Tips For Helping Your Child Get Started In Theatre

Don't Overdo It

Start gently. Although it is true that many children may be shy and need a little push to reach their potential, do not keep pushing if your child resists. Providing a nurturing environment in which all the tools are made available without pressure is your best bet for encouraging healthy development, both in theatre and in life.

Encourage Healthy Optimism

It is a common misconception that you need to tell children how good they are in order to build their confidence. True confidence is built through accomplishment - not words. Although encouragement is very important, never tell your child that they are good at something when it is not true. If their acting is strong but their singing is weak, please do not continue to insist that they have amazing vocal talent. Especially as children get older, they build a remarkably accurate view of themselves. They will know if you aren't being truthful, which breaks down trust and sparks feelings of futility. Instead, focus on areas that are well-developed and if there are areas of concern, help them to find healthy ways of improving. NEVER tell a child that they should have received a role they did not get, even when it may be true in your eyes. Dealing with rejection in a healthy manner is one of the most important aspects of children's theatre. To learn more about fostering optimism in children, I recommend reading The Optimistic Child.

Protect With Prevention

Before auditioning for a new theatre group or organization, do a little research. Make sure they have a reputation for being nurturing and fair with young people. Find out what their policies are concerning rehearsals, dicipline, and casting. You can avoid unpleasant situations by avoiding organizations that you feel won't offer a positive experience. This being said, don't attack the director every time your child doesn't get the role they wanted.

Protect, But Maintain Perspective

It is important for your child to learn to deal with rejection, and to learn to self-advocate. Be aware that your child will look to you for guidance, so always remember to show a good example. Child actors have been known to not be cast in a show so that directors can avoid dealing with their pushy parents.

Let Directors Do Their Job

In short - by all means come to rehearsal, but bring a book. Don't mouth your child's lines along with them, or do too much coaching from the sidelines. If you want to be more involved, ask the director what you can work on at home.

Variety Is Good!

Often, children are encouraged to "specialize" far too early. If your child is interested in performing, offer as much of a variety as possible - dance classes, singing lessons, drama groups, etc. This doesn't have to mean your child has a class every day of the week! Try out different things, expose them to different skills, and let them naturally see where their focus lies. Having these early experiences in different areas will give them a much more varied and solid foundation.

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