Empowering Family-Friendly Festivals with Children’s Theatre
Introduction:
Family-friendly festivals are on the rise as more young families attend events once dominated by adults (www.hellomagazine.com). To truly cater to these crowds, festivals worldwide are adding dedicated children’s programming – and few activities captivate kids (and parents) like live theatre. Children’s theatre at a festival isn’t mere babysitting or filler; when done right, it becomes a highlight that enriches the experience for all ages. Incorporating a children’s theatre showcase into your festival schedule can set your event apart as both fun and thoughtful. It’s a chance to inspire young imaginations and give parents a memorable, enriching outing with their little ones. But staging theatre on a tight festival clock presents unique challenges. From quick stage turnarounds to tiny voices that need amplification, festival producers must plan carefully. This guide shares veteran insight on weaving children’s theatre into a festival – balancing the logistical demands with the magical rewards.
Tailoring the Stage and Schedule for Young Audiences
The first step is choosing when and where children’s theatre fits best in your festival. Timing is key: Schedule kids’ shows during daytime or early evening hours, when families are most likely to attend and children are alert. Many festivals cluster family content in the morning and afternoon – for example, major events like Lollapalooza run their Kidzapalooza family stage from around 11 AM to 6 PM daily (www.lollapalooza.com). Ending kids’ programming by early evening respects bedtimes and avoids exposing youngsters to late-night crowds or noise.
Equally important is the location and setup of the children’s theatre area. Aim for a performance space that’s safe, welcoming, and away from overwhelming distractions. At large festivals such as Glastonbury, the family area (“Kidzfield”) is set apart from loud main stages (www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk), allowing puppet shows or storytellers to hold kids’ attention without competing with a rock band next door. If possible, use a tent or indoor hall for children’s shows – it provides shade, contains sound, and creates a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a theatre. Ensure the stage or performance area has good sightlines for little ones: consider placing floor seating (like colourful mats or carpets up front) so kids can sit close and see the action, with chairs for parents behind them. This lets children immerse in the show (and even wiggle around) safely. Also, check that the area is stroller-friendly and has an easy exit for families who may need to step out for breaks. By thoughtfully selecting the time and venue for kids’ theatre, you set the stage for success before the first performer even steps on.
Booking Troupes with Tight Tech and Short Turnarounds
Booking the right act is crucial – not every theatre troupe is suited to a festival environment. Look for children’s theatre companies or performers experienced with touring and minimal technical needs. The festival setting demands tight tech specs and fast changeovers. Unlike a traditional theatre with elaborate sets and lengthy setup time, your festival schedule likely slots children’s shows between other acts or activities. So prioritize troupes who can load in and out quickly – perhaps a puppet theatre that unfolds from a trunk, a two-person storytelling act with simple props, or a youth dance-theatre group used to performing on school stages. Many children’s shows are designed to travel light: for instance, touring kids’ productions often rely on imagination and portable scenery instead of complex rigging.
When screening potential acts, discuss their technical riders in detail. Ask how long they need to set up and strike their set, and what equipment they truly require. It’s wise to avoid acts needing extensive lighting changes, multiple scene shifts, or lengthy sound checks, unless you can dedicate a standalone stage to them. Favor performers who embrace simplicity and adaptability. For example, a small clown or puppetry act that can work under general stage lighting and uses a compact sound system will fit into a festival slot far more easily than a full-scale musical with 20 child actors and complex sets. The goal isn’t to compromise artistic quality – it’s to choose formats that shine with minimal fuss. Storytelling, puppetry, clowns, magicians, and sing-alongs are all popular in family festival lineups for this reason (www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk) (fringetoronto.com). These types of acts can usually engage children for 20–40 minutes without elaborate tech.
Of course, it’s not just about gear – professionalism and stage experience matter too. A festival is a dynamic, sometimes unpredictable setting. Crowds may wander in and out; outdoor stages bring ambient noise or weather variables. So book performers who can roll with distractions and still deliver a great show. Many festivals have had success hiring local children’s theatres, school drama clubs, or youth performance troupes as a community component. If you involve local young talent, ensure they have the support to handle the environment (more on community engagement later). Most importantly, make sure every booked act understands the festival schedule is king: they must start and finish on time. Communicate clearly upfront about their allotted slot length and the necessity of a swift turnover for whatever follows. With the right troupe – one that’s both enchanting for kids and agile for your crew – you’ll avoid headaches and instead watch families be delighted in the short window you provide.
Technical Prep: Rehearsal Blocks and Mic Plans for Small Voices
Even a low-tech children’s show benefits from some preparation on-site. In a festival scenario, you rarely get the luxury of long rehearsals, but scheduling a short tech rehearsal or sound check can make a world of difference – especially for young performers or softer voices. If your festival day begins at 10 AM and the children’s theatre is scheduled at noon, consider opening the stage an hour early for a quick run-through without the audience. Even 15–30 minutes to orient the performers on the stage, test their music cues, and let them get a feel for the outdoor acoustics will boost their confidence and the show’s quality.
Pay particular attention to sound. Children’s voices (whether performers or volunteers from the audience) are smaller and higher-pitched, which can be easily lost in an open-air venue or drowned out by nearby noise. Work with your audio engineer to create a mic plan tailored for little voices. This might involve using more headset or lapel microphones on child actors so they can be heard clearly while keeping their hands free. If headsets aren’t available, set up a few strategically placed floor or hanging mics that can pick up young voices as they move. Be mindful of microphone height – adjust stands down to child height or use low-profile boundary mics at stage front. Also, calibrate the EQ and volume to amplify clarity without causing feedback or blasting the audience’s ears. Kids can be mic-shy or suddenly loud, so set levels with a bit of cushion.
During your tech check, have the performers (especially if they are children) practice using the microphones and hearing their voices through monitors if provided. Many children are not used to stage monitors or amplified sound; a few minutes of practice helps them not get startled and teaches them to project. Additionally, coach the crew on cues unique to a theatre piece. Unlike a band that plays through, a play or puppet show might have blackout moments, music cues, or more intricate staging needs. Assign a dedicated stagehand or stage manager for the children’s show to run any sound or lighting cues exactly on time – consistency here is crucial for storytelling. If the piece involves audience interaction (common in kids’ shows), plan how to hand a microphone to a child audience member safely, or how to manage kids coming onstage. All these details should be hashed out in the rehearsal/tech block. A smooth tech run ensures that when showtime comes, the focus stays on the magic of the story, not on technical hiccups.
Post-Show Magic: Meet-and-Greets with Consent and Care
One of the great joys of children’s theatre at festivals is the chance for young fans to meet their favorite characters or performers after the show. A post-performance meet-and-greet can turn a fun show into an unforgettable personal experience – but it needs to be handled with care and consent. If you offer meet-and-greet sessions, plan them as thoughtfully as the show itself.
Firstly, schedule the meet-and-greet right after the performance while kids’ excitement is fresh. Designate a specific area (e.g. just off to the side of the stage or a nearby tent) and create an orderly queue system. It helps to have a staff or volunteer on hand to gently manage the line and timing. Keep the session relatively short (perhaps 10–20 minutes, depending on demand) so performers aren’t overwhelmed and your schedule stays on track.
Crucially, brief the performers on a simple “consent script” and interaction guidelines, especially if they’ll be in costume or character. Performers should politely ask children and their parents for permission before any physical interaction or photos. For example, a costumed actor might say, “Would you like a high-five or a hug? Is it okay with your grown-up if we take a picture together?” This ensures the child feels safe and the parent is comfortable. It’s important that no performer (and no photographer) assumes it’s fine to scoop up a child or pose them for photos without asking. Some children might be shy or sensory-sensitive – a loud or sudden approach by a character could upset them – so instruct performers to be gentle, get down to the child’s eye level, and follow the child’s cues. Consent works both ways too: if performers are minors (for instance, a youth theatre troupe), make sure a responsible adult is supervising their interactions with the public and that they also feel comfortable throughout.
Additionally, consider security and safety measures during these sessions. Have at least one other staff member present who can step in if needed. Make sure the meet-and-greet area is visible and in the open (not an enclosed space), so everything is in public view. If your festival has a photographer capturing memories, ensure parents know where they can access those photos and have the opportunity to opt out if they prefer their child not be photographed. A clear announcement or sign like “Meet-and-greet photos will be taken by our festival photographer – please let us know if you prefer not to be included” can cover this. Transparency goes a long way in making families feel respected. When done right, these post-show encounters leave children beaming. They’ll remember shaking the prince’s hand or telling the puppeteer how much they loved the puppet. That joy reflects back on your festival’s reputation. By structuring meet-and-greets around consent and care, you create a safe space where kids and performers can share the magic beyond the stage, and parents can relax knowing everyone’s boundaries are respected.
Learning from the Audience: Feedback from Teachers and Caregivers
After the applause has died down and the costumes are packed away, your job isn’t quite over. The next wave of improvement comes from gathering feedback. Family audiences have unique needs and honest opinions – listening to them will help you refine your children’s programming year after year. Make it a habit to collect feedback from parents, caregivers, and teachers who attended the children’s theatre show. Their insights are gold for understanding what worked and what could be better.
There are a few ways to do this. The simplest is to engage in casual conversations as families exit the show area – a quick “Did you enjoy it? What was your child’s favorite part?” can yield great anecdotal input. You can also distribute short feedback forms or survey cards at the exit. Keep it very brief: for example, ask attendees to rate sound, content appropriateness, and overall enjoyment on a small card, with an option to write any suggestion. Some festivals find success offering a small incentive like a sticker or entry into a raffle for those who drop off a feedback card – it encourages participation without feeling like homework. If your festival uses a ticketing platform and has attendees’ emails (from family ticket packages or registrations), consider sending a follow-up digital survey focused just on the family experience. Timing is important; send it within a day or two while the memories are fresh.
When school groups are involved (perhaps you invited local schools to bring classes for a daytime show), reach out to the teachers afterwards. Educators can provide a different perspective – did the show hold their students’ attention? Was it age-appropriate and enriching? Teachers might also share if the kids continued talking about the show back in class. Such qualitative feedback indicates the impact you made. In fact, community and educational partners will appreciate being asked for their opinion; it shows you value their involvement beyond just filling seats.
Be sure to actually review and act on the feedback you gather. Look for patterns: maybe several parents mention the seating wasn’t comfortable for toddlers, or a few suggest the volume was too loud for little ears during certain scenes. Perhaps many rave about a particular interactive moment – a sign to include more of that next time. Use this data to adjust future children’s theatre programming, whether it’s tweaking the schedule, improving the sound setup, or curating different types of shows. For instance, a festival in one city learned from caregivers that a 45-minute play was a bit long for preschoolers’ attention spans, so the next year they switched to two 20-minute performances instead. Another event might discover teachers are craving more educational content, prompting the addition of a short Q&A session with the performers after the show. When you close the feedback loop like this, you’re not only improving the experience – you’re also building goodwill. Attendees who see their suggestions taken on board will become loyal fans and advocates for your festival’s family-friendly reputation.
Engaging the Community by Showcasing Young Talent
An often overlooked yet powerful strategy is involving the community’s own young performers in your festival. Booking a professional touring show is wonderful, but also consider if there’s a local children’s theatre group, drama school, or youth choir that could take part. This kind of community engagement can deepen the festival’s connection with its audience. Families love seeing their friends and neighbors (or even their own kids) up on stage. And for the young performers, it’s an inspiring opportunity to shine in front of a supportive crowd.
If you go this route, treat the local group with the same professionalism as any headliner. Coordinate with their teachers or directors well in advance about technical needs and scheduling. Often, local school groups may need extra guidance to meet festival logistics – they might not be used to the quick turnarounds and crowd sizes. Provide them a slightly longer changeover if you can, or a bit more rehearsal time, so they feel at ease. Emphasize punctuality and have a clear plan for where the kids should be and when (minors herding can be challenging – assign volunteers to assist as needed). Also, ensure anyone under 18 has the proper permissions and chaperones as required by local regulations. Safety first, always.
The payoff for this effort can be big. Community performances can draw a built-in audience of relatives and classmates excited to watch, boosting your attendance. Plus, it generates positive buzz – you’re showing that your festival gives back and elevates local culture. Take New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as an example: known for superstar acts, it also dedicates stage time to area high school choirs in its Gospel Tent, a decades-long tradition that showcases local schoolchildren to festival crowds (www.timesunion.com). This blend of established and emerging talent enriches the festival’s character. Likewise, many town festivals include a slot for the local children’s ballet or a school play, which often becomes a heartwarming highlight of the event.
Be sure to celebrate these young performers in your marketing and on-site. Introduce them enthusiastically on stage, and maybe arrange a safe meet-and-greet or photo op for their proud families after their show (again, following the consent guidelines!). By engaging local youth talent, you not only delight the community but also inspire the next generation of artists and festival-goers. Who knows – the child acting on your family stage this year might come back in a decade as a headliner because your festival nurtured their love of performing.
The Big Picture: Theatre Builds Attention, Not Just Amusement
Why go to all this trouble? Because children’s theatre offers something deeper than a quick diversion. In a world of short attention spans and endless digital entertainment, live theatre is a gentle antidote. It captivates kids in a unique way – asking them to sit, listen, imagine, and emotionally invest in a story unfolding in real time. Unlike a bouncy castle or a carnival ride (fun as those are), theatre engages the mind and heart. Experts have noted that theatre is “not just entertainment” for children, but key to fostering creativity, communication, and even healthier emotional development (www.parents.com). Kids who watch or participate in theatre learn to focus and follow narratives, building their attention spans. With no pause or rewind buttons in a live show, children naturally practice patience and careful listening to keep up with the plot (scottishritetheater.org). They also exercise empathy – connecting with characters and situations – which can be incredibly enriching.
For festivals, this means the family audience isn’t just amused for half an hour; they’re often moved or inspired. Parents frequently report that after a good children’s play, their kids talk about it for days, reenacting scenes and discussing characters. In other words, the impact lingers. A well-produced kids’ theatre segment can become a cornerstone of your festival’s identity as a family-friendly event that values substance over sugar-rush entertainment. It shows you care about offering content with educational and cultural value, not just keeping kids busy. This can significantly boost word-of-mouth among parents’ communities and set your festival apart in a crowded market.
Moreover, think of the long-term benefit: you’re cultivating future festival lovers. Today’s seven-year-old who sits enthralled at a puppet show in your festival is tomorrow’s teenager who might join the youth arts crew, and the day after’s adult who remembers your event fondly and returns with their own kids. By building attention and imagination through theatre, you’re investing in your audience’s longevity. It’s a powerful legacy to leave as a festival producer – one that goes beyond the immediate thrill of an amusement and actually touches lives.
Family Ticketing and Budget Considerations
Finally, don’t forget the practical side: make it easy and appealing for families to experience this offering. Many festivals with family content adopt family-friendly ticketing policies – for instance, allowing children under a certain age to attend free with a parent. Lollapalooza’s Kidzapalooza, for example, admits kids 10 and under for free with a ticketed adult (www.theclinic.cl). If financially feasible, consider a similar approach or offer discounted kids’ tickets or bundle deals for families. The goodwill generated often pays off in higher overall attendance and concessions spending by grateful parents. When setting up ticketing for reserved children’s shows or workshops, choose a platform that can handle nuanced ticket categories (child tickets, guardian passes, free RSVP for limited-capacity kids’ events, etc.). Ticket Fairy’s ticketing system, for instance, allows festival producers to create special family ticket bundles or kid-priced tickets easily, without headaches at the gate. Also, use your ticketing data – if you see a lot of family tickets sold or kids registered, ensure your children’s area capacity and amenities match the demand.
Budget-wise, allocate resources for the essentials that make kids’ theatre shine. This includes quality sound equipment (small clip-on mics, extra speakers for clarity), comfortable seating (those foam mats or little benches), and experiential extras like simple set pieces or costumes that can enchant the audience. You don’t need a Broadway budget – children will happily engage with a cardboard castle if the storytelling is good – but don’t skimp on the basics that ensure they can see and hear the performance well. Also factor in the human costs: perhaps hiring a specialty children’s entertainer might be less expensive than a rock band, but you might need additional child-minding staff or security in the area. If you plan meet-and-greets, budget a bit for prints of autograph cards or a backdrop for photos. These little touches contribute to a polished experience. And if you’re involving local groups, consider a small honorarium or at least cover their expenses (costume laundry, transport, snacks for kids) to show appreciation – a gesture that can go a long way in community relations. In terms of risk management, ensure you have insurance that covers youth activities and that all staff interacting with children (including volunteers) have been properly vetted as per local regulations. The peace of mind is well worth any extra paperwork.
By planning your ticketing and budget with families in mind, you remove barriers to participation and create a festival environment where the value of children’s theatre can be fully realized without logistical hiccups.
Key Takeaways for Festival Producers
- Schedule Smartly: Place children’s theatre shows at family-friendly times (generally daytime) and in suitable locations (quiet, safe, possibly tented) to maximise comfort and focus for young audiences.
- Book Adaptable Acts: Select theatre troupes or acts that can deliver a captivating show with minimal tech and quick turnarounds. Prioritize puppetry, storytelling, and other formats known to engage kids without heavy production needs.
- Prep for Success: Allocate a short rehearsal or sound check for the kids’ show, and use proper mics/tech adjusted for smaller voices. Ensure tech staff understand the show’s cues, and that kids on stage can be seen and heard clearly.
- Safe, Enriching Interactions: If offering post-show meet-and-greets, manage them with clear consent guidelines. Always ask parents and children before photos or hugs, and supervise the interactions for a positive, safe experience.
- Feedback Fuels Improvement: Gather input from parents, caregivers, and teachers after the event to learn what resonated and what to refine. Use this feedback to adjust show length, content, or logistics for future festivals.
- Community Engagement: Involving local youth performers can boost community buy-in and create magical moments. Support these groups with proper planning and celebrate their contribution to make them (and their supporters) feel valued.
- Think Long-Term: Remember that children’s theatre is more than a fun filler – it builds kids’ attention spans, creativity, and love for live events. By investing in quality family programming, you’re cultivating the next generation of festival-goers and elevating your festival’s brand.
By embracing these principles, a festival producer can confidently integrate children’s theatre into the programme, delighting young attendees and their grown-ups alike. The result is a truly family-friendly festival experience – one where laughter, learning, and a bit of theatrical magic come together on the festival stage.
25th August 2025