Tips for Making It a More Meaningful Outing

Theatergoing opportunities abound in Southern California. Here’s a list of tips to help make the experience comfortable and fun:

* Read theater reviews, check theater listings.

* Call theaters in advance for age recommendations and content advisories.

* Ask if there is a study guide or other background material available; go to a theater’s Web site for show information.

* Ask about student discounts, pay-what-you-can performances, two-for-ones and rush tickets (greatly reduced tickets sold on the day of a performance, a couple of hours before curtain).

* Let children observe how you make a reservation, collect tickets at the box office and receive a program as you enter the theater.

* You’re not required to be dressy. (“If your kid hates wearing a suit, don’t put him in a suit to come to the theater,� advises Pasadena Playhouse artistic director Sheldon Epps.)

* Read the program together before the show starts.

* Talk about the differences between a movie and TV and a live performance.

* Sometimes children are invited to sit up front or on the floor for interaction or a better view; otherwise, sit with your child to share the experience.

* Be prepared to leave early if very young children are bored or upset; sometimes the experience--the people, the lights, the darkness--can overwhelm a preschooler.

* Not talking during a show is important, but clapping and laughter, as well as invited vocal responses during participatory shows, are great; actors love them.

* After the show, talk about the play’s content, the sets, the lights, the sound, the acting. (“Help them understand they witnessed a piece of art that all these people put together,� says Jay McAdams, executive director, 24th Street Theatre.) Ask what emotions they felt during the play, what they liked the best, how they think it could have been better.

* Before or after you go to the show, get the play or source material, if available, at a bookstore or library and read it together.

* For more information, consider such resources as A.S.K. Theater Projects (Kids’ Week at the Theatre presenter), (310) 478-3200, https://www.askplay.org/ and the Theatre League Alliance (TheatreLA) (half-price tickets), https://www.theatrela.org/