There’s something truly magical about theatre. It’s a world where kids can step into someone else’s shoes, embrace new challenges, and discover strengths they never knew they had. While some kids are natural-born performers, always seeking the spotlight, others may shy away from the stage, convinced that performing isn’t for them. But I truly believe every child should try theatre or musical theatre at least once—and I have the perfect story to prove it.
My oldest son has loved musical theatre for as long as I can remember. From the time he was seven, he would jump at the chance to take the stage. It didn’t matter what the role was—lead, ensemble, comedic sidekick—he was all in. If there was a solo to be sung, he was front and center, ready to belt it out. Theatre was his world, his happy place, and he thrived in it.
My middle son, however, was a completely different story. He had no interest in performing. He loved watching shows and supporting his brother, but the idea of stepping on stage himself? Not a chance. That is, until we found ourselves deep into rehearsals for Seussical the Musical and realized we were missing someone to play the Elephant Bird—a tiny but important moment at the end of the show. This character has no lines, no solos, nothing complicated—just the simple but powerful job of hatching out of an egg in the final scene.
We needed someone to step in, and after some gentle encouragement (and maybe a little bit of bribery), my middle son agreed to take on the role. He wasn’t exactly excited, but he was willing. That was enough.
When the show finally arrived, he told me later that as he climbed into position behind the egg, he felt the butterflies swirl in his stomach. It was just a few seconds, but for him, it felt like forever. And then—his cue came. He took a breath, popped out of the egg, and looked out into the audience. In that moment, all eyes were on him—his castmates, the audience, everyone.
And he did it.
They clapped, the show ended, and just like that, he had his first theatre moment. I’ll never forget the look on his face afterward—pure pride. He had faced the fear, stepped into the unknown, and came out the other side stronger. It may not have been a full song-and-dance number, but it was his moment. And he was proud of himself.
That’s why I believe every child should try theatre at least once. It’s not just about acting, singing, or dancing. It’s about confidence. It’s about trying something new, stepping out of a comfort zone, and proving to yourself that you can do it. Some kids may fall in love with performing like my oldest did. Others may never step on stage again after their moment in the spotlight—but they’ll walk away knowing they were brave enough to try. And that is a lesson that lasts far beyond the final curtain call.
Ways to Add Theatre or Musical Theatre to Your Child’s Life
If you’re wondering how to introduce theatre into your child’s life, here are a few ways to get started:
Join a Local Theatre Group: Many communities have children's theatre programs or musical theatre groups that welcome new performers.
Take a Drama or Musical Theatre Class: Many schools, community centers, and even online programs offer theatre education for all ages.
Encourage Playacting at Home: Kids naturally love to pretend—encourage them to put on their own plays, dress up as characters, or perform a story for family and friends. (I used to love reading the Piggy and Gerald books and acting out the characters with my boys)
Attend Live Theatre Performances: Watching theatre can be just as inspiring as performing. Take your child to see a play or musical and discuss what they enjoyed. I especially love for kids to see other kids on stage. It can really open their eyes to trying something new.
Incorporate Theatre into Homeschooling or Education: Theatre can be an amazing tool for learning. Have your child read scripts, act out history lessons, or even create their own performances.
Sing and Dance Along to Musicals: Whether it’s Broadway classics or movie musicals, singing along can build confidence and spark a love for theatre.
No matter how your child engages with theatre, it’s a powerful way to help them grow in confidence, creativity, and self-expression!
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