Mama Mia - 6 Tips For Taking Your Kid To The Theatre

As a middle child in a family with three children, some of my fondest memories are from when I got to do things with my parents by myself.  Days when my parents took me to an art gallery, museum, or play without my siblings and then out to dinner where I was permitted to order off of the adult menu were slices of heaven.

As the minions get older and develop their own tastes, it's become clear that Jack is the live music fan, whereas Molly is becoming a theatre buff. This weekend I was able to go to a Community Theatre production of Mama Mia with Molly.  This was her second 'grown-up' play (The first one was Wicked for her seventh birthday) and it was a resounding success.  This play was particularly special since Molly knew one of the leads (a close friend of Molly's aunt) and Molly was able to bring her flowers.

We've had many successes in theatre with the kids, but also fails (the time we took Jack to see Jack & The Beanstalk and he spent most of the time playing in the washroom cause the play was 'boring').

Photo by Donald Tong from Pexels

6 Tips for Going to the Theatre with Your Little/Big Kid

1. Start with Kid Friendly Productions
We're fortunate enough to live in Toronto where there is Young People's Theatre and other kid focused productions who cater to children programming.  It's shorter, cheaper, and often features younger actors who they'll relate to better.  You can even get tickets to Relaxed Performances, which Young People's Theatre says,  "are well-suited to all young audiences and have been established to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)".
2. Go Over the Plot in Advance
More mainstream plays, think Mama Mia, Wicked, Sleeping Beauty, etc. have recorded productions and are based on traditional literature that you can explore with your child before you see the play.  This allows them to go into the production knowing what to expect.  This is particularly helpful if your kid is likely to be scared of something and needs to know how things are resolved or asks a lot of questions since this is something you can do in advance.
3. Try for a Matinee
First off they're usually cheaper, secondly, they have more kids there, and audiences that will likely be kid friendly.  Also if your kid isn't a night person (like Molly) you won't be coping with them having to sit still when they're tired.
4. Walk Around During Intermission
Getting up and walking around during intermission is good for everyone.  It will also break up hours of sitting still.  If you are up for it, give them a snack to help keep them focused on the play and not their grumbling stomach (you can even pack your own most times as long as you don't eat it in the auditorium itself).
5. Let Them Dress Up 
It's fun to dress up, let them wear comfortable fancy clothes if they feel like it.  Be sure to bring layers in case it's chilly in the theatre.
6. If They Aren't Ready Don't Push It
You can try again in a year or two.  Or explore other fun bonding activities together instead.