Live Performances with Kids: A Survival Guide

Don’t you just love live performances?!  There is something magical about watching talented and passionate people perform live on stage.  I love that we can be transported to another time and place, one without cell phones and distractions.  Because of this (and a million other reasons), I try to expose my kids to live performance as often as possible and I hope you will consider doing the same.  Below I’ve compiled a few tips that I’ve learned along the way.

1. Secure an aisle seat if possible.  This will make a quick escape easy in case of a meltdown or a stinky diaper situation.
2. Pick a performance time that works around nap time.
3. Expose the kids to as much about the performance as possible before you go.  Read the book and/or watch the movie before the play, for example, or have a dance party with the type of music they will hear.  The more kids get excited about what they are about to see, the more engaged (read: the better behaved) they are likely to be.
4. Pack some quiet snacks.  Nothing is worse than that crinkle of a wrapper or the crunch of a pretzel during a quiet performance, so consider things that are already out of the wrapper and can be eaten quietly and independently.  (Of course, be sure to comply with the facility’s rules on food.)
5. Plan ahead for souvenirs.  Once you are a captive audience inside the venue, you’ll be paying top dollar for, well, not great quality items.  Consider buying a toy or other related item from the store before you go, and everyone will be happy.  At very least, have a discussion with your little one about what/if/how much will be spent on snacks and souvenirs.  (Trust me on this one!  We walked into Frozen on Ice with no plan the first time and left with a small mortgage!)
6. Arrive early to explore the venue, find your seats, and get settled.  But, not too early if you have kids who are anxious for the show to start.
7. Use the restroom immediately before the show.  And again if there is an intermission.  Also, stretch your legs during intermission.  Check out the venue, get a closer view of the stage, the instruments, or play some old fashioned eye spy.
8. Model appropriate theater etiquette, including quiet voices, clapping when appropriate, and staying seated during the performance.
9. If you are unsure that your little one is ready for live performance, try some that are geared toward kids first.  Many agencies have created shows specifically for the younger crowd, which usually means shorter performances and earlier show times as well as language that is easier to understand.
10. Have fun!  And enjoy some quality time with your kids!  Turn your cell phone off, and instead watch the twinkle in the eyes of your kids as they experience live performance.

Try putting some of these tips to use at one of Columbus’ awesome upcoming shows!  Be sure to check out my Spring 2016 Round Up for a TON of kid-friendly live performances.  Our city’s arts program rocks!