Student Blog: The 'Next' Next Generation: Young Actors

After spending nine weeks in Christian Family Theater's pilot program as a student director, I noticed a lot about our younger actors and how they compare to teenage actors.

First, it's important to note that tween actors are still developing and most are untrained. That's part of the magic– youth is special and fleeting. 

Every performance from them deserves awe and "awwwww" from the audience. It's inspiring to see so much enthusiasm from children.

CFT's Madagascar Kids took place this fall, and I was the student Director of Design. We cast children ranging from age seven to eleven, and in just eight weeks, the kids learned an entire show, and executed it with the same level of precision and talent we see from teen actors. 

Some of the children were so excited about the show they learned all the lines and songs.

Over half of the kids had never danced in a group before, and some could not read! 

They learned so much about foundational theatre and every performer thrived. Our students were such hard workers, and natural entertainers.

The actors were so respectful and kind to each other. They saved the drama for the stage– no tears, no fights. 

They learned theater etiquette, and their manners were amazing! 

I've never heard so many yes ma'ams and thank you's.

 Teenage actors– including myself– could definitely learn a thing or two from our tween counterparts.

That's what theatre is, at the end of the day. A willingness to learn, respect for others, empathy, and a childlike wonder. 

What makes theatre so special is watching others grow and seeing them tell stories that make you feel something– that's the empathy aspect.

These children learned to understand their characters in order to portray their characters.

It's easy to forget why we do theatre. Watching this cast blossom reminded me why I love the arts so much.

Theatre is where they feel safe to make mistakes and try something new. Theatre is where they find new friends and find their voice.

Theatre is where I found my circle of close friends and where I learned how freeing it is to let loose and be silly.

This generation of theatre is excited for what's next.

And the answer is: it's them.