As General Manager of Alley Theatre and a dad of two boys, I love sharing the magic of live theatre with my kids. Recently, I brought my 7-year-old son Hudson to see A Christmas Carol, and while my five-year-old son Judah wasn’t quite ready yet, the experience reminded me of the joys and challenges of introducing young ones to the theatre.
Here are some tips and tricks I learned:
1. Prepping for the Story: For Hudson, we prepped by watching The Muppet Christmas Carol at home. It gave him an idea of the story and made the live performance more engaging.
2. Pick the Best Performance Time: Younger kids often do best at matinees. The earlier showtime ensures they’re more alert and avoids bedtime meltdowns.
3. Select Strategic Seats: We sat toward the back of the house, near an aisle. This gave Hudson a full view and made it easy to slip out if needed.
4. Make It an Adventure: We explored the beautifully decorated trees in the lobby before the show and enjoyed hot chocolate at the hot chocolate bar—a festive treat that added to the excitement.
5. Plan for Comfort: A pre-show bathroom break and another during intermission helped ensure Hudson stayed comfortable and focused.
6. Teach Theatre Etiquette: We reminded Hudson that it’s okay to whisper questions quietly during the show and encouraged him to fully enjoy the experience without worrying too much about “getting it right.”
Every child is different, so gauge their readiness and tailor the experience accordingly. By making theatre fun, accessible, and memorable, you’re nurturing a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Bringing Hudson to the Alley was a special moment for both of us—and I can’t wait until Judah is ready to join in, too!
A Christmas Carol runs November 16 through December 28
