A Family Guide to Pre-Show Activities for Young Children
A visit to the theatre can begin well before the lights dim. For young children, the journey, the foyer, the ticket check and the minutes before the performance all shape how they experience the show. A little preparation can turn waiting time into part of the adventure rather than a source of wriggles and complaints.
At Figueres a Escena, families may arrive at Teatre El Jardí or Sala La Cate for theatre, music, dance, cinema, circus or a children’s performance. The pre-show period offers useful opportunities to settle in, talk about what is coming and help children feel comfortable in an unfamiliar cultural space.
This guide is also relevant to Australian families used to planning around school holidays, weekend sport and an early arvo outing. Whether you are visiting Figueres or adapting these ideas for a local venue in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide, simple games and clear expectations can make the experience more relaxed for everyone.
Prepare The Story Before Leaving Home
Begin with a short, positive explanation of the event. Tell your child where you are going, what the venue may look like and how long the performance is expected to last. For younger children, avoid giving too much information at once. “We are going to see people tell a story on a stage” may be more useful than a detailed plot summary.
Look at photographs of Teatre El Jardí or Sala La Cate together if they are available, and point out features such as seats, curtains, stage lights and a foyer. Children often feel more confident when they can recognise a place before entering it. You can also explain that the room may become dark, the audience will be asked to listen and applause is welcome at suitable moments.
Pack lightly but sensibly. A water bottle, a small comfort item and a quiet activity can help, while noisy wrappers and large toys may distract other audience members. Australian families may already be familiar with carrying a sun hat and sunscreen for a bright walk, but remember that a theatre visit can include a cooler, darker indoor environment. A light jumper can be handy, even after a warm day.
Turn Waiting Time Into Play
The minutes before a show are ideal for a simple observation game. Ask your child to find three colours, spot the venue sign or count how many different types of shoes they can see. These activities keep small hands and minds occupied without creating noise. They also encourage children to notice the building and the people around them.
A theatre treasure hunt can be prepared before arrival. Look for a poster, a ticket desk, a red curtain, a musical instrument or a picture connected with the show. For a toddler, use only two or three items. For a primary-school child, add prompts such as “find something round” or “find a word you recognise”.
Families who use Australian terms such as “arvo”, “kindy” or “the school run” can adapt the activity to suit their child’s routine. An early afternoon session may work well after lunch, while a later performance may need a calm snack and quiet time beforehand. Avoid scheduling the outing immediately after a full day of school, swimming lessons or footy training if your child becomes overtired.
Make The Foyer Part Of The Experience
Once inside, allow a few minutes to explore rather than rushing straight to the seats. Show your child where the toilets are, identify the exit without making it alarming and explain where you will wait if someone needs a break. This small orientation is particularly helpful for children attending their first formal performance.
If the venue has posters, displays or a programme, invite your child to choose one detail to remember. You might ask what they think the performers will use to create sound, movement or magic. The aim is to encourage curiosity, not to test whether they have guessed the story correctly.
Try a quiet breathing or movement game if your child is restless. Roll the shoulders, stretch like a cat, then take three slow breaths while watching the lights or listening to the room. Keep it discreet and brief. A foyer is shared public space, so energetic running is best saved for an outdoor area or a suitable workshop.
For families travelling from Australia, the rhythm may feel different from a local council theatre or arts centre. European venues can have varied seating layouts, narrow foyers and different ticketing customs. Arriving with enough time to ask staff about prams, accessibility and late seating will prevent unnecessary stress.
Use Inclusive Preparation And Sensory Supports
Children respond differently to sound, darkness, crowds and waiting. Before the visit, explain which sensory changes might happen: music could become loud, the room may darken and performers may move close to the audience. Give your child permission to cover their ears, hold a comfort object or step outside with an adult if needed.
A visual schedule can be useful: travel, arrive, toilet, find seats, watch show, applause, leave. Use drawings or simple words for toddlers and children who benefit from predictable routines. Older children may prefer to know whether there will be an interval and when they can have a drink.
Accessible programming can also be part of family planning. Families can check the season’s sign-language performances and consider whether interpreted shows, relaxed arrangements or other access provisions suit their needs. When booking, contact the venue early about hearing assistance, wheelchair spaces, pram storage or seating near an aisle.
Theatre school activities at ATEB offer another way for children and adults to become familiar with performance. A drama game, movement exercise or storytelling workshop can make the idea of being in a theatre feel less mysterious. Even a short role-play at home—pretending to be an usher, actor or audience member—can build confidence.
Match The Activity To Your Child
The best pre-show activity depends on age, energy level and familiarity with live performance. A two-year-old may need movement and a comfort routine, while a nine-year-old may enjoy making predictions about the plot or instruments. Keep the preparation flexible rather than insisting that every child completes the same activity.
The following guide can help families choose a suitable approach before a show at Figueres a Escena or a similar Australian venue:
| Child’s age or need | Useful pre-show activity | What to bring or explain |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler | Spot colours, practise quiet clapping, visit the toilet | Comfort item, water, simple explanation |
| Preschooler | Picture-based venue tour, pretend theatre game | Visual schedule, small quiet toy |
| Primary-school child | Story predictions, poster hunt, sound-spotting game | Show length, interval details, notebook if appropriate |
| Sensory-sensitive child | Calm breathing, early arrival, quiet foyer exploration | Ear defenders, comfort object, exit plan |
| Child using accessibility support | Discuss the format and meet venue staff | Seating needs, interpreting or hearing assistance |
| Mixed-age family | Pair an older child with a younger sibling | Shared rules, snack timing and flexible expectations |
Keep rules brief and positive: feet stay near the seat, voices are quiet during the performance, and anyone can ask for help. Avoid presenting theatre etiquette as a list of punishments. Children learn more when adults model attention, applause and respect for performers.
After the activity, give your child a small role. They might hold the programme, help find the row, choose where to stand in the foyer or remind the family about silent phones. Responsibility creates a sense of belonging and can reduce anxiety about an unfamiliar environment.
A well-prepared pre-show routine does not need to be elaborate. Ten minutes of conversation, a short game and a calm arrival can be enough to help children settle. It also gives adults time to notice practical details, from toilet access to seating comfort, before the performance begins.
Families can explore upcoming theatre, music, dance, cinema, circus and children’s events through Figueres a Escena, then choose an activity that suits their child’s age and temperament. Build the outing around curiosity, comfort and shared discovery, and the theatre visit can become a lasting family memory.