How to Have a Positive Impact on Theatre Students
Make it Sparkle Video with Venus Tyané
Actress, Director and Teaching Artist
6:52 (runtime)
Director’s Notes
Actress and Director Venus Tyané believes that theatre classes provide a safe space for students to socialize, interact, and learn how to function as a team—which is especially important considering the limited social interaction due to the ongoing pandemic.
Venus says theatre allows students to take risks and learn from failures in a non-catastrophic environment. This can be seen through two-sentence scene exercises where students make different choices each time, some of which may not work—but that's okay.
She shares that theatre cultivates valuable soft skills such as critical thinking and flexible, creative ideas. This fact was highlighted in an Apple study where top performers were found to excel in these areas.
Venus believes collaboration is a significant aspect of theater which mirrors the teamwork needed in professional environments. The theatre setting provides students the chance to communicate their ideas, listen to others, and jointly move forward—skills that are beneficial in the real world.
As a theater teacher, one can incorporate various soft skills into the lesson plan, helping students prepare for their future. Venus says one approach is the devised theater technique, which can foster collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Devised theater allows students to bring in different materials, like poems or short stories, and collectively create a performance. This process enhances creative, critical thinking, and gives students a tangible result—making theater a rewarding experience.
About Venus
Venus Tyané studied Musical Theater in Berlin, Germany. She has worked as a performer for many US productions, including Nickelodeon and Stories that Soar! She has performed in various large productions internationally, from Friedrichstadtpalast to Jazzclub Neukölln. Venus-Tyané worked as the Musical Director for the performing arts school JMEM Berlin, and the subsequent touring production. She has toured throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Estonia, Czech Republic, India, South Korea and Japan. She has a passion for the arts and people’s stories as expressed through their various cultures and is dedicated to making a positive impact that has a world ripple effect.