What is Teamwork?
Teamwork is the skill of combining efforts to create a “product” that could not be accomplished solo. Great teamwork relies on every participant contributing their personal strengths. Participating in great teamwork means noticing what the group needs, offering what you can, and actively making room for others. Sometimes that means stepping forward with your ideas or energy. Sometimes it means stepping back so someone else can shine.
At its core, teamwork is about connection. It teaches us to listen, to respect differences, and to combine efforts toward a shared goal. When teamwork is strong, the result is almost always faster, easier, and better than what could be done alone.
How Do We Use It in Theatre?
Theatre, as an art form, cannot exist without teamwork. A single performer can deliver a monologue, but a play requires collaboration at every level: actors who listen and respond to each other, designers whose work interlocks to create a unified world, stage managers who coordinate the moving parts, and directors who weave these elements together. Even the audience becomes part of this team—their attention and reactions complete the performance. (Check out Ms. Liz’s personal thoughts on the role of the audience in theatre).
Every production is a living example of how diverse skills merge into one shared vision. When the lighting shifts at the right moment, when a scene partner picks up a cue seamlessly, when costumes, sound, and movement align—the effect is larger than any one contribution. Theatre reminds us that the spotlight is never truly singular. It shines because many people work in concert to make it possible.
Why Is It Important in Life?
Teamwork extends far beyond the stage. It’s the quality that allows a school group project to succeed, not because one student does everything, but because each member contributes what they know best. It’s the reason a soccer team can score—the pass, the assist, and the goal all matter equally. Even at home, families rely on teamwork every day: setting the table, cleaning up, getting everyone out the door in the morning.
When we practice teamwork, we begin to understand that life works best when responsibility is shared. We learn to recognize our own strengths and to trust others to use theirs. Most importantly, we discover that collaborating doesn’t mean losing our voice—it means combining voices to create something stronger than any one alone.
How Can I Bring This Skill Home?
Tots & Pre-K: Work together on a simple clean-up game. Assign “up high” duties to the adult and “on the floor” duties to your child (picking clothes off the floor vs hanging them up; sweeping vs dusting; putting toys away vs high-shelf books; etc)
Elementary: Put on a solo-shirt puppet show. One person holds a long-sleeve t-shirt by the shoulders, another moves an arm, another does the voice, etc. Together you get to create a zany character and a super silly story. But it onyl works when everyone’s part fits!
Middle & High School: Instead of leftovers night, make it Iron Chef Meal Ninja night! Together, you have to make a totally original and unique meal using only the food that is on hand. Work together to assess your resources, make a plan, and then execute! The meal may end up being amazing or awful, but either way you will have a blast.
