Children's Theatre Questions

What is Children's Theatre?
Children's Theatre is a rather self explanatory title- it's theatre for children. However just because something is being performed for children doesn't mean the performance has to be childish, a fact I believe is a common misconception. It goes without saying that many of the plays that are performed for adults aren't suitable for children, sometimes because of the themes or the way those themes are put across. However I believe that if you put forward your message in a way that children understand and enjoy they will remember the story and the morals that they have been taught by the piece. If a piece of children's theatre cam engage an audience of all ages, this shows you have created a universal piece that can be interpreted differently but unanimously enjoyed.

What Skills Does an Excellent Children's Theatre Performer Need to Possess?

When performing a piece of children's theatre, as the audience is different you must adapt your skills accordingly to make a performance successful. I believe that a general rule for children's theatre performers is that to engage a child you must find your inner child. Children are carefree- they don't worry about being judged by others and if they have a crazy idea they will try and get it on it's feet. Values like these will help a children's theatre performer engage and entertain their audience. The children aren't there to judge, they're there to have fun. Ultimately they want to be entertained. You need to be able to keep the audience engaged; whether this is by using hand gestures and exaggerated facial expressions or having the skill to command all sides of the stage, especially as we will be performing in a theatre with the audience on three sides. If you are attentive to the needs of your audience, in return they'll give you their attention.

How Would You Adapt an Issue for Delivery to a Specific Audience? 

A lot of famous children's theatre has a hidden moral that through the telling of the story, the children understand and take away. However these same morals, themes or issues may be delivered in a adult theatre performance. It is important that children are aware of key issues in the world they live in and theatre is a great way to do this. However as they are younger they may need other elements included in the performance to help them understand what is trying to be conveyed. As a story is more memorable than a lecture, theatre is able to connect with the children watching. You need to mix both a story and a issue/theme that is considered throughout the story. Also the characters and wording in the play needs to be appropriate so the audience can understand and appreciate it.