Kid Cute Factor from "The Empty Pot" Audience enjoyment. That's what theater is all about. Having a live audience is so important for a good live show. The "vibes" from the audience actually feed the performers. Sometimes a singer or actor will comment in an interview how the room was just electric. What they meant was that the exertion by the performers was matched by the reactions of the audience, in good ways.
Sometimes the audience simply applauds at the end of the performance. But when they show how engaged they are by leaning forward, giving audible chuckles or surprise breath intakes, or they react with laughter in all its forms, that's magic. It really helps give the performer the energy to make the show better.
Sometimes the audience simply applauds at the end of the performance. But when they show how engaged they are by leaning forward, giving audible chuckles or surprise breath intakes, or they react with laughter in all its forms, that's magic. It really helps give the performer the energy to make the show better.
Monkey HiJinx from "Momotaro" Most of time, I like to prepare the audiences we get for my children's theater shows. I go out before the show to welcome the audience and explain to them how they can get the best performances out of their young cast members. We actually practice laughing, ALL DIFFERENT WAYS OF LAUGHING. A small giggle, a short guffaw, a low rumble that grows with the developing humor in the scene, to full belly laughs with loud applause and whistles.
My dad was the perfect audience member. I am not sure if he actually enjoyed my shows as much as he let on, but having him and his signature laughs and whistles in the audience had such a catalyst-ic effect. I really never knew if the other people in the audience were genuinely laughing at the funny stuff on stage or just reacting to the stimulus of his laughter. Either way, it made our shows a lot better.
My dad was the perfect audience member. I am not sure if he actually enjoyed my shows as much as he let on, but having him and his signature laughs and whistles in the audience had such a catalyst-ic effect. I really never knew if the other people in the audience were genuinely laughing at the funny stuff on stage or just reacting to the stimulus of his laughter. Either way, it made our shows a lot better.
Silly Politicians from "Never Cry Wolf" Writers of children's theater do try to put comic relief elements into their scripts. But try as we might, the author or director, can't always guarantee that young actors will be able to deliver comedic material so that the audience will comprehend and react appropriately. However, there is something magical about "cute factor." Little kids can come off charming and even funny just by being themselves.
There is something so enjoyable about being in a small show performed in front of a relatively small audience. When the audience is close enough to see the whites of the performers' eyes, true connection can be established. That can boost the young actor's confidence in so many ways. The actors are not technically supposed to break the "4th Wall," but with kids, it's inevitable. So, as directors, we celebrate "cute factor."
There is something so enjoyable about being in a small show performed in front of a relatively small audience. When the audience is close enough to see the whites of the performers' eyes, true connection can be established. That can boost the young actor's confidence in so many ways. The actors are not technically supposed to break the "4th Wall," but with kids, it's inevitable. So, as directors, we celebrate "cute factor."
Cute Mice from "The Adventures of Dick Whittington" By preparing the audience for a show comprised of young actors, a director can help them know what to expect, give them permission to react audibly, and practice helping them to adjust their reactions to whatever is happening on stage. For example, kids don't know how to hold for long bouts of laughter, so the audience needs to be flexible enough to stop on a dime.
Live, spontaneous, and intelligent audiences are so important to a good children's theater show. I love when they do their part to applaud and laugh. But I love them best when they start singing along during the Finale song, and even more when they go home singing the songs!
Live, spontaneous, and intelligent audiences are so important to a good children's theater show. I love when they do their part to applaud and laugh. But I love them best when they start singing along during the Finale song, and even more when they go home singing the songs!
A few of the songs audiences have gone home singing from our shows:
"A Promise Is a Promise After All" from The Frog Prince
"Good Mornin' Sunshine" from The Tale of Chicken Licken
"Pay Now and Play Later" from The Ants and the Grasshopper
"Over Yonder" from Stone Soup
"What a Wonderful Day" from No Time for Monkey Business
"A Promise Is a Promise After All" from The Frog Prince
"Good Mornin' Sunshine" from The Tale of Chicken Licken
"Pay Now and Play Later" from The Ants and the Grasshopper
"Over Yonder" from Stone Soup
"What a Wonderful Day" from No Time for Monkey Business
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