{"id":2295,"date":"2017-01-20T20:15:26","date_gmt":"2017-01-20T20:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=2295"},"modified":"2017-09-24T21:35:28","modified_gmt":"2017-09-24T21:35:28","slug":"why-theatre-for-young-audiences-rules-so-much-more-than-you-thought","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/why-theatre-for-young-audiences-rules-so-much-more-than-you-thought\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Theatre For Young Audiences RULES (So Much More Than You Thought)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Theatre For Young Audiences RULES (So Much More Than You Thought)<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by Leryn Turlington<\/p>\n

January 19, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Ever wonder if doing children’s theatre and theatre for young adults is for you?\u00a0Chicago actor Leryn Turlington has\u00a0four substantial reasons why TYA is one of the most fulfilling performance opportunities out there.<\/span><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0It\u2019s Electric.<\/i><\/h4>\n
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Imagine a Friday night audience after reviews and word-of-mouth have spread glorious praise of your show. That audience may laugh, applaud, sigh, gasp. They may look on adoringly in thoughtful silence, hanging on your every word. Now add to that <\/span>giggles<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>squeals<\/span><\/i> and unfiltered hysterical reactions. Add to that an audience that will give back <\/span>every<\/span><\/i> ounce of enthusiasm you give to them, one that sees right through you and relentlessly keeps you honest. It\u2019s invigorating, it\u2019s enlivening, it\u2019s electric. That is a young audience. <\/span><\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0It\u2019s Important.<\/i><\/h4>\n
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Do you remember the first play you ever saw? Was it the spark that began a lifetime of love for the theatre and brought you to study and pursue it? Students involved in the arts have improved academic performance and tests scores, are more likely to become involved in community service and less likely to drop out of school. The same values it instills upon adults – worldliness, open-mindedness, morals, acceptance, imagination – it instills upon children <\/span>so much <\/span><\/i>more<\/span> profoundly because of their young mind ready for molding. It also teaches them an appreciation of the arts so that even if they don\u2019t pursue it, they are more likely to be patrons and respectful audiences members in their adult life. <\/span><\/p>\n

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2. It\u2019s Practical.<\/i><\/h4>\n
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Think long and hard before you overlook Theatre for Young Audiences for something more <\/span>sophisticated<\/span><\/i>. Early mornings and a high-energy performance style aren\u2019t for every actor, so TYA shows pay well for how short the shows are (usually never more than an hour). Families <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> schools bring children so there is always a market and an opportunity of having a full house. The other bonus is that shows are typically in the morning or during the day, leaving your evening free for a night show, a second job or free time!<\/span><\/p>\n

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1.\u00a0It\u2019s Educational\u2026 For You.<\/i><\/h4>\n
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As mentioned above, a young audience is relentless. They are honest, loud, unpredictable and sometimes uncontrollable. If you are looking for a challenge as an actor, look to a young audience to keep you on your toes. Their shorter attention spans are perfect for crafting a good sense of pace and keeping your energy at the appropriate level. Their unpredictability is an excellent exercise for your improv skills and reading the audience. Their squirmy, squealy interruptions are practice for your focus and most importantly, they have X-Ray vision when it comes to truth and clarity. Children are so literal and honest – they know when an actor is \u201cphoning it in\u201d and are trusting you to take them on an honest and <\/span>earnest<\/span><\/i> journey into their imagination. <\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n