Over the years, I’ve met lots of children who absolutely love Theatretrain.
I’ve also met some where I’ve thought, actually, this probably isn’t the best place for them.
So here are a few reasons why Theatretrain might not be right for your child.
1. They only want to dance
If your child absolutely loves dance and that is all they want to do, a specialist dance school may suit them better.
At Theatretrain, our Main Company children do an hour of acting, an hour of singing and an hour of dancing each week.
They don’t have to love all three equally. Most children have a favourite.
But they do need to be happy to take part in all three.
If your child really has no interest in singing or acting and only wants to dance, I’d probably say a dance school is a better option.
2. You really want exams and grades
Some children love working towards exams.
Some parents really like having grades, certificates and a clear syllabus to follow.
That isn’t what we do at Theatretrain.
We don’t work towards weekly graded exams. We work on performance skills, confidence, creativity, teamwork and putting work on stage.
So if formal exams are really important to you, there are other places that may suit you better.
3. Your child needs constant one-to-one support
We do have children with additional needs at Theatretrain, and we will always look at what support a child may need.
But we are a group activity.
Our teachers are teaching the whole group, so if a child needs one-to-one support throughout the whole session, we may not be able to give them what they need safely.
That doesn’t automatically mean the answer is no.
It just means we need to have an honest conversation first.
Sometimes we can make it work really well.
Sometimes we can’t.
And I’d rather be upfront about that than say yes to everybody.
4. Three hours is just too much for them
Our Main Company sessions are three hours long.
That can sound like a long time, but for lots of children it flies by because they are changing between acting, singing and dancing.
But it is still three hours.
For some children, especially if they get overwhelmed easily or tire quickly, it can just be too much.
And that’s okay.
It doesn’t mean they’ll never be ready for it.
It might just mean now isn’t the right time.
I wouldn’t want a parent to feel they have to push their child through a three-hour session just because they’ve started.
5. They really don’t enjoy working with other children
Theatretrain is very much about being part of a group.
Yes, there are individual moments. Children may get lines, solos or featured parts.
But a huge part of what we do is working together.
Listening to each other.
Taking turns.
Supporting someone else.
Being part of an ensemble.
So if your child really dislikes group work and only wants to work on their own, they may not enjoy Theatretrain.
6. The main aim is to get the lead role
This is probably one of the biggest ones.
If the main reason for joining is because you want your child to get lead roles and solos, Theatretrain might not be the right place.
Children absolutely do get lovely opportunities.
Some get solos. Some get bigger parts. Some get featured moments.
But we can’t promise that.
And actually, I think there is huge value in children learning how to be part of a company and do a smaller role really well.
Not everybody can be the lead.
And that’s not how I judge whether a child is doing well.
7. They try it and they just don’t like it
This one is really simple.
Sometimes a child comes for a taster and they just don’t enjoy it.
Not because they’re shy.
Not because they need a few more weeks.
They just don’t like it.
And that is completely fine.
Children are allowed to try things and decide they’re not for them.
I’d never want a parent to keep bringing a child just because they feel they should.
Yes, sometimes children are nervous at first and they need a bit of time to settle.
But underneath that, there should still be something they enjoy.
If there really isn’t, it may just not be their thing.
So who does Theatretrain suit?
Usually, children who are happy to give acting, singing and dancing a go.
They don’t need to arrive confident.
They don’t need experience.
They don’t need to be loud or outgoing.
They just need to be willing to try.
Some children join because they already love performing.
Some join because they want more confidence.
Some join because they want to make friends.
Some don’t really know what they’re looking for yet.
And that’s fine too.
The main thing is that they feel comfortable enough to start joining in and that they enjoy being there.
How will I know if Theatretrain is right for my child?
The best way is to let them try it properly.
That’s why we do full taster sessions.
It gives them the chance to experience what Theatretrain is actually like rather than just popping in for 20 minutes.
It also gives us a chance to meet them.
And if I think Theatretrain could be a great fit, I’ll tell you.
But if I really don’t think it’s the right place for your child, I’ll tell you that too.
I’ve got no interest in signing up a child who is clearly not going to enjoy it.
That doesn’t help anybody.
I’d rather be honest
I’d much rather lose a sale than have a child turn up every week not wanting to be there.
Theatretrain can be brilliant for the right child.
For some children it becomes the highlight of their week.
But it isn’t going to suit everyone.
And that’s okay.
The important thing is finding the place your child is actually happy to come back to.
For some children, that will be Theatretrain.
For others, it won’t.
And I think it’s better to know that from the start.
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