[vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some of my best memories and closest friendships came out of the musicals I performed in when I was younger. There is nothing quite like the excitement of opening night: all of your friends and families sitting in the audience, your fellow actors and actresses prepping behind the curtains, and the amazing feeling when you walk out on the stage to perform your first musical number.
With APA’s first-ever musical, Mary Poppins Jr offered this September, I thought it was the perfect time to write about the benefits of being in a musical, especially for those of you who will be trying it for the first time.
BUILDING LIFELONG SKILLS: Not only will you develop your more artistic skills, like singing, dancing, and acting, but you will also refine the skills you will need to be successful in everyday life, such as communication, literacy, teamwork, confidence, creativity, problem-solving, and time-management.
MAKING FRIENDS: When learning and working alongside individuals with shared interests and goals, you can’t help but become closer and build friendships that can last a lifetime.
FEELING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY: Just the act of creating and learning together builds a strong sense of community. This unites us and gives us a sense of belonging that has a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
BUILDING YOUR COLLEGE RESUME: Depending on your age this may seem a little early to think about, BUT along with academic success, colleges look for well-rounded individuals when deciding on who will be a successful candidate for their programs. Being in a musical indicates that you have several important skills and abilities that colleges, not to mention employers, are looking for in their applicants.
HAVING FUN: We can’t discount the importance and benefits of having fun while learning. When you are having a good time and stress levels are lower, it is EASIER to learn and retain new concepts which help you perform at your optimal level. 
No matter your background or experience level, being in a musical will help you develop and hone the skills necessary to achieve success in your social and educational life for years to come!
Tiffany Sullivan
APA Music Director[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]