Thanks Jennifer for starting this thread. Talk about synchronicity; last week, I gave myself a Christmas/Hannukah/Festivus present and got the New York Times. Two days later, I read this article with a sigh: Move Aside, Snowflake: ‘Theatre Kid’ Is the New Go-To Political Insult https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/us/politics/theater-kid-insult-politics.html?smid=url-share As I was writing my response, Guy posted his.
Following the Parkland Massacre, the most passionate, intelligent, and engaging voices promoting effective gun legislation were (and still are) the school's theatre/speech students. Since that tragedy, almost every time a video features a young person eloquently addressing a dais of political leaders, the speaker is often a member of their school’s drama/public speaking program. This is no coincidence.
Why are they so good at presenting an argument? Why are they so well-prepared? Why do they care? The answer is simple: Art kids are smart kids.
There is ample evidence. Decades of peer-reviewed studies reveal the study and practice of live theatre increases academic achievement in all subjects (https://www.aep-arts.org/theatre-counts/). Even Physical Education, often perceived as the antithesis of drama class, is enhanced through theatrical study (Mavroudis, N., 2021, https://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejep/article/view/3760).
Why is theatre such a powerful educational resource? At its heart, theatre teaches how to communicate. When coupled with a touch of charisma (an ersatz pre-requisite), the ability to communicate becomes a Super Power. And therein lies the problem.
When theatre students are politically aware, their power to communicate makes them an existential threat. So, their opponents went to their tried-and-true argumentative technique—name-calling. As explained in the New York Times, this lead to the advent of the pejorative "Theatre Kid.” (“Move Aside, Snowflake: ‘Theatre Kid’ Is the New Go-To Political Insult” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/us/politics/theater-kid-insult-politics.html?smid=url-share).
The article explains this "insult" is a result of (among other things) homophobia, sexism, and anti-intellectualism. The fear-filled purveyors of these evils falsely claim that studying theatre encourages the pursuit of irrational goals (i.e., dreams), and creates infantilizing“safe spaces.” Further, it is regarded as a bastion for those too weak-willed to engage in activities that really matter. But trying to use “Theatre Kid” as an insult reveals something more insidious.
The forces of hate excel at discrediting the institutions that stand in the way of their political (and monetary) goals. Law enforcement, journalism, and higher education have all fallen victim. Now, Empathy, a trait always considered essential to a mature life of moral fortitude, is now considered a weakness. Theatre Kids, those most adept combating ignorance through empathy, are now "enemies of the state."
But here’s the rub: theatre artists embrace the negative attitudes directed at us. We feed upon negativity and build resilience. Those of us with professional careers couldn’t survive otherwise. To borrow from Roxie in the musical Chicago, life in the performing arts is a world filled with "No." Theatre teaches us to cope and even thrive in a world of “No.”
One way to cope is to re-contextualize. For example, the concepts of patriotism, rule-of-law, and even the flag itself, once considered ubiquitous to conservatives, are now being being reclaimed by progressives through rational argument. We can counter the ignorant concept that theatre is a refuge for the lazy, crazy, and morally corrupt while reminding everyone that Empathy is a good thing.
Furthermore, we can demonstrate that theatre is not a frivolous break between core academics, it is an act of Service. As a collaborative activity, theatre teaches to honor one’s duty: to serve to our fellow artists, our audience, and ultimately the entire community. For secondary students in particular, outreach is a powerful form of service. From Pre-K through 8th grade, the arts are considered socially acceptable. Once kids reach high school, the arts are marginalized. High school theatre kids become leaders by producing shows, mentoring performance skills, and instilling life-lessons to younger students.
The concept of “theatre as service” enables students to further the arguments against the forces of hate. The moniker "theatre kid" will be as respected as "Athlete," "Homecoming Queen," and "Student Body President." Rather than an insult, it will retain its place as what it has always been: a badge of honor.
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Josh Ruben, M. Ed.
Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction
Drama Director/Fine Arts Chair
Northwest Whitfield HS
Tunnel Hill, GA
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