How to get your children involved in theater

Getting your children involved in theater may be easier than you think. In my experience, it seems to me that few parents realize that they can usually volunteer at their local community theater and that many times there are plenty of fun and safe things that children can help out with in the theater.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone numbers, websites, and, address information for any local community, non-profit, theater in your area.
• Name of the people who may be in charge of the theater along with a list of questions you may have for that person regarding involving your children in that particular theater.
• A little bit of free time for both yourself and your children.
• A passion for volunteering your time and a sincere love of theater.

1. First-get in contact with a few of your local community theaters and ask to speak to the person who may be in charge of bringing volunteers into the theater.

2. Next-ask that person if they do allow children to help out in the theater. Keep in mind that some theaters may have a minimum age requirement due to many different factors.

3. Next-ask about how and when you and your children may be able to come to the theater and lend a helping hand. Many people don't realize how many community theaters may actually welcome the chance to have extra help, especially with such things as set construction, painting, ushering in patrons, handing out playbills, and many other simple and fun tasks that all contribute to creating a successful production.

Tips & Warnings

• Finally-get involved and get ready to have lots of fun and meet lots of great people in the theater. I have noticed with my boys, that being involved with our local theater has helped them to gain a sense of responsibility, independence, and autonomy. In addition to this, they have formed many positive and lasting friendships, they have learned so many things about theater and all that goes into making it all work, and most important of all, they have seen their hard work become a work of art and they had fun doing it.
• Don't get discouraged if you don't find a theater right away that allows children to come in and help. No theater is the same, so keep a positive attitude and even if your children are not yet old enough to help in the theater, don't let this stop you from exposing your children to the terrific and amazing world of theater. It's a wonderful experience that will no doubt stay with them forever.