Tips for Bringing Children to Broadway Shows
Broadway shows are fun for people of all ages. With that being said, if you’re going to be bringing children to a performance, it’s always good to sit down and prepare your child ahead of time. Whether these types of performances are something that you and your family partake in every year or it’s something that is new for you and your child, it’s always good to sit down and brief them on what to expect.
In today’s blog, the team at San Diego Musical Theatre is going to talk about a few of the things that you can do to prepare your child for a Broadway performance. Hopefully, the information that we cover helps to increase excitement levels, calm nerves, and prepare your child for an incredible night.
Explain Broadway Performances
Theater performances aren’t something that most children get the chance to enjoy. In fact, the entire concept of theatrical performances isn’t something a majority of children are exposed to until later on in life. That being the case, it’s always nice to set aside some time to discuss this type of performance so that they have an idea of what to expect. Breaking down how it differs from movie theaters and TV shows is a great way to get them excited about the performance that they’re about to see, while also explaining the difference.
Aside from the primary benefit of explaining this type of performance to your child, having this conversation in advance can give them time to think about questions they have. By answering the questions that they have about the performance in advance, it is much less likely that they will bring them up during the performance.
Cover Etiquette
Once your child has grasped the idea of what this performance is going to be like, it’s good to talk about etiquette. If your child has been to a movie or a concert, explain to them how this setting differs. For example, it’s not polite to have conversations or yell out during the performance. The actors and sounds of the performance may yield a reaction, but the last thing that they want is to ruin the experience for others at the show.
If this is their first time attending a show like this, help them with queues and when it’s appropriate to do certain things, like clapping. As a whole, this can ensure they don’t get out of control at the show while also contributing to their overall experience of a Broadway performance.
Consider the Crowd
The size of the crowd is one of the factors that contribute to whether or not a show is considered a Broadway performance or not. With that in mind, it’s always good to sit your child down and discuss the overall size of the event. Explain to them how they need to be holding your hand at all times and cannot run off on their own. This should, hopefully, reduce the chances of any lost children during the performance.
Along with the guidelines for staying together, talking about the crowd is a great thing to do if your child is nervous in crowded settings or large groups. If this is the case, you may want to consider showing up extremely early to avoid the crowd or showing up just a few minutes late. We personally prefer being early for the show to get the full experience, but you can determine which will work best for your child.
Give Them the Full Experience
As we mentioned earlier, Broadway shows are something that people of all ages are sure to enjoy. Whether it’s your child’s first time going to the theater or it’s something you do often, make sure to provide your child with the full experience — each time. Let them get dressed up in their best clothes, read the Playbill to you more than once, look at the souvenirs, and pick which performance you go to every now and again. These are the things that make going to the theater enjoyable and memorable; we’re sure you won’t regret going all out on nights like this with your child!
Purchase Tickets Online
There are so many reasons that taking children to a Broadway performance is something that all parents should consider doing. Aside from being purely enjoyable, Broadway performances are a different type of entertainment for children to indulge in. This is also an excellent way for them to explore a passion for singing, dancing, or acting. With all of that in mind, it’s time to buy tickets to one of the many Broadway performances that we have scheduled here at the San Diego Musical Theater.
Browse the current shows that we have scheduled and find one that you think you’d enjoy. Feel free to purchase tickets online or have them held at will call. If you have any additional questions, contact our office, and we would be more than happy to assist you.
