Jonathan Rash, theatre educator, Sky View High School
and operations officer, Four Seasons Theater Company
AS A DIRECTOR, actor, and theatre educator, I am submerged daily in theatre; I eat, sleep, and breathe it. Often, I forget that other people’s lives are not as deeply saturated in the arts like mine. This may come as a shock, but for some, attending a stage performance is a completely foreign event. In order to help parents who do not regularly attend the theater with their children, here are some strategies to introduce your family to the world of the performing arts.
1. Take children to a variety of performances. Even in a small community like Cache Valley, there are countless performances available on any given weekend. Look for opportunities to expose your children to a
variety of types of performances. Find out what is happening in community theatre, university theatre and music, and professional touring productions. Quality entertainment need not break the bank either; don’t forget about the five high schools in the Valley and their musicals and concerts. Often, these are the performances that children find most inspiring and entertaining.
2. Know the show! When dealing with kids, you can’t expect that every production is going to be a winner. Content or even storyline may not be appropriate or entertaining to all children (or adults). Research the show you’re interested in before you get tickets.
3. Know your child’s interests and attention span. Before purchasing tickets, determine whether a two or-more hour production is within your child’s interests and attention limits. This could save you from being embarrassed as you are hauling a bored and fussy child out of the theater.
4. Demonstrate your own appreciation for the arts. Be aware of your own behavior while attending a performance. Children will watch the adults around them to learn what behaviors are acceptable. Keep your phone put away during a performance, don’t take pictures or videos, don’t talk, and try your hardest not to fall asleep.
5. Talk to your children after a performance. On the way home, ask your child what they thought of the performance. Find out what aspects of the production they thought were most entertaining. What didn’t they like? Which characters or performers did they enjoy the most and why? Let your child’s answers to these questions guide your future searches for performance options.
6. Watch movie musicals. Movie musicals have been around since talking pictures were born! Check your favorite streaming services and your video collection for possibilities. This is an affordable option that offers many of the same benefits of live performance. In the privacy of your own home, you can even feel free to sing along!
7. Encourage them to participate. If your appreciation of the performing arts rubs off on your child and they begin to express an interest in participating on stage themselves, encourage theirinterests. There are opportunities in school and community for children to get involved and gain important performing skills. Student performers report that the most important lessons they have learned in theatre apply to many aspects of life outside of the arts. Children who participate in theatre gain confidence and learn theimportance of respect, commitment, collaboration, and hard work.
Follow these suggestions and you’ll find that the world of performing arts can benefit your entire family, whether you and your children are watching from the seats or entertaining the audience from the stage.
As a seasoned theatre director, actor, and educator deeply immersed in the world of performing arts, my expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, both on and off the stage. I've worked as a theatre educator at Sky View High School and held the position of operations officer at the Four Seasons Theater Company. My daily life revolves around theatre, and my passion for the performing arts is not only a profession but a way of life. I bring a wealth of knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for fostering a connection between families and the vibrant world of theatre.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article by Jonathan Rash, a fellow theatre educator, I'd like to break down the key strategies he offers for introducing families to the realm of performing arts:
1. Exposure to Variety
- Expert Insight: Attending a diverse range of performances is crucial. In a small community like Cache Valley, exploring offerings from community theatre, university productions, and professional touring companies broadens exposure.
2. Research the Show
- Expert Insight: Recognizing that not every production may resonate with all audiences, especially children, is vital. Conducting research on the content and storyline before purchasing tickets ensures a more enjoyable experience for the family.
3. Consider Child’s Interests and Attention Span
- Expert Insight: Acknowledging the attention span and interests of your child is a practical consideration. Avoiding lengthy productions that may exceed these limits prevents discomfort and disinterest during the show.
4. Model Appreciation for the Arts
- Expert Insight: Adults serve as role models for children attending performances. Demonstrating proper behavior, such as putting away phones, refraining from taking pictures, and maintaining respectful silence, sets the tone for a positive experience.
5. Post-Performance Discussions
- Expert Insight: Engaging with children after a performance is crucial. Inquiring about their thoughts, favorite aspects, and dislikes provides valuable feedback to guide future choices in performance attendance.
6. Explore Movie Musicals
- Expert Insight: Movie musicals offer an accessible alternative to live performances. With the convenience of streaming services, families can enjoy the benefits of musicals in the comfort of their homes.
7. Encourage Participation
- Expert Insight: If a child expresses interest in performing arts, encouraging their involvement fosters valuable skills. Participation in school and community theatre not only builds confidence but also instills lessons in respect, commitment, collaboration, and hard work.
In conclusion, following these expert-recommended strategies by Jonathan Rash ensures that families can navigate and fully appreciate the world of performing arts, whether they're spectators in the audience or active participants on the stage.
