Random question - any “dress code” for kids at Kennedy Center show?

[Anonymous]

It's a nice chance to teach your kids about how different events lead to different clothing choices. I generally tell them that we'll see a wide range and yes, there may be some people in jeans or athletic wear, but that I like to step out up a little out of respect for the venue and the performers. Something about the stepped up clothing tends to bring out better behavior in the young ones, too. Less likely to try to use the seats as a jungle gym if dressed to sit up straight.

Fwiw I try to make sure my kids each have one nicer outfit that fits each season. If I'm honest, most shows are the free millennium stage shows and the clothes are $5 dresses and $4 pants and button downs or polos from the thrift store since we don't have a huge budget right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have “dress summer clothes” beyond one first communion suit, which would only fit 1/3 of my kids anyway. I plan to have them wear a collared polo short sleeve shirt, but the shorts will probably have to be athletic.

We could barely afford the tickets so can’t afford new outfits for all on top!

That's fine. The point is to make the effort that shows "hey, this is a big deal and a special treat at a very cool, fancy place." If dressing up means polo shirts for your guys, then they are dressing up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Last time I saw I show on Broadway, I was in tourist mode. We had checked out of our NJ hotel and were spending the day in NY before continuing on to visit family in CT. It was a rainy day. Sorry NYC we were not dressed as usual for Broadway. We were wearing raincoats and carrying backpacks with wet umbrellas. We did not stick out at all.

FWIW, I always find that people in DC dress up way more for the theatre than in NYC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Last time I saw I show on Broadway, I was in tourist mode. We had checked out of our NJ hotel and were spending the day in NY before continuing on to visit family in CT. It was a rainy day. Sorry NYC we were not dressed as usual for Broadway. We were wearing raincoats and carrying backpacks with wet umbrellas. We did not stick out at all.

FWIW, I always find that people in DC dress up way more for the theatre than in NYC.

Because NYC theaters are cramped, dirty and gross. KC is a gorgeous space with outside terraces, views and seats over 12 inches wide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why ask if you’re just going to have them wear athletic clothes anyway? Yes, they will be a bit out of place and some people might think it’s rude to not show a bit more respect with a nicer outfit but it seems you don’t actually care so you do you.

This. The arts should be for everyone. I think teaching kids how to behave during a performance is much more important than what they wear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Last time I saw I show on Broadway, I was in tourist mode. We had checked out of our NJ hotel and were spending the day in NY before continuing on to visit family in CT. It was a rainy day. Sorry NYC we were not dressed as usual for Broadway. We were wearing raincoats and carrying backpacks with wet umbrellas. We did not stick out at all.

This is why one sees NYC patrons dressed down, at times - tourists do not always plan to see a show, then once you are there, if time allows, you gladly squeeze it in. Nothing like a Broadway show!

OP, wear what you can to show respect to the performers, and make it a part of attending - it doesn't have to be over the top.

[Anonymous]

We just went and I saw lots of young boys in khaki shorts and polo shirts. I think that is more appropriate than a t-shirt or athletic wear. My 11YO girl dressed up in her fanciest dress and made me do her hair. But she loves and opportunity to be fancy.

[Anonymous]

Choose the nicest version of what you already own. A plain t-shirt and shorts are fine; unmatched, grubby graphic shirts or shorts are not.
If this were an evening performance or one not aimed at a primarily kid audience, then I would suggest stepping it up a few notches.

[Anonymous]

There will be a wide range of clothes. Make sure they are comfortable. You do not want them in new dressy clothes they are not used to wearing and then expect them to sit still and enjoy the show.

It’s been a while since I went to KC but there were people in casual clothes and those very dressed. I took my teen daughter to Broadway this spring and she wore black leggings and a plain top. She was comfortable and blended in just fine. Do not buy new clothes for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have “dress summer clothes” beyond one first communion suit, which would only fit 1/3 of my kids anyway. I plan to have them wear a collared polo short sleeve shirt, but the shorts will probably have to be athletic.

We could barely afford the tickets so can’t afford new outfits for all on top!

100% fine. A polo is a dressy as it needs to be. A cotton sundress someone wears to the playground is also fine. If I was choosing, I'd maybe have my son wear solid colored shorts with a polo. No need for long pants or nicer shoes than sneakers.

Taking your kids to experience this is WAY more important than having them dress like little businessmen.

[Anonymous]

We just went to see this and there was a mix. Plenty of people (kids especially) dressed very casually. Nobody cares.

[Anonymous]

PP again

I’ll add that it was a bit chilly in the theater!

[Anonymous]

My kid lives in sweats or gym shorts and t-shirts. When we go to the Kennedy Center he wears a polo and khaki pants. I like to try to differentiate special events.

[Anonymous]

The AC might be too cold for shorts. Agree anything seems to go for outfits these days though.

I personally am on Team Dress Up. It is a special occasion to me, the theater itself is fancy, and sometimes clothing sends a subtle message about behavior, like wearing a dress to a Church wedding and expecting Church behavior versus going to a ballgame in jeans where you can use your outside voice; dressing up for a fancy restaurant and using your very best table manners versus going to a picnic in the park; going to the Kennedy Center in a nice outfit versus a movie theater in yoga pants.

Also, it might depend on how your kid might feel if the other kids they see are dressed up and they aren't, kind of like showing up to a dress up party in your soccer uniform. They may care, they may not, but it will be a part of their experience and memory of going to the Kennedy Center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have “dress summer clothes” beyond one first communion suit, which would only fit 1/3 of my kids anyway. I plan to have them wear a collared polo short sleeve shirt, but the shorts will probably have to be athletic.

We could barely afford the tickets so can’t afford new outfits for all on top!

That's fine. The point is to make the effort that shows "hey, this is a big deal and a special treat at a very cool, fancy place." If dressing up means polo shirts for your guys, then they are dressing up.

+1 Go with your version of "Sunday best" and prepare the kids for behavior expectations. It is an absolutely beautiful building, so get there in time for them to look around with awe. Once the lights go down and the first note is belted out -- you and they will forget about clothing entirely! It is a fabulous show. Enjoy!