The questions of whether to stay home or go out to see live theater performances can be emotionally fraught. But if you are like most people, you will be able to make a better decision if you first take the time to consider these two issues:
First, is it possible that this decision may not affect your life in any substantial way? Second, what do you know about the long-term health benefits of seeing live theater performances?
By considering the answers to these questions, you will most likely find that it is much easier than you had thought to make a decision about whether or not to go out to see live theater performances.
When deciding whether or not to see live theater, there are few things more important than knowing as much as possible about the long-term health benefits of doing so. For example, did you know that according to a recent study by Dr. Robert Zajonc of Stanford University, people who went out to see live theater at least once a year were four times more likely than those who didn’t?
In a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Arthur M. Nezu and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania reported that they had given a group of elderly patients a choice: they could either stay home, or they could watch a performance at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. The patients who stayed home recovered from surgery more slowly, and had higher heart rates and blood pressure levels than those who went to the theater.
Nezu has done similar studies with other kinds of arts events, including concerts and art exhibitions. He has also found that watching television has the same (negative) effect on recovery from surgery as staying home does. So does listening to music on headphones, for that matter.
Nezu’s conclusion is that the key difference between staying home and going out to see a play is not what you are doing, but where you are doing it. “The important thing,” he says, “is being in an environment with other people.”
Many people find going to the theater to be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time. Others prefer to stay at home. You may have heard that spending time with family and friends is good for your health, but do you know why?
First of all, go outside! You’ll be happier and healthier if you do. If you are looking for something to do on the weekends, consider visiting your local theater.
Second, regular exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Studies show that people who exercise regularly live longer than those who don’t. Most people don’t realize how important it is to get enough physical activity: only 8 percent of Americans get at least 30 minutes every day!
Thirdly, socializing with friends can help reduce stress levels which helps prevent heart disease and other illnesses later in life. One study found that spending time at a live performance reduced blood pressure by up to 25 percent more than sitting alone watching TV or reading books alone.”
Going to the theater is good for you! Studies have shown that attending live theater performances reduces stress and increases happiness, empathy, and sense of community. This blog post provides some additional research-based reasons to attend live theater.
There are several types of studies that support the beneficial effects of attending live theatrical performances. First, people who attended live theater events more frequently were found to have higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression. Second, individuals who attended more frequently were less likely to die in the next year than those who attended less frequently, especially for older adults.
Third, people in the audience experience shared physiological responses during a performance, which is an indicator of a feeling of closeness between performers and audience members. In addition, members of the audience feel a sense of belonging when they witness other audience members having an emotional response to the performance. Fourth, after attending a play about dementia, audience members experienced increased sympathy for persons with dementia and their caregivers.
The benefits of live theater performances are numerous. One of the most important is the ability to reduce stress.
Many studies have shown that when you watch a live performance, your blood pressure drops, your muscles relax and you can forget about all the stressors of your day.
Another benefit of seeing a live performance is that it can help you feel more connected to others.
Live theater performances help you connect with other people in the audience and with the actors on stage. This connection can be especially powerful if you have experienced a traumatic event or difficult time in your life, as it helps you feel less alone.
The benefits of live theater performances are numerous. One of the most important is the ability to reduce stress.
Many studies have shown that when you watch a live performance, your blood pressure drops, your muscles relax and you can forget about all the stressors of your day.
Another benefit of seeing a live performance is that it can help you feel more connected to others.
Live theater performances help you connect with other people in the audience and with the actors on stage. This connection can be especially powerful if you have experienced a traumatic event or difficult time in your life, as it helps you feel less alone.”
The American Theatre Wing, the organization that bestows the annual Tony Awards, has launched its own initiative to encourage people to attend live theater. A new website, “Live Theater Is Essential,” argues that “theater has been a vital part of every community for centuries.” The site lists the following benefits of attending live theater:
– It’s Fun!
– It’s Unique!
– It Can Change Your Life!
– It Stimulates Your Mind and Senses!
– It Boosts Your Economy!
The American Theatre Wing also provides links to articles about the health benefits of live theater. One such article, from Forbes magazine, states that “live performance is a uniquely human experience that can help us emotionally connect, share in joy and laughter, and even help us heal from trauma and adversity.” Another article claims that “research suggests that attending live theatre is good for brain health.”
The image of theater as a privileged, elitist activity is a myth that should be dispelled. Theater allows people from all walks of life to come together and see the world through different eyes.
The first theater was built in Athens, Greece in the fifth century BC. Originally, theaters were used exclusively for religious purposes. During festivals honoring Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, actors would perform to honor him and his father Zeus.
As time went on, theater became secularized and spread throughout the country as a popular form of entertainment. It has evolved over time into one of the most accessible art forms available today.
Although many theaters are located in prosperous urban areas, they encompass a wide range of creative expression that caters to all types of people. Theater is unique in its ability to show how different groups can come together and enjoy one another’s company.
Whether you live in a rural or urban area, there are plenty of opportunities to see live theater performances. There are several ways you can find out what shows are playing near you:
– Consult your local newspaper or community calendar for upcoming events.
– Search online for theaters in your area. You can even find out what shows are coming up next! Theaters often have their own websites