The lights. The music. The action. Taking in a live theatrical performance with your child will create a cherished memory and lay the foundation for a life-long love of live performances. Like most outings with children, it’s good to know what to expect and plan ahead before you attend your first show. Here’s a few tips to help make sure your first trip to the theater is a positive one.
Pick an Age-Appropriate Show
When picking the first live performance for your child to attend, look for shows that are age and developmentally appropriate.
“These will be shows where they may best understand the plot, follow the story or, at the very least, be engaged by all that is occurring on stage,” says Ed Gallagher, director of education at Beck Center for the Arts. “Of course, show length matters and finding a production with a duration and content that holds a child’s attention span will be important.”
Some shows have age range recommendations on their descriptions and some shows may not allow children under a certain age to attend.
“Start your kids with a show aimed specifically at children – particularly something that has one or more child actors or familiar characters – and then work up from there,” suggests Drew Rothman, actor and digital media volunteer at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre.
Children’s shows are produced to keep the younger audience’s attention and may be shorter in length, allow for more breaks or even be interactive with singing or dancing in your seat. Children may also be encouraged to dress up or wear a t-shirt with a character from the show.
Prepare for the Show at Home
Get your child excited for the big performance by talking about the show beforehand and practicing how to behave in the theater.
“Get to know the show,” Gallagher says. “Learn as much as possible, read about it and talk about it. If it’s a musical, listen to the music ahead of time. Find some video clips that may be available to set the stage.”
Let you child know it will be dark and there could be loud sounds, smoke or other theatrical special effects.
For parents, it’s a good idea to check out the venue’s website to see photos of the space, get parking info, see what type of concessions are offered and if booster seats are available. You can also contact customer service to ask about bringing your own snacks or sippy cups for small children.
“You may also want to know what times the doors open to the main lobby and when the doors open to the theater. That may help you to best prepare if you want to arrive early or just prior to the posted curtain time,” Gallagher adds.
He also suggests finding a night at home to “practice” going to the theater.
“Watch a movie together and treat it like a live show with dimmed lights, snacks if that will be done in the theater, and sitting quietly, applauding and staying seated until the intermission or end of the performance,” he says. “Prepare as much as possible – this is an exciting adventure, make it a full experience in preparation, during the experience, and afterwards to reflect about what took place.”
Attending the Big Show
There’s a lot of hustle and bustle before the show starts — from parking to getting your tickets and snacks, browsing merchandise, using the restroom and finding your seat.
“The kids should be told about all that happens pre-show as it can be overwhelming for a small child and it can be a lot to navigate for some adults, too,” Gallagher says.
Before the show starts, remind children that others will be enjoying the show too so conversations, using the restroom and walking around need to happen during intermission.
“Parents can emphasize that, like school, you’ll be surrounded by other people who are also trying to watch and listen, so being quiet and still is kind and helpful,” Rothman adds. “It’s also worth reminding kids that, unlike TV, the actors can see and hear the audience too, so clapping appreciatively with the rest of the audience is just as important as not distracting the performers.”
My Child Loved It! Now What?
If you think you have a future thespian on your hands, you can encourage your child to take center stage.
“The other thing to mention – possibly one of the most important is that theater is for everyone, Rothman adds. “I started acting when I was in kindergarten and I made lots of great friends through theater in my life. I even met my wife that way! So, when kids are watching a show, they should know that they can do it too. Storytelling is in our nature as humans, and there will always be a place on the stage for those who want to get in on the act.”
