Of Plays and Peers
I enjoy watching the relationships that develop between cast members involved in the Homeschool Dramatic Society and the relationships that develop between families. Practicing together, working on sets and props together, and visiting together while working together are great ways to learn what people are like in a variety of situations.
A blessing of having so much parental involvement in the Homeschool Dramatic Society is that parents are nearby as their children and teens are developing these relationships with other cast members. Children have better opportunities for good relationships when they are with church children and homeschooled children, but parents must still pay close attention.
Off the top of my head, I can think of three young married couples who all were actors and actresses in our local homeschool plays. These couples knew each other in other contexts, too, but it is sweet to know that the plays were one way they got to know each other better.
Every year homeschool graduates come back to be part of the audience and to encourage the younger actors and actresses. One special thing about the play this year is that so many homeschool graduates have volunteered to help behind the scenes. Even our musical director this year was once on stage as an actress. I know of at least two graduates who asked for time off from their jobs so that they could be a part of this experience.
Though my experience with other theater is very limited, I can imagine very different experiences than those I am enjoying each day right now. I remember hearing about a young man several years ago who was influenced negatively in a very serious way by another cast member when the two of them were involved in a nearby theater.
It is no wonder that relationships develop when people spend so much time together. As parents we must make sure those relationships are ones that honor God and not ones that draw our children away from their heavenly Father.
He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20, NASB
I’m very thankful for the wholesome activities and groups in which my children have been involved. It has afforded them the opportunity to develop relationships with some really lovely kids and their families. I hope and pray that someday when they go off to college or move away, they will continue to surround themselves with other godly people of all ages.