One of our local theatre companies put on THE ORPHAN TRAIN a while back - beautifully done, incredibly well-acted, and both the children in the cast and in the seats got to think and feel a little bit.  (Grownups, too.)  But you're right - most "children's theatre" is "dumbed down" and sanitized.  If only more people would take children to see real plays...  One of my favorite moments ever in a theatre was in the audience for Yul Brynner's last run in THE KING AND I.  I sat with a mother, daughter and granddaughter, the last about six.  The little girl sat with wide eyes the whole time - and at one point turned to her mother and asked, "Are those people really real?"  THAT one found the magic...

Originally posted by Nanette My better half presented me with this quote that seems to comfort me a bit with this situation.  I think I'll include it in all future press releases and fliers to schools.  LOL    It's from the book Matilda by Roald Dahl.  Matilda (age 4) has informed the libarian that she intends to read ALL the books in the library.    The librarian responds, "Don't worry about the bits you can't understand.  Sit back and allow the words to wash around you, like music."

Nanette - it isn't just theater!  I worked at a college for many years and it used to make me crazy whenever I would read play reports and be told to NOT correct grammer and spelling.  "We wouldn't want to make them feel stupid, would we?"  Oh, please, this is college!  You should be able to spell, construct proper sentences and compose properly by the time you get to the univsersity level.  Soon after, the faculty was told to 'dummy' down their topics so that more students would feel comfortable with the lessons...how do you 'dummy down' stats or linquistics? 

At my new theater, we look for plays that challenge and never consider the need to 'dummy down' plays for children.  We have a sign in my office that states:  "If you don't know, ask!"  Whenever we do a show directed to children, we have a Q&A session in the lobby.  The kids can ask the actors or techs anything they want.  After all, there's where the next generation of theater goers/participators are coming from.

I have been involved with our local Children's theater for about 20 years.  We have tried to do a nice variety of shows and we have been getting good audiences for years.  Right now they are in rehearsals for High School Musical.  I don't know what you think about this show--but I for one just think it's kind of--well--JUNK! But here is the thing--I have never seen anything like it!  TTheir presells are through the roof--and that was before casting! They are doing workshops for middle school kids--that have a rather high tuition (it includes their costume) and they have more kids than they know what to do with.  I think this is going to be the biggest show in the history of the community and that is saying a lot for this area.  I'm happy for them but also a little depressed for obvious reasons.  SIGH

Bewdy Greta!