How to Involve Your Child in Theater

A rewarding theater experience gives a child a lifelong skill - the ability to speak and perform comfortably before groups of people.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby-Sitters Club Books
• Harry Potter Books
• Scripts
• Snacks
• Calendars
• Backpacks
• Action Figures
• Nintendo Game Boys
• Snacks
• Pokémon cards

1. Look for or form a theater group that puts all the children on stage - whether in bit parts or in the chorus.

2. Seek out a group that rotates lead roles rather than repeatedly starring a few precocious, budding actors and actresses.

3. Give preference to a group that selects age-appropriate plays rather than having young children act as adolescents or adults.

4. Select a group whose rehearsals are well-organized and that maintains order and discipline in a manner that matches your expectations.

5. Give your child something to do during rehearsals and while backstage. Some children will be attentive and learn all the parts. Others need light reading and pocket games.

6. Be prepared to help in some way - costuming, makeup, sets and props, the Green Room, advertising, photography.

7. Support multiple performances so that you'll have the opportunity to relax and watch a play in its entirety.

Tips & Warnings

• Musicals are fun for children and involve the greatest number of performers.
• Some theater groups have basic classes that teach enunciation, stage directions, and how to make the best of the invariable mishaps during a performance.
• Beware of the "stage-parent" syndrome. Children enjoy the camaraderie and sense of accomplishment while unwittingly learning to memorize, interact, express themselves creatively, and gain self-control. The goal is not an agent and a contract.

[SBshowstopper]

on 1/12/2007 I disagree with sending toys and games to rehearsal unless you have okayed it with the director! One of the goals of an actor should be to stay engaged all the time, know where you are in the script, and be prepared. You never know when a "bit" might come your way. The director might need an extra person, or need an actor to say a line off stage; he is looking for a "smart cookie" who can jump in. Remind your child to not let others distract him or her!

on 8/9/2006 Always be supportive of your child, even if a mistake is made. Stress the fact that no one is perfect and making mistakes is the fun and challenge of being involved in theater.

on 11/22/2005 You can take your child to appropriate plays, but you can also expose him or her to classic movies. Try the old musicals and comedies. Some kids will love, memorize and copy them. Some cities and colleges present them as series. A good way to start!