeps them in their roles for so long. Running a profitable business is a success, but running a profitable and rewarding business is something truly special.
This article comes courtesy of Drama Kids who nurture confidence, communication and creativity in children and young people through weekly drama classes across the UK. Click here to find out more about franchising opportunities with Drama Kids.
