5 tips for a successful date with your little theatergoer

By Lizbeth Persons Price

My first play was “Winnie the Pooh,” presented in a tiny basement theater in Bankers Hill. The way my mom tells it, the space smelled funny, the set was sparse, and we visited the bathroom three times, but the acting was good, and I was enthralled. At 4 years old, the line between reality and pretend was still delightfully blurred, and I dove into the story with my whole heart and mind.

Research and common sense agree that kids thrive with exposure to the arts. But if the thought of taking your squirrely-whirlys to live theater gives you the heebie-jeebies, check out our list of five ways to make your next theater outing with the kids, drama-free.

1. Choose the right theater. Unlike movies, live theater doesn’t have an official rating system. Many theaters generally don’t admit kids under the age of 5 unless the play is specifically for children or TYA (Theater for Young Audiences). Check websites carefully for any restrictions. If your child is overwhelmed by noise and crowds, consider a smaller performance venue. If your budget is tight, consider one of San Diego’s great youth or university theaters.

2. 

   Choose the right show. Keep it short to keep them wanting more. Generally, 30 minutes is a good length for toddlers, 60 minutes for 4 to 5 year olds, and 90 minutes for 6 to 7 year olds (longer, if the play includes music, physical comedy or audience participation). Don’t discount a title just because you don’t recognize it, and consider literature-based plays so you can read it or talk about the story ahead of time. If you’re in doubt, call the box office!

3. Choose seats wisely. Plan ahead and purchase early. Some popular titles sell out fast (The SDSU production of “Into the Woods” sold out in just two weeks). For better viewing and fewer distractions, book closer to the stage, or in the front rows of the balcony or mezzanine. Small bladder? Aim for an aisle to make bathroom trips easier.

4. Prepare. Talk with your little theatergoer about what they will experience. Assure them that the theater is a safe place where the actors and audience get to pretend together. Talk about the theater rules, then model them. Arrive early. Visit the bathroom before the show begins. Turn off your cell phone. Don’t text, or eat, or drink, or talk, or kick the seat in front of you. Do applaud, laugh, respond when appropriate, and enjoy!

5. Cut yourself some slack. Dressing up for the theater is fun, but save the starched collars and itchy dress linings for a family wedding. If your little date falls asleep, let them nap. If they want to stand and they’re not in anyone’s way, let them! And if you find your child just isn’t ready for this experience, don’t make them sit through the whole play. Cut your losses and try again in a few months. A wonderful, new production will be waiting just for you.

Make the theater a monthly family outing. Here are some options coming up:

Ivy + Bean, the Musical And Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
San Diego Junior Theatre
Jan. 8 – 24, 2016
Casa del Prado, Balboa Park
juniorteatro.com
*All ages

The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)
SDSU School of Theatre, Television, and Film
April 22 – May 1, 2016
Don Powell Theatre
teatro.sdsu.edu
*All ages

– Lizbeth Persons Price is public affairs specialist for the arts at San Diego State University. Write her at [email protected].