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Theatre Is A Great Way For Children To Learn How To Express Themselves

By Kristy Ortenzi

Many parents would like for their children to be involved in activities other than sports, possibly something more enriching, such as, theatre. Theatre is a great way for children to learn how to express themselves, and they may find that they have a talent for acting, singing or dancing that they would not have known about had they been exposed solely to after school activities such as football or softball. However, despite a parent's desire to have children involved in the arts, it may not be that easy to get children to join a theatre group without them having any experience with theatre.

One way to find out if your child is interested in theatre is to take them to see a show. A good play that both parents and children will enjoy is A Year with Frog and Toad, recently nominated for a Tony award. A recent review states that A Year with Frog and Toad is "an undeniably charming, gentle, airy and pure-hearted children's musical. A perfect first magical experience of Broadway for tots."

While watching a play or musical may peak your child's interest in the art of acting, it is a good idea to sign them up for an after school program, weekend program or summer program. There are many enrichment programs that offer summer acting camps for children of all ages. This is a different and fulfilling way for your child to spend his or her summer.

Kristy Ortenzi, a freelance writer and Temple graduate, currently works in the advertising department of Curious Parents Magazine.