Core Skill in Focus: Critical Thinking
What is critical thinking?
The Oxford Diction defines this as “the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.” The key part is objective analysis, and boy, is that a hard thing to do. It requires that you set aside your own subjective ideas, which means that you need to recognize that you have them in the first place. But identifying your personal biases or opinions and putting them aside is not a one time step. It is a continual process of reevaluation. Every time you learn, see, or experience something new, your own preconceived notions surface automatically. Critical thinking requires immense self-awareness.
How do we use it in theatre?
Actors have the most success in their craft when they can approach it as a blank slate. Imagine a painter trying to create a delicate, detailed landscape on a newspaper. Sure, it may make for some interesting art, but probably not with the intended effect. The words and images on the paper would compete with the added paint - much like actors’ own personalities and opinions can clash and compete with those of their character. This can show up in performance but usually is seen as an actor is preparing. As we analyze our character, their actions and motivations, it is essential that we think objectively -critically- about why they do what they do. Directors, designers, producers… everyone must also exercise immense critical thinking. From selecting the right play for the season, to working within the constraints of a budget, to analyzing the message of a piece… If imagination is the life blood of theatre, critical thinking is the skeleton.
Why is it important in life?
In a time where we experience daily onslaughts of “information,” critical thinking is the ONLY thing keeping us on track. Lies, propaganda, and simply misinformed individuals are so easily disguised as fact. It is truly existential to be able to separate fact from all the noise. Asking questions like “why?” or “how do you know?” or even “does that make sense to me?” are questions that too few people are asking. And it makes sense: the more inundated you are with things to analyze, the harder (and more exhausting) critical thinking becomes. And yet, there is a direct correlation between the difficulty of the skill and the necessity of it.
How can I bring this skill home?
You can foster this skill at any age in a number of ways. Like many parts of parenting, demonstrating and role modeling are some of the most effective ways to cultivate this skill in your child. Here are some fun games that can make it feel a little lighter:
Tots and Pre-K: “Why” — RESIST the urge to answer “Because.” When your child asks you why, try to answer them. When they follow up with another why, answer THAT, too. Keep answering until you reach “I actually don’t know. Maybe we can find out together.”
Elementary School: If you have the board game Guess Who, it is a great way to activate early critical thinking. Your child has to look at a large array of possibilities, stay focused and not overwhelmed, and think about the best way to get to the heart of the issue.
Middle School: 20 questions is a super fun way to turn on those critical thinking synapses. You or your child thinks of something and the other one can ask 20 yes or no questions to try and figure out what the thing is.
High School: Would You Rather is a great way to strike up conversation with your teen, and if you use the right prompts, you can generate some good critical thinking along the way. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Would you rather have a job that pays really well but is boring, or a job you love that pays just enough to get by?
Would you rather be the best on a bad team, or the worst on a great team?
Would you rather have one really close friend or a large group of casual friends?
Would you rather solve one major world problem in your lifetime or make millions of small positive impacts every day?
Would you rather succeed at something you don’t enjoy or struggle at something you're passionate about?
