Ready, Set, GO!

Believe It or Not!

10 ways to make sure a child will enjoy and appreciate a live performance.

By Dino Anagnost ,Joanne Bernstein • Oct 23, 2009 • New York

A scene from the Little Orchestra Society's Babes in Toyland
(© Lyn Hughes)

In the frenetic and on-demand age of DVDs, DVRs and the Wii, children today are used to talking over the TV in their living rooms and pushing the pause button when they want a snack. However, live concerts and theater don't quite work like that. And while you might think that getting a child ready to attend the theater or a concert is easier said than done, here are a few tips that will help a child become thoroughly engaged in the exciting and entirely essential experience of live performance.

1) Include the child in the decision about what to see. But make sure to choose something that you are interested in as well, because your enthusiasm will be infectious.

2) Go to the organization's website with the child in advance; it will help get them prepared and excited for the performance.

3) If possible, pick one piece on the concert program or a part of the play and listen to it on a CD or read the story with the child before you attend.

4) Ask the child to invite a friend along.

5) Make sure the child -- and you -- are dressed appropriately for the occasion.

6) Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and settle into your seats.

7) Be sure that everyone is well-rested and well-fed before you go into the concert hall or theater (even if the theater allows you to bring food inside the hall).

8) Explain the "don't touch, don't run, and be quiet during the performance" rules. It will help everyone in the audience enjoy the performance more. (And make sure to turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices!)

9) Don't be afraid to have the child applaud or shout "bravo" at the appropriate moment -- performers love to know that the audience has enjoyed their work.

10) Above all, make it a fun outing and make sure there's a chance to talk about the performance with the child. There is nothing more wonderful than hearing a child say "remember when we went together to see...!"

Dino Anagnost and Joanne Bernstein-Cohen are, respectively, Music Director and Executive Director of The Little Orchestra Society.

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