Theatre style: Children's theatre

What makes children's theatre different from 'mainstream' theatre?

More than just school nativity plays, children's theatre is a serious artform.  Scotland’s theatre companies strive – and succeed – in offering the same high standards of quality in children's theatre as those in mainstream theatre.

In 2004, not only did Wee Stories’ Arthur, The Story of a King win a TMA award but also the Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland for Best Children’s Show, as well as nominations for Best Production and Best Directors.

The theatre pieces are made with children at the heart of its design.   However, all children, family members, teachers and other audience members can enjoy the show, regardless of background or ability.  Giant Productions, for example, provide artistic events for children in mainstream education, special education and for families.

Although central themes can be universal, the content is devoted to children’s interests and ways of receiving theatre.  All of Licketyspit's work is developed in close contact with their audience.  It is characterised by 'bold and imaginative performance style, design, music and song and a direct rapport with the audience'.

Children’s theatre companies typically dramatise stories, often in a multi-sensory way and tend to be highly participatory.  Oily Cart had received Scottish Arts Council funding to bring their multi-sensory shows to Scotland.  Their productions have included food cooked live on stage, puppetry, acrobatics and carnival costumes, sing-alongs with DJs and dancers.

What makes children's theatre important?

Children’s theatre provides the audience of the future with an introduction to the magic of theatre.  Wee Stories believe that ‘involvement from an early age is key to an enjoyment, appreciation and engagement that lasts life-long’. Children’s theatre provides an opportunity in a child’s formative years to influence how they develop and how they fit into the world.  Through participation they can develop their imaginations and get the chance to explore their own creativity.

What is offered in children's theatre?

Producing companies, arts development agencies and networks such as Promote-YT (Scotland) work with others to provide theatre for children.

It exists both as theatre making and theatre in education. The former results in performance aimed at children.  The latter might include drama workshops and events, and drama provision in the curriculum.

Schools and families may come to a theatre for performances or events, or the company may visit schools or community venues to bring theatre to children.  Catherine Wheels is an example of a company that bring live professional theatre of award-winning quality to schools.  Themes in the productions reflect aspects of the curriculum such as language and health education.  Supporting teaching resources extend knowledge and understanding of the play.

Scotland is home of the renowned Children’s International Theatre Festival, created and produced by the arts organisation Imaginate.  You can read more about them in May's Focus on Imaginate.  The Puppetry Animation Festival also serves a young audience.  Read more about the April Focus on the Puppet Animation Festival feature.

Imaginate have compiled a Directory of Performing Arts Companies Producing Work for Children and Young People.  See Imaginate's resources page to download it.