Anonymous wrote:How old are your kids?

For the most part: "I'm proud of you, good luck!", "Can I help you practice?", "Let's make sure we give ourselves extra time to get there." You can ask their teacher/director/coach if there's anything they'd recommend. But based on my experience as a kid, it's best to not be over involved and give them a little space.

I'd also research some summer camps, a lot of colleges and local theaters have camps, engage with your kids in what they're interested in.

Solid advice.

If my kid is auditioning for a shall we usually listen to some of the music and watch the show (if it's one of the junior productions you can find full versions of them on YouTube or we watch the movie version) just if she has an idea of what the show is about and what parts she might want to try.

"Get out there and DANCE, baby!!!"

Volunteer at your Kid’s events and you will make parent friends who will give you great advice. Sign child up for summer or after school lessons.

Signed, talented-less mom who has also produced musical theatre kids

How old is your kid?

My 9 year old adores musical theater. She’s been doing Adventure Theater’s student productions since the fall when she started 3rd. They’re serious but also inclusive (aka no one gets cut, but auditions have a meaningful impact on who gets cast where).

I also think foundational skills are important. She’s been dancing since she was 4 — first with ballet and then she switched to jazz last year. She also takes piano and voice.

I run lines with her and make sure she’s prepped with the choreo and singing that’s required before each rehearsal. I also helped her fill out the audition form, since she wasn’t sure how to advocate for herself.

It’s worked out so far. I’m sure that as she gets older, she won’t want/need as much help.

In terms of encouraging words, make sure they don’t get their hearts set on one particular role. Remind them that everyone gets disappointed sometimes, and that humility is hugely important. Make sure they’re prepped but that they ultimately have fun.

My DD is a child actor. I don’t have much acting talent at all. Before auditions, I just try to run lines with her until she feels confident, make sure to talk to her about manners and how to speak to directors, and give her fun treats after auditions!

After first round auditions our school sent out a lengthy booklet called something like "advice for theater parents," which basically could be summarized as "back off!"

Feed them well, encourage good sleep habits, and remind them to act professionally at rehearsals. Safe the silliness energy for the acting and otherwise be in time, listen to the director, and when you're not on stage or not the lead player, still stay engaged.

Anonymous wrote:I have a high schooler who is very involved in theatre. Believe me, she doesn’t want my help, lol. I give a lot of rides and watch a lot of shows. I show interest and ask questions.

I could have written this myself! My dramatic theater kid does not love my (very VERY wise) advice despite the fact that I was also a theater kid. Just get them to and from rehearsals on time, volunteer to help out, and enjoy the ride

Are you talking about kids theatre or local theatre or do you have an agent sending you out for auditions.

I have a high schooler who is very involved in theatre. Believe me, she doesn’t want my help, lol. I give a lot of rides and watch a lot of shows. I show interest and ask questions.

Depending on where you are located, look into Encore, ETC, Adventure Theater, Creative Cauldron, etc for audition info plus workshops/classes.

How old are your kids?

For the most part: "I'm proud of you, good luck!", "Can I help you practice?", "Let's make sure we give ourselves extra time to get there." You can ask their teacher/director/coach if there's anything they'd recommend. But based on my experience as a kid, it's best to not be over involved and give them a little space.

I'd also research some summer camps, a lot of colleges and local theaters have camps, engage with your kids in what they're interested in.

I have no talent. Would scare birds with my singing, and my dancing would illicit EMS help thinking I was convulsing. But I think I have produced musical theatre kids with actual talent - any advice on how to help them with call backs and what to say to encourage them?