Experiencing the arts with young children in a theater setting will be much more enjoyable if you take some time to prepare beforehand. These simple tips will help make the performance a pleasurable time for everyone.
- Choose a program with an age-appropriate performance time. Productions that are geared for children tend to be shorter to help youngsters stay focused.
- Choose a show that reflects your child’s interests.
- Kids like humor. A good performance to start with would be one that has humor in it.
- Talk about where you’re going and what you’ll be doing.
- Introduce theater protocol ahead of the performance. Talk about the importance of staying in your seat and that food and drinks aren’t allowed in the theater. Explain that the audience doesn’t talk during the performance (unless prompted by the performers), but if talking is necessary, to use a library whisper voice.
- Make the restrooms your first stop when you arrive.
- Read the performance synopsis together before the performance starts.
- If you need to take an infant along with a young sibling, bring someone who can help since you can’t leave a preschooler in his seat if the baby starts crying. Consider hiring a babysitter who can stay with the older sibling in case you need to take care of your baby during the performance, or leave the baby with a babysitter and enjoy one-on-one time with your older child.
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