A New Audience: Performing for the Next Generation

Theatre has stood the test of time as being one of the most universal forms of entertainment. In our current climate, theatre continues to be important for entertainment, education, and the spreading of cultural elements.

The cast of Chicken Story Time rehearsing with their puppets. 

It is important for us as adults to be exposed to arts and theatre, but it may be even more important for the children in our community. Chicken Story Time, the summer presentation for EMU Theatre, is aimed at audiences aged 3-6. We were able to talk with director, Patricia Moore Zimmer, about the importance of Drama and Theatre for the Young. She said "Theatre is an antidote to the cultural pressures that say 'Quit fooling around and act your age.' Fooling around is essential to adult creativity! Every age needs play!" Dramatic play and imagination are nature's most powerful tools for teaching children. Chicken Story Time, "supports developing literacy through its focus on the pleasure of books and story time. It exposes the children to language and engages them in language...through its silliness and playfulness, it invites them to imagine and explore along with the actors." The ultimate appeal of theatre for young audiences is the joy that it brings, along with it's educational value. Zimmer says, "It never ceases to give me joy...children are the true experts at make-believe. They can enter imaginary worlds with a level of focus, commitment, and intense belief that equals that of the best actors...in the realm of 'what if' children are our peers; they are our mentors to be respected. They can also be the most wonderful of companions in the play that happens between actors and audience."

Patricia Moore Zimmer (director) and Alex Duncan (asst. director)  

It is not only by academics that the benefit of DTFY can be observed. EMU Theatre alum, and Associate Artistic Director at Spinning Dot Theatre Company, Tyler Calhoun was able to give us some insight into how theatre for the young benefits our community. "The plays we produce are all international, so for our young artists and audiences we are cultivating an interest in other countries and other coultures." says Calhoun. "This is very important because of what our country is going through with so much fear and hatred being directed toward people who are different than we are...the parents that come to see our shows really appreciate the work we do because it opens up a space for dialogue between them and their children to discuss these topics."

The performing artists involved in theatre for the young are also experiencing benefits of this unique form of art. "It always keeps me on my toes...kids are the most honest audience members. So when you are performing for them, you have to be honest, truthful, and absolutely in character...They will let you know when they don't believe, so you have to completely believe in yourself."
Drama and theatre for the young is a necessary part for the healthy development of young minds. We are so proud to be a part of a program, and a community, that is part of creating this movement.