Musical Theatre and Wellness

Whether on the stage or in the audience, musical theatre can be good for your mental health! In an earlier iteration of life, I was actively involved in the live and musical theatre community both growing up and during my time living in Massachusetts. I have found great worth and growth in the many hours of rehearsal for a musical theatre production and in spaces where I have the pleasure and privilege of listening to a musical on Spotify or watching live on a community stage or Broadway. Here are a few benefits I’ve found over the years related to the power of live theatre - specifically musical theatre which I hope helps you step in:

• Emotional growth in embodiment. From a performance perspective, I have found great wealth in singing and performing in a variety of mainstream and experimental productions. Whether part of the ensemble or a named character, each performer can get the opportunity to learn about and develop their role, backstory and lived experience in a live performance. In that process, I have learned about myself and my values. Live theatre preparations have also helped me to foster sympathy and empathy for the character I researched and embodied and the other characters they interact with. 

• Connection in presence. When attending a musical theatre production, I have experienced deep connections with my values and beliefs. There are many instances of watching the same production numerous times that in the first viewing I identify with one character and next time when I revisit the production I feel sympathy and empathy with a completely different perspective - both weeks and years after seeing the musical. In gaining insight and perspective about the character’s story, I can find ways to relate their story to my own life. From there, I can make meaningful decisions through the perspectives of others. 

• Relationship in community. Often in musical theatre, you will often have watched or listened to a performance in the company of others or have learned from friends or your community that you are one of many who have experienced and/or appreciated the show. When you find peers or friends who have experienced the same show, ask how the show impacted them. You could even share what song moved you or inspired a new idea for you. I’m confident you will have the ability to find others who will gush at the performance you listened to or saw which can build connections with others.

Not sure where to start? Have a conversation with your treater, friend or family member about musicals they have seen or watched. If you’re nervous to ask such, consider this link from New York Theatre Guide as a springboard and let your therapist know you’re thinking about it! The opportunity to learn more about yourself is one click away via a streaming service or in-person experience!

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Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.

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