How to Raise a Theatre Fan

A visit to the theatre has the potential to be a life-changing experience, as well as an opportunity for a unique kind of learning. It can touch the imagination, arouse curiosity or fire an artistic impulse. Theatre can also be an exceptional resource, linking as it does to so many areas of knowledge: history, language and much more.

1. Choose the right show!
Whether you are taking children to the theater on Broadway or a matinee at the community playhouse, a successful experience for your kids begins with choosing the right show. Make sure it’s age-appropriate. Young children will mostly likely enjoy children’s performances. These often are works with lots of bright costumes and broad humor. Just the thing to engage and entertain a young mind. 

2. Prepare in advance!
Show photos or illustrations to your kids. Explain the plot to them. Tell them who the major characters are and why they’ll be doing what they do. Don’t worry about “spoiling” the show. Places like Dallas Summer Musical have “Kids Club” events, where pre-show kids meet the cast! It helps kids be entranced with the show while they watch the characters that they just met.

3. Enjoy the theatre!
Theaters are fascinating places. Take a look at the program to re-enforce your discussions of the plot.
Let them interact with the usher to find your seats. Get settled. Tell them to watch for the lights to come down as it is the signal to get quiet. Intermission is a great time to make sure they’re following the show.

4. Debrief!
You’ve invested an evening or an afternoon, now go the distance. Take your kids to a coffee shop or restaurant. Discuss the show with them, what they liked, didn’t like. What would they change?

Whatever age you start taking your children to the theater, build them up as you go along. If you start with Shakespeare chances are good you’ll have a bored kid. If you start with shows they like, chances are good you’re growing up a theater fan.