Great costumes, great music, dance, and great entertainment: going to the theater is a great and meaningful pastime. However, in order for the visit to be a beautiful and special experience for everyone, it should be well prepared.
Culture is important to many parents. And that includes going to the theater. Mothers and fathers would like to take their offspring with them to the event. However, they are often unsure whether the little ones will manage to sit still for so long and not become restless.
Theater for the little ones
When choosing a play, one should always look at the age from which performance is suitable. Most playhouses regularly show plays, especially for children. The age limit can often be found in the program booklet. Since the performances are primarily attended by families, things can get a little more restless there. However, the concepts, costumes, actions, and sets are also specially tailored to the needs of small viewers. And interaction with the audience also often plays an important role in these performances. The little ones are asked to take part, are allowed to call in, and much more. Especially for newcomers to the theater, this is, so to speak, a light entry into the world of theater.
Prepare the child
But even if it is a piece for children, the right preparation of the little ones is important. Before going to the theater, for example, they can watch a children’s book together that deals with this topic. In this way, the little ones learn what to expect, how the theater visit will go, and much more. Correct behavior during performance is also addressed in this way.
A look behind the scenes
The world of theater is full of secrets and surprises. Especially for parents with older children from primary school age, a tour of the theater can be a great experience that makes you want more. Many houses offer open days, where parents and children can look behind the scenes. There they learn how the curtain is moved, where the actors come on stage, and much more. And children who have already taken part in such a tour will certainly take a closer look the next time they go to the performance.
Not hungry or tired before the performance
If children are tired or hungry, they often have little patience. So before going to the theater, the little ones should eat something and rest. In an emergency, however, parents should always take something to drink and a bite to eat. In this way, the little ones can take a little refreshment during the break – and if it is allowed during the performance.
Little theatergoers also get restless when they cannot see the stage properly because, for example, an adult is sitting in front of them. Parents should therefore always clarify whether the theater has seat cushions that can be borrowed. Alternatively, you should bring this booster seat with you from home.
Topics that are exciting
Children too often have very own and different interests and preferences. While some find ballet exciting, others rave about fairy tales. These interests should always be taken into account when choosing performance. It also makes sense when parents and children think together about what they want to see.
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To be a role model
Whether children enjoy going to the theater and whether they concentrate fully on the performance also depends on how parents behave in the theater. If they are enthusiastic theatergoers and tell their children a lot about their own experiences in acting, it is often contagious. The right behavior during the performance should also be exemplified for the little ones, as they then imitate this.
