What to Know When Taking Kids to the Theatre
16 June 2023
Going to the theatre with your kids is one of the most memorable activities you could ever enjoy together. A day of laughter, fun, and entertainment? Sign me up. However, it’s not as hassle-free as you might think. There are some crucial dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind before going on your big day out.
Here are some tips you need to know when taking your kids to the theatre.
Before the Show
Choose the Right Show
With so many world-class theatres in the UK, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with choices. Thankfully, theatres now have very reliable websites where you can learn a little more about which shows would suit you and your family best.
Aside from this, you can find a number of sites and professional critics that write reviews on different shows. If you’re certain about taking your kids, there’s one thing you must make certain of - and that’s to choose a kid-friendly show. Your worst nightmare would be to show up to the theatre and find that your little ones aren’t allowed in due to age restrictions.
Some examples of best-selling kid-friendly shows that are running today are Frozen, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, and The Lion King. As mentioned before, make sure you pay attention to the age recommendations. This parameter is set not just because of the nature of the scenes, but also to make sure that those in the audience can understand the plot. Shows usually allow in younger kids, but the experience may seem futile if they cannot understand what’s going on.
Choose the Right Seats
This will come down to what you think will be the best for your kids. Do you think they’ll love being very near the stage? Or do they want to be a little further away? Do you think they will need to go out of the auditorium often to go to the bathroom? You might want to book a seat in the aisle if that’s the case.
Of course, choosing certain seats with a particularly good view comes with its cons - namely the often extortionate prices! Price-wise, it’s often best to go with the middle ground regarding theatre tickets. Choosing the right seats plays a big part in your family’s overall theatre experience so make sure you don’t rush the process.
Arrival Time
Make sure the entire family is there at the theatre at least 30 minutes before the show starts. This gives you enough time to grab a quick snack if you want, take pictures, go to the toilets, and settle down so you will be calm, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the show.
At the Show
Have Time for Reflection
Since a trip to a theatre is a treat and you might not be doing this very often, you want to make sure your kids get the most out of the experience. During intervals, do a quick check on them. Ask them what they think about the story so far, the characters, the costumes, and even the performers. Doing this will give you an idea as to how you can guide them through the show.
After the Show
Review the Show with the Family
Here is one parent tip: take the programme with you. As you spend your time outside the auditorium, as you enjoy your snacks, or even as you’re heading home, ask them which parts of the show they liked the most. Ask them what they learned, how they felt, and how the lessons explained in the show can be applied in their own lives.
The purpose of these tips is not to put additional stress on parents, but to guide you on how to make the most out of your theatre adventure with the entire family. Applying these tips will definitely allow you to get the most out of the whole experience!