There is no better way to encourage creativity in your children than by doing it with them, says Charlotte Nelson of Norwich Theatre, who, in August is running its annual festival dedicated to your family’s creativity.
The Family Festival between August 29 and September 1 will see the Norwich Theatre Playhouse open up to families for a week jam-packed with performances and workshops aimed at children from age three months upwards. Families are encouraged to take part together and reap the benefits of getting creative together.
A survey conducted by OnePoll in 2021 showed that 63% of the 2,000 adults surveyed wish they spent more time with their families. 'We all lead hectic lives, and sometimes things can get in the way, but quality moments with those we love are hugely important. This is why we are encouraging all the mums, dads, grandparents, carers and guardians to share creative experiences with their little ones to create, sing, dance and laugh their way through our annual Family Festival,' said head of creative engagement, Sam Dawson.
In a world where families juggle work, school and other responsibilities, finding ways to unwind and create joyful moments that get children and adults together are important. 'Creativity allows families to come together, bond and connect beyond the generational divide,' explains Sam. 'Carving out space and time to get creative can remind you to take a breather and create memories and live in the moment with your children,' Sam continues.
Creativity can be a vital tool to improve our wellbeing. It offers a space to express feelings, find a sense of play and connect with your loved ones. In fact, the BBC Arts Great British Creativity Test in 2019 showed that getting creative can help avoid stress, free up mind space and improve self-esteem. The findings showed that even after one session of something creative, participants could start to reap the emotional benefits.
There is a clear link between creativity and improvements in our wellbeing, but for our children getting creative is a great way to develop life skills as well.
'It gives them the opportunity to be inventive, take risks, practice self-expression and solve problems,' said Sam.
By providing opportunities for your child to explore and discover, you give them opportunities to experience a greater range of sensory information, which in turn helps their long-term development.
You add additional benefits when you get creative with your children, as they share feelings and ideas.
Sam explains: 'It can often be the tool that enables your child to express themselves more openly than they may normally do.'
The creative process is ultimately discovering something new within ourselves and then bringing that something into the world. During the Family Festival, there will be exciting workshops, performances and free drop-in activities for you to explore a take inspiration. Each day there will be a different aspect of creativity; from the energy of dance and physical theatre to activate the senses, the magic of storytelling and drama to hear and be heard, and the power of music to stir the soul.
On the Saturday before the Family Festival (August 26), Norwich Theatre Royal and Stage Two will be hosting its annual open day where you will be able to take a sneak peek behind the scenes of the largest theatre in the region.
Discover what Norwich Theatre has to offer: grab a bite to eat, take part in a workshop, try your hand at lighting and costume design, and find out what it takes to bring theatre magic to life on stage. All the events are completely free.
For more information about the events, visit norwichtheatre.org.
