The Power of Theatre: 7 Benefits for Kids
When was the last time you took the kids to the theatre? Maybe it was a magical Christmas panto, a summertime play in the park, or even a lively ballet. Whatever the show, theatre benefits kids in ways you might not expect—and it’s so much more than just an entertaining family outing. Research suggests that bringing children to live performances can be a fantastic boost for their development, creativity, and confidence.
As parents, it’s easy to see a trip to the theatre as an occasional treat, perhaps even a rare outing for a special occasion. But what if we thought of theatre visits as more than that? There are so many valuable experiences kids can gain from sitting in those seats, watching a story unfold live in front of them. And don’t worry, this isn’t just about fancy productions—whether it’s a local school play, a seasonal panto, or an outdoor show, all types of theatre can have an incredible impact.
So, if you’re curious about how theatre benefits kids, read on. Here, we’ll share seven top reasons why taking your child to a live performance might be one of the best things you do for them. From sparking creativity to building empathy, here’s how the magic of theatre goes beyond the stage curtain.
7 Ways Theatre Benefits Kids and Boosts Their Development
- Theatre Benefits Kids by Improving Their Social Skills
Through the power of stories, theatre benefits kids by offering a safe space to explore emotions and understand complex human interactions. It’s often through storytelling that children begin to learn empathy—a skill that can be challenging to grasp. Watching a live performance can expose kids to emotions in a more impactful way than reading, as they witness friendship, love, bullying, or even loss played out before them. Theatre allows children to understand these feelings within a safe environment, enriching their social awareness. - Theatre Benefits Kids by Enhancing Their Life Skills
Attending a theatre show can do wonders for a child’s imagination, which is essential for life skills like creativity and critical thinking. Theatre benefits kids by expanding their horizons, introducing them to new vocabulary, historical contexts, and exciting characters. From interactive shows to historical plays, the experience of live theatre helps children engage with stories and ideas in ways that foster essential skills they’ll carry with them. - Theatre Benefits Kids by Opening Up Difficult Conversations
Sometimes, children find it hard to talk about difficult subjects, not knowing how to start the conversation. Theatre benefits kids by presenting these topics through engaging, thoughtful storytelling, providing a perfect starting point for discussions. After watching a show with a challenging theme, children might feel more comfortable expressing feelings or concerns about the subject matter, giving parents a chance to help them process and understand what they’ve experienced. - Theatre Benefits Kids by Improving Language and Communication Skills
Theatre is all about storytelling, and storytelling is key to building strong language and communication skills. Watching characters interact on stage exposes children to rich vocabulary, expressive language, and new ways to communicate. By experiencing live theatre, kids learn how to express themselves more clearly and effectively, all while building a love for language. - Theatre Benefits Kids by Strengthening Family Bonds
Whether it’s a lively panto, a play, or a musical, taking your child to the theatre can be a wonderful family outing. Theatre benefits kids by creating shared memories and moments of laughter, all while giving families a break from the daily routine. These trips foster a deeper connection between family members as everyone enjoys something new together, strengthening family bonds. - Theatre Benefits Kids by Offering a Healthy Escape from the Real World
Theatre is a fantastic way for children to take a mental break. Live shows transport them to a new world, allowing them to relax and set aside any worries they may have. Regardless of age, all children need time to chill out and escape from their own day-to-day stresses. Theatre benefits kids by giving them this much-needed chance to unwind and explore different lives, stories, and worlds. - Theatre Benefits Kids by Encouraging a Break from Technology
This benefit isn’t just for kids—parents love it too! In a world dominated by screens, theatre benefits kids by giving them a chance to be fully present. Watching a show live reminds children to appreciate real-life moments without the distraction of technology. For older kids and teenagers, it’s a reminder of what’s genuine and unfiltered, helping them connect with the world around them in a positive, unedited way.
Top Tips for Taking Kids to the Theatre
- Don’t be put off taking your child to a theatre show because you’re worried about how they’ll behave. The truth is kids will act like kids! Here are a few top tips to ease any worries about taking them to the theatre and let you focus on all the ways theatre benefits kids.
- First, pick the right show. An opera in Italian that runs for two hours probably isn’t the best introduction for little ones! Look for family-focused shows—most of these will specify the age range they’re aimed at and have a suitable run time. This way, you can be sure it’s the kind of experience where your child can relax and have fun.
- Theatre benefits kids of all ages, but each age group has different needs. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy short, interactive shows of around 30-50 minutes, while older school-aged children might be happy with longer shows of about an hour to an hour and a half. Family shows are usually designed with children in mind, so some noise and wiggling are expected—that’s part of the experience!
- And here’s another tip: many theatres now offer relaxed performances. These are brilliant options for families wanting a more laid-back setting, especially if someone in your family would benefit from a less formal environment. Shows like these make it easy to enjoy all the ways theatre benefits kids without any extra pressure.
For some families, visiting the theatre can feel like a bit of a splurge. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy the magic of live shows without breaking the bank—and since theatre benefits kids in so many ways, it’s worth looking into those options! We regularly update our What’s On in West Wales pages with family-friendly shows that are free or offer discounted ticket prices, so do check there for some affordable local options.
It’s also a great idea to check with your local theatre or browse their website—many offer deals like “buy three tickets, get the fourth free,” loyalty cards that let you earn credit for future shows, or even time credits that you can redeem for tickets. Theatre benefits kids tremendously, and with these budget-friendly tips, you’ll find ways to enjoy it more often without stretching your budget. Happy theatre-going!