The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Drama Education

It’s a place where young people try on ideas, test out who they are, and try to make sense of the world. Some of the most memorable moments happen when learning slips beyond facts and settles into experience. Drama creates many of these moments. It invites students to step into someone else’s shoes, explore emotions they may not yet have words for, and connect with others in honest, human ways. In those small scenes—standing in a circle, speaking a line, reacting to a partner—they begin to understand themselves and the people around them. That understanding becomes a form of emotional intelligence they carry long after the play ends.

How Drama Enriches Learning

Drama is often thought of as performance, but it’s also about stepping into someone else’s world, feeling what they feel, and seeing life through their eyes. When students take on a role, whether through improvisation, storytelling, or scripted scenes, they’re exploring emotions, relationships, and perspectives that might be completely different from their own. Picture a student playing a character wrestling with fear, excitement, or disappointment. In that moment, they’re experiencing those emotions in a safe space, learning to understand them from the inside out. That kind of connection builds empathy, the foundation of emotional intelligence.

Drama also teaches self-regulation in a way that feels natural. Imagine a student playing a character who is frustrated but needs to persuade someone to agree with them. They can’t just lash out; instead, they have to channel that frustration into clear, thoughtful words. Without realising it, they’re practising emotional control, learning how to balance feelings with strategy. These moments of performance mirror real life, where emotions and logic constantly intersect.

Beyond emotions, drama brings relationships to life. It encourages students to read body language, tone, and facial expressions, skills that help them navigate friendships, family dynamics, and future workplaces. A child who learns to sense the hesitation in a scene partner’s voice may also learn to pick up on a friend’s unspoken sadness. These small but essential lessons carry far beyond the stage, shaping the way young people interact with the world.

Drama is play with purpose. It allows students to step outside themselves, take creative risks, and explore different ways of thinking and feeling. In a world that often moves too fast for deep reflection, drama gives students the space to slow down, step into another’s shoes, and come away with a deeper understanding, not just of the characters they play but of themselves and the people around them.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Education

Emotional intelligence shapes the way students connect, communicate, and navigate challenges, both in and beyond the classroom. When learners understand their own emotions, they build stronger relationships with peers and teachers, creating a supportive environment where collaboration thrives. It also helps them manage stress, stay engaged, and persist through setbacks, which directly impacts their ability to learn and retain information. Research shows that emotions influence academic performance, and when students feel safe and valued, they are more open to learning. These skills extend far beyond school, preparing them to handle personal and professional relationships with confidence and empathy. Teaching emotional intelligence fosters social awareness and equips students with the tools to thrive in every aspect of life.

Bringing Drama and EI Together 

How can educators use drama to nurture emotional intelligence without it feeling unnatural or overcomplicated?

1. 1. Start Small With Role-Playing

You don’t need a stage or a script to bring drama into your lessons. Start by weaving simple role-play scenarios into everyday teaching. For example, in a history class, ask learners to debate as historical figures with conflicting goals. Let them act out dialogues that require negotiation or persuasion in language lessons. This encourages learners to think beyond their own perspectives, helping them practice empathy and emotional awareness.

1. 2. Use Improvisation to Teach Flexibility

Improvisation games are excellent for developing emotional intelligence. They require learners to think on their feet, adapt to changing scenarios, and regulate their emotional responses in real time. One fun activity? Try a “Yes, and…” exercise, where students build a story together by agreeing with and adding to each other’s ideas. It’s creative, collaborative, and teaches emotional give-and-take.

1. 3. Create a Safe Space for Expression

Drama can feel vulnerable, since you’re asking learners to put their emotions on display. To make it work, the classroom must feel safe and supportive. Establish ground rules about respect and constructive feedback. Celebrate effort and creativity, not just polished results. When learners feel safe, they’re more likely to take emotional risks, such as exploring complex feelings or experimenting with unfamiliar behaviours.

1. 4. Debrief After Activities

The magic of drama doesn’t stop when the activity ends. Always take time to debrief. Ask learners reflective questions like:

• How did it feel to play that role?
• What emotions did you notice in yourself or others?
• How does this connect to real-life situations?

These discussions deepen self-awareness and help learners connect the “drama world” to their own experiences.

Teaching emotional intelligence doesn’t have to be a separate lesson to fit into your schedule. Drama makes it natural, engaging, and most importantly, authentic. The next time you plan a class, consider bringing drama into the lesson. You might discover it’s less about teaching students how to perform and more about helping them learn how to navigate life. Happy teaching!

By Chantal Tarling