Charlotte's Web--bragging and 6 benefits of theater for children

Well, mija has finished her first weekend's performances of Chartlotte's Web.
She was second spider which means she was one of Charlotte's offspring and came at the very end of the show.

I thought I would share some of my thoughts about the benefits of children's theater in no particular order.

1. For homeschoolers, there is always the "socialization" benefit. If you have been around my blog long enough, you know that I think socialization is merely a red-herring issue. However, if you want to get your child out and about, theater is one activity.
2. Exposure to other talents and gifts. Not everyone enjoys acting, but it gives them a chance to try it. It could show a developing talent or just provide a gift of appreciation of the theater and acting.
3. It provides a team activity that does not involve sports. A child does not have to be athletic to experience teamwork. While there may be certain main characters, everyone on the stage works together to make the scene work and tell the story.
4. Memorization. Mija only had about six lines in this play, but that is six more than she had last time. Theater builds not only memorization of not only your part, but those who are in the same scene. Also, there is remembering movement and actions.
5. Imagination. How often do you get to be a spider in real life? Or visit the land of Oz? And depending on the play, what a great way of bringing literature to life!
6. Public speaking. Children's theater gives the opportunity to learn how to speak in public. That is a gift for even the shiest child.

Well, those are a few of the top of my head. Any other stage mom's out there? 

Youth Theater---giving it a try again

You know how much mija enjoys ballet.

And God really blessed in order for her to be able to continue in the fall and do The Nutcracker, but because of my husband's continued unemployment, we decided to pull her out. We hope she doesn't need to be out too long, but she understands.

So, I received an email reminding me about auditions for a children's performing theater. 

Mija had performed in a play with them 3 years ago entitled, "The Marvelous Land of Oz." She was a munchkin.

She's grown so much in three years!

Anyway, hubby and I decided that being in "Charlotte's Web" through a virtually free children's theater program might be a good replacement for ballet for a few months.

So, Saturday we went to the auditions. Since she's 8 years old now, she was supposed to have a 1-2 minute monologue. I found the cute monologue about the tooth fairy. Of course, as soon as we left I started getting questions about when we would know something.

Well, she didn't get a part. Not surprising when over 70 kids audition for a play with only about 40 parts. It's okay. It was still a great practice on how to audition and having her first experience with a monologue.

Any other thespians out there?