How Performing Arts Skills Can Help at Halloween

Check out this useful guest post by Jordan Veloso, at PQA – Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts to help your children feel confident in character this Halloween!

Halloween is a magical time for children, but for some, trick-or-treating can feel a little overwhelming. Whether it’s shyness, sensory overload, or not knowing what to say, stepping up to a neighbour’s door can be daunting.

The good news? Performing arts skills can help children feel more confident, expressive and ready to enjoy the fun.

1. Channel Nerves into Character

That little burst of nerves before stepping on stage is a lot like knocking on a neighbour’s door at Halloween – that flutter in the stomach before stepping into the spotlight. Performing arts skills help children manage those feelings through play, self-belief and focus exercises.

Confidently stepping into a strong character, can give children the bravery they need to knock, smile, and speak up.

Tip: Encourage your child to “become” their Halloween character – whether that’s a witch, superhero, or zombie. A quick practice of their voice or walk at home can boost confidence and make the experience even more fun.

2. Express Without Words

Not every child wants to speak right away – and that’s okay! Skills learnt through the performing arts build strong non-speaking communication skills too.

From facial expressions to posture and gestures, non-verbal skills can help children express excitement, gratitude, and confidence without saying a word.

A strong stance can make them feel braver, a big smile can help them connect, and simple gestures like a wave or eye contact help build their self-belief and vital life skills.

Tip: A big smile, eye contact and a wave can make a great impression at the door.

3. Trick-or-Treat Teamwork

Performing arts is all about ensemble work – and trick-or-treating is a team sport too. Children learn how to take turns, support each other, and share the spotlight (and the sweets!)

Tip: Before heading out, agree on a simple team plan. Decide who will lead and who will knock, so everyone gets a turn. Encourage the group to use their costumes and characters to bring the group’s story to life too.

4. Speak Up with Confidence

“Trick or treat!” deserves to be heard loud and clear. Vocal projection and clarity are key performing arts skills, helping children use their voices with confidence – even on a busy, blustery Halloween night.

Tip: Warm up with a silly tongue twister, a dramatic “Boo!”, or a big belly laugh before heading out. You can also play a fun sound game – take turns making spooky noises or character voices to practise projection, expression, and timing. This will get their voices ready, boosts confidence, and adds a playful burst of energy to the night.

5. Lights, Camera… Confidence!

At PQA children don’t just act on stage – they perform on screen too! Making a short Halloween film or recording themselves in character before the big night is a brilliant way to boost their character confidence and self-belief.

Tip: Record a short film or create a spooky story with their friends. Watching it back lets children see just how expressive, brave, and fun they already are whilst giving them a moment for self-reflection, celebration and a good giggle at their antics.

At PQA, we know confidence, creativity and self-expression aren’t just for the stage – they can be used anywhere, even on the doorstep. Our Film & Television, Comedy, Drama and Musical Theatre classes give children the tools to step into character, speak up, and enjoy every moment of Halloween.

About The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA)

Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) is a family-owned nationwide performing arts academy for children aged 4-18. It offers training in comedy, drama, musical theatre, TV and filmmaking, focusing on nurturing individual talent and building self-belief.