Drama Therapy Group for Ages 5–7: Parent FAQ

What is Drama Therapy?
Drama therapy uses play, imagination, movement, role-play, and storytelling to support emotional growth. For young children, this looks like creative games and activities that help them express feelings, build confidence, and practice coping skills in a developmentally appropriate way.

Who is this group for?
This group is designed for children ages 5–7 who may experience anxiety, shyness, big emotions, social challenges, or who simply benefit from a playful, expressive outlet. No prior theatre or performance experience is needed.

How does this group support anxiety?
Activities are designed to gently and playfully challenge anxiety—never through pressure or forced participation. Children are invited to try new roles and experiences at their own pace, helping them build confidence, flexibility, and trust in themselves within a highly supportive and celebratory environment.

Is there science behind using drama and role-play to help anxiety?
Yes! Young children process emotions and experiences primarily through play and the body, rather than through verbal discussion alone. Role-play and imaginative activities allow children to safely explore feelings, practice coping strategies, and “rehearse” new responses to challenging situations in a low-stakes way. Drama-based activities engage movement, creativity, and social connection—key mechanisms that support emotional regulation and reduce anxiety.

How is Drama Therapy different from Play Therapy?
Both drama therapy and play therapy are developmentally appropriate approaches that use play for therapeutic benefit. Drama therapy is more active, embodied, and relational, emphasizing role-play, storytelling, movement, and collaboration with peers. Children “try on” roles and practice new ways of being in a social context. Play therapy often centers more on symbolic play with toys or materials, while drama therapy emphasizes expression through the body, imagination, and group interaction, which can be particularly helpful for children with anxiety.

Will my child be required to perform or speak in front of others?
No. Participation is always a choice. Children are encouraged to notice when they feel ready for a challenge and to communicate their comfort level. There is no expectation that a child must speak, act, or perform if they are not ready.

What is the final performance on March 29?
The final class includes a closed, informal performance for parents. The presentation is entirely child-led—what it looks like and how each child participates is decided by the group. Some children may choose to act, narrate, move, help with ideas, or observe. All forms of participation are respected and celebrated.

What is the purpose of the performance?
The performance is an opportunity to practice agency, teamwork, creativity, and self-expression in a safe, supportive setting. It is not about perfection or memorization, but about honoring each child’s voice, choices, and readiness.

How is the group structured?
Each session includes a warm-up, creative play activities, opportunities for expression and reflection, and a calming closing. Sessions are predictable and flexible, helping children feel safe while exploring new skills.

How will my child be supported?
The group is led by a highly experienced drama therapist and former elementary school drama teacher with extensive experience working with young children. The facilitator brings deep passion for this work and creates a nurturing, strengths-based environment that prioritizes emotional safety, consent, and celebration of effort. Groups are intentionally small to ensure individualized attention and support.

Why This Works (Science-Backed)
Research shows that young children learn to understand and manage emotions primarily through play, movement, and imagination, rather than talk alone. Creative, play-based approaches such as drama therapy, role-play, and storytellingallow children to safely explore feelings, practice coping strategies, and build confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Studies have found that drama-based interventions are associated with reductions in emotional distress and anxiety and improvements in social and emotional functioning. Research on therapeutic play and storytelling also shows decreases in anxiety and improvements in emotional regulation in young children.

Selected Research Sources:

• Feniger-Schaal, R., et al. (2022). Drama therapy research: A narrative review of intervention studies. Frontiers in Psychology.

• Rousseau, C., et al. (2014). Creative expression workshops and children’s emotional well-being. The Arts in Psychotherapy.

• Li, W. H. C., et al. (2016). Effectiveness of therapeutic play interventions in reducing anxiety in children. Journal of Advanced Nursing.

• Whitebread, D., et al. (2017). The role of play in children’s emotional development. American Journal of Play.

What should my child wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes they can move in. No special materials or costumes are required.