TAKING YOUR KIDS OUT TO THE THEATRE: IT'S ALL IN THE PREPARATION
After a long, exciting day in New York City back in 1994, my younger sister dozed peacefully between my mother and father. Unfortunately, it was about halfway through our first Broadway play, a stage version of Beauty and the Beast. She was only 5 years old and had been well behaved throughout, so my mother decided to let her sleep rather than risking a temper tantrum. The grand finale involved a barrage of pyrotechnics, flashing lights, smoke machines, and cables that aided in the transformation of the Beast, yet we had to wake her to leave the theatre. I’ll never forget my mother choking back laughter as my sister looked up with her big brown eyes and asked in her tiny voice “can’t they rewind it so I can see the Beast, mommy?”
Paying $150 for a nap can be upsetting, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo sharing your love of theatre with your children. These tips will help you prepare for your first trip as a family.
Gauge the right age
Only you will know if your child is ready to attend a play. Darren Stevenson, founder and director of PUSH Physical Theatre, was lucky enough to bring along his infant son to a visually stimulating performance. “Sometimes we think in terms of when they’ll be able to understand theatre, but often they’ll be taking in the performance in an entirely different way,” says Stevenson.
However, most parents choose to wait until their children are older and can more fully grasp the experience. “If a child can sit calmly and quietly to enjoy a 30-minute television show, she or he is more likely to be the right age for a play,” offers Freyda Schneider of TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy). Also, consider your child’s tolerance of darkness. If your child doesn’t like darkness and loud noises you might want to wait, says Schneider.
Choose a suitable show
For young children, exciting and familiar pieces are generally the most appropriate because they hold the child’s interest. Plays that involve imaginative themes, visual effects and physical humor engage young viewers much more than a literary show. A good option is a play aimed directly at the age appropriateness of the child such as local shows by TYKES, GEVA and Rochester Children’s Theater or larger productions such as Sesame Street. Children ages 6 and older may be better prepared for plays such as The Grinch, which runs only about an hour and a half, or The Lion King. Because the child will already know the general storyline, he’ll be more likely to be involved with the performance.
Prepare for the big day
The key to a successful trip to the theatre will depend largely on making sure your child understands some crucial aspects of live theatre, such as the fact that it is, unlike television, live.
Explain to your child that “lights out = quiet time,” says Sally Cohen of Rochester Children’s Theatre. “When the lights in the theatre dim to blackout and stage lights come up, this is a sign to give your full attention to the performers.” Try making this into a game, almost like “Mum’s the Word,” and you might have an even easier time maintaining a calm environment.
Kathryn Moroney, Associate Director of Education at Geva Theatre reminds us, "children should understand that in the same way they can see and hear everything that the actors do on stage, the actors can see and hear everything the audience does." Because characters on TV don't react when children talk to them, many children think that stage actors are static as well. Make this clear to your child, as well as that they have only one chance to hear each line, so they need to remember to focus.
Be sure to discuss the play before you go to the venue, even stop for a snack on the way as Stevenson suggests, and give some background information to spark your child's curiosity. Whether it's an entirely new piece or a stage version of an old favorite, you'll help to "set the stage" for the upcomeing event. If it is unfamiliar, consider reading the book as a family prior to the show - it's a great opportunity to spend time together and learn!
Don’t forget that nobody’s perfect, and that kids will be kids! Your child might react in a way adults consider odd or get fussy during the show, but as Stevenson reluctantly reveals, theatre isn’t sacred. What’s more important than your child loving or hating the show, causing a scene, or being on their best behavior is that they’re experiencing something that they’ll remember forever.
Raquella Hess is an Editorial Assistant for GVP.
Enjoyed this information? Share it with a friend!
