Thinking about your child’s first Broadway show? Discover the benefits of kids’ theatre and what families can expect at Ogunquit Playhouse.

A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Theatre at Ogunquit Playhouse

Why a family show is one of the best things to do with kids in Maine.

For many families, a live performance is the highlight of a holiday vacation. Kids’ theatre offers something screens simply can’t: the excitement of a live orchestra, talented performers just feet away, and a story unfolding in real time. If you’re planning a family trip to Maine, here’s what to know about the benefits of kids’ theatre, how to prepare your child for their first show, and what to expect at Ogunquit Playhouse.

Why Live Theatre Is Great for Kids

Live theatre asks something different of young audiences than a movie or a screen does. There’s no pause button, no rewinding, and no fourth wall of glass between the story and the seats. That immediacy is exactly what makes it so powerful. Children see real people singing, dancing, and telling a story together in the same room, and that shared, in-the-moment energy tends to leave a much bigger impression than passive screen time.

It’s also a wonderful introduction to storytelling in its oldest form. Musicals for kids and family-friendly theatre productions distill big ideas, friendship, courage, kindness, into accessible, memorable songs and scenes, making them an easy entry point into the arts for even very young children.

The Benefits of Introducing Kids to Theatre at a Young Age

Educational theatre has long been valued for the skills it builds beyond the stage. Watching, and eventually participating in, children’s performing arts helps kids with:

  • Building empathy, by seeing a story from another character’s perspective
  • Strengthening focus and attention span in a distraction-free setting
  • Growing vocabulary and comprehension through storytelling and song
  • Developing confidence and public speaking skills, especially for kids who go on to try theatre themselves
  • Creating a genuine appreciation for music, dance, and the arts that can last a lifetime

At Ogunquit Playhouse, this belief in theatre’s value for young people goes beyond the audience. The Playhouse’s Arts Academy offers professional theatre training for students, with programs designed to build self-confidence and collaborative skills through the same craft families enjoy from their seats.

Tips for Preparing Your Child for Their First Theater Visit

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth first theater experience. A few tips worth keeping in mind:

  • Choose an age-appropriate show. Look for a production’s age guidance and run time before booking, both are listed on each show’s page.
  • Talk through what to expect. Explain that the lights will dim, the actors are real people performing live, and everyone stays seated and quiet during the performance.
  • Consider a shorter show or matinee for your child’s first Broadway-style experience, especially for younger children with shorter attention spans.
  • Plan for a bathroom break beforehand, since performances don’t pause for intermission in shorter productions.
  • Arrive early. Giving yourself extra time to find seats and settle in helps avoid a rushed, overwhelming start.

A little basic theater etiquette for kids, no talking during the show, phones away, and applause at the right moments, is usually all it takes for a first visit to go smoothly.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Ogunquit Before or After a Show

A visit to Ogunquit Playhouse is easy to combine with a full day of family-friendly activities around town. Before or after the performance, families can:

From beach time and coastal walks to ice cream and live theatre, it’s easy to create a memorable family day in Ogunquit that everyone will enjoy.

Plan Your Family’s Theater Experience

Ready to make live theater part of your family’s next Maine vacation?

Explore the full season and book your family’s tickets to Ogunquit Playhouse today, and give your kids a front-row seat to the magic of live theater.