The Importance of Performing Arts: From Both Sides of the Stage

Dancers from Vashon Dance Academy take a bow. After an emotionally and physically taxing performance, their community is even stronger. Photo courtesy of Aven DeVoght.

Since prehistoric times, people have enjoyed the performing arts. From Greek plays to Shakespeare’s theater, the thespians, dancers, and musicians of the world have always held a special place in our lives. In 2026 however, many people wonder if live art is still relevant.

Now that we have technology at our fingertips and can access all kinds of media from our phones, many of us feel less inclined to leave home to watch a performance. In lieu of digital media, however, some students prefer to go out for their entertainment. 

“I think now, more than ever, it’s super important to engage in performing arts,” said sophomore Edie Lopez. “Especially with the new digital age, people are leaning away from performing arts. Still, the beauty of visual art is unmatched by social media.”

While she is a big supporter of live arts, Lopez admits that ironically, she hears about events from Instagram and other social media, proving that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. 

If the arts are so important, what might be stopping people from attending live performances? Two things many people worry about are cost and convenience.

“There is a lot of really accessible art that doesn’t cost a lot to see. A lot of it is time- people don’t take time to do that, and they don’t feel like they have time or space in their lives to go see theater,” stated sophomore Elise Sherry.

Art is available to the masses, but it is up to us and whether or not we consider it a valuable use of our time.

Aside from the audience’s perspective, there is another element to live performance that many people don’t experience– the performers’ perspective. 

“One of the greatest joys of working on a show is getting to bond with your peers,” shared Lopez. 

“I think any type of sports team is an unbreakable bond you have with the people you dance with or play with. You’re with them so much that this trust forms, and I think it’s such an amazing bond that you carry with you,” added freshman Maren Chait.

Performing with others creates a special kind of kinship, one that dancers in particular treasure and the audience can feel from the stage.

In addition to the community that is built backstage, there is an aspect of performing that entertainers find extremely powerful. 

“When I’m performing, I love to connect with the audience,” said Lopez. “When you go to a show, you’re feeling the energy in the room and the energy of the people on stage, and they’re feeding off of you.” 

For performers, it truly makes a difference to have a live audience, just as it matters for the audience to have live performers.

“Anything at any moment can inspire you to do something that you might end up loving. It’s worth the risk,” Chait noted, referencing the dance performance by the modern dance company Whim W’Him the night before.

In another branch of performing arts, Vashon High School’s theater program puts on multiple shows a year, featuring new and experienced performers. 

“A musical in particular is really high on emotions, and it can feel really high stakes because you’re putting yourself out there,” said theater director and English teacher Andy James.

He believes one of the most important skills gained in a production like this is “really just learning to trust people.”

When asked about upcoming performances, James shared that the first play this year is called “Once in a Lifetime”, which goes up in November. This play will only feature VHS students, and it will amaze audiences once again. The drama club is putting on another highly anticipated show later in the year, called “Big Fish.” 

“Big Fish goes up in March, and is a musical,” said James. “This is a show we’re doing in partnership with Drama Dock.” 

This is the first time in around three years that the VHS drama club has partnered with Drama Dock, and it has already drawn a lot of buzz. Student auditions for Big Fish will be in December.

“When you have two groups coordinating, it’s hard to wind up with a unified product,” James reflected when asked about the challenges of collaborating on a large production. He also added, “in the end, it's more about looking like you feel you belong onstage, and that you are excited to be on stage…and that matters a lot more.”

Despite many people’s desire to stay home, consume digital media, and avoid taking risks, performing arts offers an experience that social media just can’t replicate. From the bonds that are built to the experiences gained, engaging in performing arts still has importance in our world. Luckily, the Vashon community keeps the arts alive, and it provides Vashon youth with opportunities to get inspired.

VCA dancers perform a contemporary piece during their dance showcase, Original Works. Sophomore Edie Lopez among them, these dancers can testify to how much goes in to a production like this. Photo courtesy of Elise Sherry.