Is it worth it to lead a modern child to the theater? The question is not idle. Our children are much less similar to us than we are to our parents. They know a lot more than we do at their age. They are accustomed to the consumption of huge amounts of information - bright, fast, rich, straightforward. Can the theater give them that? Not. Does the theater need to give it to them? Also no. “The difference between cinema and theater is that you watch in the theater and show you in the cinema,” the famous director A. Adabashyan said in an interview.
Coming to the theater, the child looks, empathizes, participates in action. A play for children is very often constructed in such a way as to engage small spectators in what is happening on the stage. Heroes turn to them, ask questions, ask to sink or pat. At the same time, pauses are made (which is not on television and in cartoons), during which there is an opportunity to realize what is happening.
Children's play? This is interesting!
What should be the play for children to make you want to come to the theater again and again?
First and foremost, it should be interesting and understandable. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the age of the audience on which the production is designed. The play for children of 6-7 years old will be difficult and uninteresting for three-year-olds. Not to mention the teenagers who do not need all these “Teremki” and “The Princess and the Pea” for nothing. And the smallest viewers, on the contrary, it is better to bring to the production of a familiar and preferably beloved tale.
Musical performances for children are more universal because they use more visual means: music, dancing, colorful costumes and scenery. The age group of viewers for them can be expanded, for example, from 3 to 10 years.
Shine Christmas tree!
Apart from theatrical performances are New Year's performances for children. This is a special genre that has its own laws. New Year’s production must certainly be fun, colorful and musical. It usually has magic, intrigue and a happy ending with songs and dances around the Christmas tree. Children prepare in advance for going to a festive performance: put on carnival costumes or their best outfits, learn poems, songs. Therefore, directors and actors are trying to do everything possible and impossible to preserve this joy in the soul of a child: they include dance and circus performances, special lighting effects, skaters' performances, and so on.
Theatrical performance with children
Another opportunity to have a great time in “theater mode” is to stage a play for children with the participation of the children themselves. Since we remembered the New Year and Christmas, we note that these holidays provide an excellent opportunity to awaken acting talent in children.
The plot should be simple and recognizable, especially if the "artists" have not yet gone to school. In addition, in this formulation, several points must be taken into account. It is advisable to choose a scenario that will allow everyone to participate. The characters should not have too many words, because the children worry, get tired. It is necessary to think over costumes or at least the attributes characteristic of specific characters (Little Red Riding Hood - in a hat, an apron and with a basket, A Cat - with ears, paws and a tail, a Dwarf - in a pointed hat, etc.). Children love to change clothes, and in a suit it will be easier for them to get used to the role.
And most importantly - do not take this event too seriously: the grueling rehearsals, irritation and pressure of an adult “director” - all this will give rise to fatigue and nervousness, but not a festive mood and joy of creativity. Praise and encourage children more, make jokes and enjoy the process yourself. Then your performance will be held with a bang: artists and spectators will have a great time and will be glad to someday repeat it again.