By: Barbara Lawn
The role of theater in developing self-respect and self-esteem in children
Irina Valiullova is no ordinary director or educator—she is a visionary whose unique methods are revolutionizing the way we view children’s development through theatrical arts. With over 14 years of experience under her belt, Irina has built something extraordinary—a theater program that not only changes lives but also empowers young people to discover their true potential. She is not just shaping actors. She is creating confident, resilient individuals who go on to become leaders in their own right. Through her boundless energy, creativity, and a burning passion for her craft, Irina has positioned herself as a leading figure in the field of education and child rehabilitation.
Irina’s approach is nothing short of revolutionary. Her project is designed with one goal in mind: to unlock the inner strength and talent that every child possesses. It’s as if she holds the key to unlocking the hidden superpowers of each participant. The method she developed is far from typical drama education. It is a life-changing experience. Children who walk into her program often come from difficult backgrounds, weighed down by low self-esteem and fear of failure. But under Irina’s guidance, they emerge as confident, empowered individuals ready to conquer any challenge that life throws at them. Her project is expanding rapidly, with plans to reach even more children, helping them break free from the limits imposed on them by society and their circumstances.
The theater as a gateway to self-respect and confidence
Theater, under Irina’s expert direction, is more than just acting—it is an immersive journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In her program, every child is treated as a unique individual, each with their own talents waiting to be discovered. The beauty of Irina’s method lies in her ability to make every child feel like a superstar. Through theater, children learn to express their emotions, confront their fears, and ultimately build a strong sense of self-respect and self-esteem. The theatrical stage becomes a space where their voices are heard, where their ideas matter, and where their contributions make a difference.
Public performances: confidence in action
One of the core elements of Irina’s groundbreaking project is the way it transforms the lives of children through public performances. Imagine a shy, reserved child, afraid to speak up in front of a crowd. Now, picture that same child standing confidently on stage, delivering their lines with power and grace. That’s the kind of transformation Irina facilitates. Every time a child steps on stage, they not only confront their fears but overcome them. With each successful performance, their self-esteem grows exponentially. They start to believe in their own capabilities, becoming fearless in the face of challenges. This newfound confidence spills over into all areas of their lives—whether in school, at home, or in their future careers.
Turning criticism into strength
Irina also understands that resilience is a crucial part of personal development, which is why her program teaches children to handle criticism in a healthy, constructive way. Under her mentorship, children learn that mistakes are not failures but stepping stones to improvement. Irina’s genius lies in her ability to turn moments of doubt into opportunities for growth. Through her program, children build emotional resilience that extends far beyond the stage. They learn how to accept feedback, make adjustments, and keep moving forward—traits that serve them well in both theater and life.
The power of teamwork in building self-worth
One of the standout features of Irina’s project is its focus on teamwork. In theater, every role, no matter how big or small, is essential to the success of the production. This teaches children the value of their own contributions as well as the importance of respecting others. Irina’s theater is a space where every child’s role is celebrated, where the power of collaboration is understood, and where the sum of the parts is always greater than the whole. By learning to work in harmony with their peers, children develop a sense of self-worth that is rooted in their ability to contribute to a team. This collaborative spirit is another one of the “superpowers” Irina helps children discover.
Overcoming fear and unlocking hidden potential
Irina’s program is also uniquely designed to help children confront and conquer their fears. Whether it’s the fear of public speaking, the fear of failure, or the fear of judgment, theater offers them a safe space to face these anxieties head-on. Under Irina’s guidance, children step into various roles that challenge them to push past their comfort zones. This journey of self-exploration allows them to unlock hidden talents and realize that they are capable of much more than they ever imagined. Each time they step into a new role, they step into a new version of themselves—one that is more courageous, creative, and capable.
Emotional expressiveness: the secret to self-esteem
Irina believes that true confidence comes from emotional expressiveness. In her program, children are encouraged to tap into their emotions, to truly feel and express them. Whether they are portraying joy, sadness, anger, or fear, Irina teaches them to connect deeply with their emotions and channel them into their performances. This emotional awareness fosters a deep sense of self-understanding and acceptance. The more children connect with their inner emotions, the more control they feel over their lives, which in turn builds a healthy, lasting self-esteem.
Theater as a launchpad for life’s success
Irina Valiullova’s theater program is a groundbreaking initiative that transforms lives in remarkable ways. It doesn’t just teach children how to act—it teaches them how to live. Through her innovative methods, she instills in each child a belief in their own greatness. Her project is expanding, touching more lives every day, and creating a ripple effect of empowered, confident young leaders. As Irina continues to grow her initiative, she is unlocking the superpowers of the next generation, giving them the tools to become successful, resilient individuals who can take on the world with confidence.
The future is bright, and with Irina Valiullova at the helm, there’s no telling just how many lives she will continue to transform through the magic of theater.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
