Core Skill in Focus: Listening

What is listening?
In terms of a Core Life Skill, Listening is more than just hearing words. It’s about understanding the meaning and perspective behind them, paying attention to what is being said—and what isn’t. True listening requires presence, patience, and an openness to what another person is communicating, both verbally and non-verbally. It means noticing tone, body language, and context. Listening is also the first step in collaboration—when we truly listen, we create space for ideas to grow and for connections to deepen.

How do we use it in theatre?
Actors must be incredible listeners. When performing, they aren’t simply reciting memorized lines—they are reacting to their scene partners in the moment. Every pause, every shift in tone, and every movement carries meaning. If an actor only focuses on their next line, they miss the rich nuances of connection that make a performance feel alive. Directors and designers must also listen—to their cast, to the playwright (often just through the words they wrote), to the subtle cues that help shape a cohesive and impactful production. A great actor listens to the energy of the crowd—when they lean in, when they laugh, when they shift in their seats. Theatre is a conversation, and listening is what makes it feel alive.

Why is it important in life?
If you have ever had the experience of feeling truly, deeply listened to, then you know what a powerful experience that is. Whether in friendships, workplaces, or family dynamics, the ability to genuinely listen builds trust and understanding. When we listen well, we improve our relationships, diffuse conflicts, and make others feel valued. It also helps us navigate situations where words don’t tell the whole story—someone saying “I’m fine” might not always mean they’re fine. Being a good listener means being attuned to the unspoken, picking up on the emotions beneath the surface, and responding with empathy. And what’s more: the better we listen, the better we can convey our own meaning. When we are skilled in understanding others, we better understand ourselves and how to ensure our voices (and non-voices) can not just be heard, but understood.

How can I bring this skill home?
Listening is a skill that can be strengthened at any age. In addition to classic Charades (which is great at all ages), here are some simple ways to practice:

Tots and Pre-K: Play “I Hear with My Little Ear.” Sit quietly together and take turns naming the sounds you hear—birds chirping, a car passing, a ticking clock. This helps little ones pay attention to the world around them and is a technique they can use to help calm their minds during overwhelming times.

Elementary School: Play “Echo Back.” One person makes a statement, and the next person has to repeat it back but change one small detail. This turns active listening into a playful challenge and keeps kids engaged. An example of this game might sound like:

“The sky is big and blue”

“The sky is big and green”

“The trees are big and green”

“The trees are tall and green”

“The giant is tall and green”

Middle School: Watch a short clip of a TV show or movie on mute (one neither of you has seen) and try to tell the story based on the actors’ body language and facial expressions. Level it up by assigning each person a character and improvise the dialogue, speaking the lines as you imagine they might be said. This sharpens the ability to “listen” beyond words.

High School: Try a “conversation swap” challenge. Two people start a conversation, but after every 30 seconds, they must switch perspectives and continue the discussion from the other person’s point of view. This encourages deep listening, empathy, and the ability to see multiple sides of an issue. You can use lighthearted topics like Chocolate vs Vanilla, or use this as a way to explore more complex and timely issues that matter to your family.

Listening is a superpower. It fosters connection, builds trust, and opens the door to deeper understanding. When we listen well, we make space for others—and that’s a skill worth practicing every day.