The Rewards and Challenges of Children in Theatre: A Parent's Perspective

As a parent, you want to support your child's interests and hobbies in any way you can. If your child is interested in theater, you may be wondering what you need to know to help them make the most of this experience. While this topic alone could fill a blog, I wanted to touch on a few key points that might help jumpstart your journey.

First, it's important to understand that participating in theater can be a very rewarding experience for children and parents. It can help them develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Through their involvement in theater, children can discover the power of their own voice, the value of teamwork, and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. It can also be a lot of fun for both you and your child - and it’s a great opportunity to bond too! 

Personally, my husband and I have spent many hours working on shows with our kids - even the child that’s not into theatre volunteers A LOT alongside us. It’s given us common ground that we might have otherwise struggled to find as our girls grow into young women and has presented many opportunities for us to discuss issues they have struggled with that they otherwise would have never approached us about. It’s hard being a parent of a teen - and we have two teen girls! Finding time together can be a struggle but through our joint engagement in theatre, we’ve connected on 

whole new levels with our girls and are getting to see them turn into amazing human beings right before our eyes.

Add to that the benefit of finding and connecting with some of the most talented and grounded peers, fellow parents, and teachers one could hope for… well, it’s hard to put into words just how much of a positive impact theatre has had on our entire family’s lives.

Of course, at the same time it's important to know that theater can be a significant time commitment; rehearsals and performances can be numerous and exhausting. Parents and kids spend a lot of time at the theatre and have to rework schedules to find time for other important things like family dinners, outings, and even homework - especially as you approach the end of the rehearsal process when it’s time to start performing for audiences. But the adjustments to schedules, you’ll find, are really worth it in the end when you see your child shine on stage.

So what can you do to help your child make the most of their involvement in theater? Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Understand the requirements and expectations - from the very first rehearsal to the last performance. Make sure you understand what is expected in terms of rehearsals, performances, and other responsibilities. This will typically involve things like memorizing lines, attending rehearsals, and following a dress code for performances. Understanding these requirements and expectations will help you support your child and ensure you’re both prepared for whatever comes your way.
2. Participating in theater can be a great way for children to develop skills and confidence, but it can also be stressful and demanding for both of you. For example, your child may feel nervous or intimidated during auditions or performances, or they may struggle with memorizing lines or blocking. They might need a little extra help from you to talk through those feelings or to sit with you and read lines so they can memorize them. Kids are kids, and it’s important to remember that everyone is tired - try to give each other some grace and be patient with one another.
3. Communicate with your child and the production staff constantly. It's important to keep the lines of communication open with your child and with the staff to help you stay informed about what's going on at every step of the show process. Check in with your production staff regularly about your child’s progress and to discuss ways in which you can help your child grow as a performer. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can ensure that your child's involvement in theater is a positive and rewarding experience - and that they will be considered in future productions as well.
4. Volunteer and get involved. One of the things we recommend the most is volunteering to help in any capacity you can. It’s great for you as a parent to both see all the hard work that goes into a production, but it’s also a great way to connect with your child. Not only will you gain a new perspective (in more ways than one) but you’ll have an opportunity to see your child in a whole new light. Talk with your production staff (or stage manager) to see what types of help they need - whether that’s helping usher performances, push set pieces around on the deck crew, or simply be another parent backstage - there’s almost always something you can do to help make the show a successful one.

Participating in theater can be an extremely rewarding experience - for you and your kids. It can help kids develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Through theater, they learn how to express themselves, work with others, and overcome challenges. They can also gain a greater appreciation for the arts and develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. Most importantly, theater can be a lot of fun and a great way to connect and make new friends and be part of a supportive and encouraging community.

Kristen