The Importance of Live Performing Arts

Many can’t argue the joyful feeling that comes from seeing a live performance. Whether it is a concert, a play, a poetry reading, or even productions from the music or theater department at Vistamar. Attending live and local performances is something that many people do for educational purposes, for the experience, or just for fun.

 As someone who has always been interested in theater, I love going to the theater and watching musicals or plays whether it is Broadway or a low budget production with a bunch of theatre kids who take the drama elective. In fact, those low budget performances are some of my favorites because you get to see the real creativity and actor’s passion for theatre come to life. 

The reason live performing arts is so important to me is because it is what got me interested in theater in the first place. The production I saw was a local company’s performance of Annie I watched at a park in my neighborhood. As a seven-year-old, I saw kids my age performing on stage and I knew I needed to be a part of it. I am so glad that I went to see that performance and have been able to be a part of many productions since.

A few weekends ago, I saw two local theater productions. Anchorless Productions put on SpongeBob the Musical, which was so fun to see. Anchorless is run by high school students and works to empower individuals with developmental disabilities through the art of theatre. It was an amazing show from the creative sets to the passionate actors. I also saw Encore Theatre Group’s performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was a large production featuring kids and adults. Encore is a local theater company located in the South Bay. Both were great shows and they both reminded me of the importance of seeing live performing arts. Not only did it spark my love for theater, but the shows mean something different to each person who works on them or watches them. They are always there to provide comfort, not only to the performers or crew, but to the audience as well.

To be clear, I am not trying to say that you should go to a theater performance and then sign up for Vistamar’s next play (But it is very highly recommended and very fun!) Please take this as a sign to go enjoy some local live performances and don’t be afraid to be inspired by what you see. I encourage you to go support local theaters or musicians or go see live sports games whenever you are able to. A great way to start is at Vistamar. There are sports games or events almost every day and many ways to get involved or to support the performing arts department. You might even find a new passion, or something that leads you to discovering your passion.