We sat down with Jenna Barricklo, a Season 45 Resident Actor with us, to hear her express how the power of live theatre has impacted her own life as a human and an artist. Read on below:
Connection. Community. Collaboration.
As we are re-entering this new COVID-ridden world, we have found that we have been missing these important things. There has been a shift for everyone, but especially for the youngest members of our society. Children who were not even in kindergarten yet returned to the classroom as 2nd graders are experiencing fractures in both their education and socialization. Simple things like working together, imaginative play, and classroom protocols have been a challenge for kids to learn. As a theatre educator, the most magical thing to witness is how theatre and creative play have been the best tools for students to learn how to be courageous, make bold choices, and be uninhibited.
Theater allows kids to take on roles and test out their confidence. When they travel to invisible kingdoms and fight fierce dragons, they are learning how to collaborate to finish their quest. When they are given a challenge to create body sculptures, they are learning to communicate. These theatrical activities that appear to just be for fun are actually letting kids safely explore methods of communication. It is giving them an outlet to try and to fail, and to get back up again.
Theatre is an amazing tool for children to learn about themselves. They are challenged to play outside of their comfort zone within a structure in which they feel safe to be bold. Theatre asks them to interact as their most open and vulnerable selves. Playing dinosaurs is a fun game, and a child is actually practicing being a leader when they are guiding the story. These are opportunities that children missed while in Zoom school. As we continue to navigate this new world, theatre may be one of the greatest outlets for children to come into their own.
If there is anything we have learned from this pandemic, it is that humans crave connection. We want to be seen, heard, and understood. Not only are we desperate for this, but we naturally find ways to be together. During lockdown, there was singing in the street, virtual game nights, and socially distanced parties. Because children did not always have the facilities to create these opportunities for themselves, it is our job as adults to provide spaces for them to explore these new ways of connecting.
Theater continues to be a place where children and adults can come to play. It is a place where we can be supported by our peers. In a post-COVID world, theater educators are going to be the leaders in how children will adapt. We can be the beacons of light to guide children to feeling confident in their creativity. We can provide a place where children can re-learn to be children. I believe we all could use a little creative play in our lives as we continue to traverse this unknown territory.
Jenna is so excited to be joining Charleston Stage for its 45th season! She received her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Shenandoah University. Professional Credits: Lisa (Mamma Mia!), Rosalia (West Side Story), Female Newsie (Newsies), Fannie (Mary Poppins). Jenna grew up in New York City and most recently resided in Boston! She is so grateful to her parents and brother for their endless support. Keep up with Jenna on her website and on Instagram: jennabarricklo.com / @in_jennaral