Last weekend, my sweet 3-year-old and I got the chance to go see the Wizard of Oz production at Main Street Theatre  in Midtown. Since baby sister was too young to go, we decided it was the perfect way to have a Mommy and big girl day. It was so much fun to dress up and do something just the two of us for once, especially something so unique! It was my daughter’s first theatre experience and it couldn’t have been a more perfect venue. Click here for a sample of the awesome show we saw!

 Why I’d pick Main Street Theatre as a “1^st Theatre Experience”:

• There are no “bad” seats. The stage is easily viewed from all areas of the theatre.
• It’s an intimate theatre with a minimum number of seats so it’s less overwhelming for littles.
• The show times are optimal for younger children. Most plays I’ve considered taking my children to are nights, while Main Street Theatre offers 11 am and 2 pm showings in addition to their weekday matinees for students/homeschoolers.
• The prices are reasonable so even if you have to leave and try it another time, there’s no harm done!
• The show was colorful, musical and so engaging and fun for young ones. Intermission was perfectly timed for a potty break! Even my little wiggle worm was totally captivated and able to see the whole show!
• Free meet and greets and photo opps with cast members after the show! (I was hoping to have an adorable photo of my Ruthie with Dorothy, but Dorothy was way too close to the Wicked Witch of the West for that to happen.)
• My little one’s ‘review’: “I loved the pink, good witch and the songs. I did NOT like that green witch. That was a fun day, Mommy! My favorite song was the whispering song.”

Tips for your trip to the Theatre with children:

1. Plan to arrive early in case of traffic and/or parking difficulties! If you arrive too early, take a restroom break or grab a snack.
2. Bring the camera for photos outside the theatre and with the cast if you are lucky!
3. Bring a few dollars for concessions/souvenirs!
4. Bring light sweaters since the theatre can get chilly.
5. Have the kiddos use the potty before the show so you don’t miss anything or interrupt your neighbors!
6. Dress up a little and enjoy the special day.

Educational Benefits of Theatre Exposure for Children:

• To begin with, the Texas State Education Standards list Theatre Arts as one of the 7 academic subjects students must learn from Kindergarten on! So, attending a theatre performance as a family isn’t just fun, it’s educational!
• Going to see a theatre production can be a great way to support and/or peak your child’s interest in art like the costumes and set design or the technology behind the special effects, lighting and sound!
• “Many of the productions at Main Street Theatre for Youth are based on literature.” Read the book together and then see it come to life on stage!
• According to Ms. Emerick, one of the directors of Main Street Theatre, the “core tenets of the youth and educational programs at Main Street Theatre are nurturing children’s imagination!”

In the comments, tell us about your favorite theatre production!

By Mary West
Mama of 2 and Teacher/Tutor;
We can’t wait to see the Charlie Brown Christmas production at Main Street Theatre this winter!