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Through a Child’s Eyes

By Bruce A. Curless

Being involved in the theatre, it was natural for my daughter Roberta, to be introduced to it at an early age. Roberta was giggling at the odd refrains of Sweeney Todd at eight months. When she was four she was sitting through full-length musicals and plays and by five she was on stage with me. She not only was born in a trunk, at a very early age she was picking up the trunk and calling the shots. For us, the theatre has blessed us, enriched our lives and given us moments we will carry with us forever.

But why would anyone else want his or her child to attend or enjoy the theatre? The answer is easy. The world of pretending and imagination are an important part of childhood that is easily erased as they enter the world of upper grade school and middle school. Sit up straight, do your homework, finish your chores, hurry up for dance class, get to soccer practice, now go to bed! Childhood seems to be something there just isn’t time for. By the time our children are in high school those simple skills are so deeply buried that everyday possibilities seem impossible to obtain.

A simple spark of imagination can solve a great chemistry riddle, discover a mathematical problem or write a brilliant novel. The simple skills a young audience member discovers at the theatre can be the first brick in a foundation that prepares them for a gentle and productive life. In this world of technological frenzy, an hour of entertainment and wonder, a song, a dance or a story can be refreshing and rejuvenating. It is a well that will never run dry if we protect it and keep it healthy. It is the lifeblood of our theatre and the future of the art.

I truly believe, what our children see on the stage today can set the scene for tomorrow. As for Roberta, every day I learn something new about myself and the world I live in through her eyes. Consider learning through your child’s eyes and keep their eyes sparkling at the same time! Share the theatre with your child today!

Bruce A. Curless is the Founding Father and Producing Artistic Director of Puttin’ on the Ritz, Inc. He is a two-time Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Ritzy the Wolf. His greatest work to date is his daughter, Roberta. He gets inspiration in daily doses from his wife and soul mate, Kimberly.