Advice For Taking Young Children To A Show

Parents shouldn’t worry about waiting until the kids are “old enough” to enjoy a performance. In fact, the sooner you bring them to a show, the more likely they’ll develop a love for it! You know your kids best, but one way to determine whether they’re ready is to see how they act in a restaurant environment. According to Literally Alive Children’s Theatre Artistic Director Brenda Bell, if children can sit still and manage not to throw any food, they’re probably ready for the theater. Starting with a smaller production before spending the big bucks at Broadway is a good idea for young children, suggests Amy Fiore, managing director of TADA! Youth Theater.

Another tip: The better prepared your child is, the better the experience. So make sure to tell your son or daughter everything you know ahead of time—the lights will turn down, the set will change, the actors wear costumes, particulars about the size of the room or audience, and so on. Don’t forget to discuss the differences between the stage and the TV screen, especially the fact that actors can hear the audience (and potentially be distracted) if you talk. If you have any concerns before the show, call the theater beforehand.

To read our 2013 Theaters Guide, click here.