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Whether it’s Broadway or local shows put on in your community, there are so many benefits to exposing your kids to the theatre. If your child works on theatre productions, it can boost their self-esteem, give them a sense of responsibility, and show them the importance of working as a team. But, even seeing plays and musicals can be a great way to introduce your kids into different forms of art and culture. Theatre can give them an opportunity to travel the world from the comfort of their seat.
You don’t have to be a theatre buff to get your kids interested. Try these tips to fuel their curiosity. You never know – you just may end up loving the theatre along the way, too! Whether it’s a rainy day when you want to get out of the house, or you want to plan a special trip to see a popular show, there is never a bad time to get your children interested in the theatre.
Pick Shows You’ll Both Enjoy
The more excited you are about seeing a show, the more excited your child is likely to be. You know your children better than anyone, so starting out with a show you think they’ll be interested in can help to spark their curiosity and make them eager to see more.
The good news? New plays are being created, adapted, and directed differently all the time. Travis Preston of CalArts, for example, has directed a variety of plays across the world, and now teaches young actors how to bring classic tales to life. Shows are fluid and constantly changing, even in the slightest of ways. That’s why theatre never gets old.
Talk to Your Children Beforehand
If your children have never been to the theatre before, talk to them about it before you go. Telling them what to expect can keep them from feeling overwhelmed, and it will help them to feel more comfortable throughout the experience. It’s also a good idea to tell them how they should behave at the theatre. While you might need to be a little flexible regarding etiquette depending upon their ages, they should know how to be respectful to the actors and other patrons of the show. Make the experience as exciting and fun as possible while you talk about it. Practice how to sit (and stay seated) and whisper quietly. If you watch a movie – bonus points if it will be the same story you’ll be seeing on the stage – it will make even the practice fun. You might even be able to schedule a tour of the whole theater as part of your visit.
Talk About the Show Afterwards
Open up a dialogue with your child after you’ve seen a play. Ask them who their favorite characters were, or what they thought about a particular scene or song. As a parent, you know your child has opinions! Those opinions are just as valid when it comes to seeing a play as anyone else’s. Talking about the experience is a great way to get a new perspective on the show. You will truly get a feel for your child’s interest.
Going to see a play can be an exciting experience for children of all ages. If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do as a family start diving into the theatre. We have included theater opportunities into our homeschool by coordinating our literature studies. Some of the local theaters have performances geared towards students. Others offer lights-on shows and other accommodations if you have a sensory-sensitive child. If your community has outdoor performances, don’t miss it. Take advantage of all of these opportunities – whether for fun or for school.