Why Theater Kids (Of All Ages) Should Run for Office

To run or not to run, that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of unequal leadership or to take arms against a sea of the same politics again and again… that’s how it goes, right? 

When it comes to politics, theater kids–of all ages–have a lot to offer. Just look at the long history of people who have made the leap from the stage or screen to politics: Ronald Reagan, Shirley Temple Black, Helen Gahagan Douglas, Al Franken, Cynthia Nixon, Arnold Schwarzenegger… the list goes on. And for anyone who has been in show business, it’s no surprise! Here are six reasons why, no matter their age, theater kids are ready to run for office. 

1. You’re a skilled public speaker

If you’ve been onstage, chances are, you know how to work a crowd! You’re comfortable taking written words and making them your own. On the technical side, you know how to enunciate and engage with an audience. Even if your work in the theater has always been behind-the-scenes, you know how to pull a team together and communicate to a group (we’re looking at you, directors and stage managers).  

2. You’re attuned to the audience

You can match the vibe of the crowd and adjust your performance based on what they need. You know how to amp up an audience that could use an extra energy boost, and you can feed off of a high-energy crowd. You have experience establishing a rapport with the audience and helping them feel engaged in your story. 

3. You can take criticism

Part of being a good thespian is learning how to take direction! You’re used to taking criticism, whether it’s in the form of notes from your director, a tough review, or when you’re performing for an audience that’s giving you nothing. While you may not have totally perfected not letting it get to you, you won’t let criticism stop you from pushing on. This one isn’t just for the actors in the crowd: in tech, too, you have to roll with the punches and not let notes get under your skin. 

4. You respond under pressure

No matter what’s happening, the show must go on! Whatever stressors you’re dealing with, you know how to put on a smile and perform your heart out. Whether your experience is more onstage or backstage, you know how to find last-minute solutions to ensure the show goes on without a hitch for everyone involved. 

5. You can work with a tight budget

We all know that funding in the arts isn’t exactly easy to come by, and the same goes for politics. When there are dozens of initiatives but a limited budget, you’re prepared to find the best bang for your–and the taxpayers’–buck. 

6. You know how to work as a team

As the cast of High School Musical once so famously said: We’re all in this together! You know how to work with a diverse cast, the production team, and the crew to put on a show, navigating differences in taste and opinion, competing personalities, and stepping out of your comfort zone to serve a greater purpose: your art. In politics as well, you’ll need to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds and perspectives to serve the greater good of your community.

We know that there’s no people like show people–and that’s why we want to see more of you running for office! Get started with your own journey to elected leadership by learning which office you should run for with our quiz.