FAMILY FUN at the FINE ARTS CENTER
And it's meaningful and affordable!
This
year, give your child the gift of attending a live performance! It's a
unique chance to expose your family to diverse cultures and art forms —
and a thrilling opportunity to witness the magic that can happen on
stage. Whether your child is six, 12 or 17, we have performances that
your whole family can enjoy together. And with discounted youth tickets
and a flexible and affordable subscription, you'll be able to find a
package that fits your family's budget and busy schedule.
We continue this season with The Arts Give Back
at select events where children will have the chance to donate items to
various charities — a simple and fun way to let them make a difference
in their own community. Just look for The Arts Give Back name next to selected events.
The
Fine Arts Center is a place where families are welcome and celebrated.
Please join us as we explore the arts, our communities, and the rich
cultures of the world.
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE 15%. YOU JUST HAVE TO TAKE 3!*
Pick
just three OR MORE events from any of the Center Series and Asian Arts
& Culture and save 15%!* Enjoy all the benefits of
subscribing—guaranteed seating, ticket exchange privileges, dining
discounts and much more. Add on at any time and still receive a 15%
discount on your new order. (Applicable to price range A & B
general public prices only.)
Children
are welcome at any event. We have noted a few below as a guide to what
might be appropriate for specific ages. Of course, you know your
children best and there may be alternate events that you would like
them to experience based on their particular interests. For Center
Series weeknight performances, the curtain is at 7pm or 7:30pm to help
with earlier bedtimes.
Great for families with children 6 and older:
Great for families with youth 12 and older:
(In addition to events listed above)
Take Your Kids to the Theater!
Tips for Making the First Experience a Hit
Telling
stories, dancing, playing with puppets, singing, pounding drums, and
tooting horns -- for kids, these are all just part of everyday play. No
wonder they love live performances, where this kind of fun is
transformed into art. Before you pack your kids up for their first
show, though, review a few of these tips from veteran theater-going
parents. They'll help ensure that everyone in your crew enjoys the
excitement -- and that all their expectations are met.
1.
Tell your kids all about the performance in advance. The more they feel
familiar with what's going to happen, the more they -- and you -- can
relax at the show. (Don't worry about spoiling the surprise, kids
thrive on repetition.)
2. Make your
evening an event. Theater is an excuse to get dressed up, go out to
dinner, and have a full evening of fun and conversation with your kids.
3. Come prepared. Bring binoculars, bottled
water, which is allowed in many theaters including the Fine Arts Center
, and if you like, unwrapped hard candies (to avoid a lot of paper
rustling).
4. Read the program together.
While you are waiting for the show to begin, show your child pictures
of the performers, explain the structure of the show (For example, is
it in three acts?), and review any words that are new to them, such as
intermission or orchestra. Be sure your child saves the program, too,
for the family scrapbook.
5. Review basic
theater etiquette with your kids. There is no talking in the theater
(Whisper!), and if you have to leave your seat during the performance,
you will be ushered back in between acts.
-- from the Editors at FamilyFun magazine
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© 2009 University of Massachusetts Amherst, Site Policies
