This is probably one of the biggest worries parents have before booking a taster session.
“My child won’t know anyone.”
It’s usually followed by:
“What if they’re left on their own?”
“What if they don’t make friends?”
“What if they don’t fit in?”
I completely understand those concerns.
As adults, most of us wouldn’t particularly enjoy walking into a room full of strangers either.
So let’s talk about what actually happens.
Most Of The Children Here Started The Same Way
One thing I often tell parents is this:
Most of the children already at Theatretrain arrived not knowing anyone either.
They all had a first day.
They all walked into an unfamiliar room.
They all had that moment of wondering where to stand and who to talk to.
The difference is that now they know each other.
When you’re looking at an established group, it’s easy to forget that every friendship started somewhere.
What Happens When A New Child Arrives?
One of the first things we do is introduce them to a Welcome Ambassador.
Our Welcome Ambassadors wear a lanyard, so it’s clear to everyone in the room that they have an important job to do.
Their role is simple:
Welcome our new students.
Introduce them to other children.
Walk with them so they’re never standing on their own.
Work with them so they know what’s happening.
Watch for them to make sure they’re happy and enjoying themselves.
That last part is particularly important.
It’s not just about helping children find the right room.
It’s about making sure somebody is looking out for them.
Friendships Don't Usually Happen In The First Hour
I think this is one of the biggest misconceptions parents have.
Sometimes a child comes home after a taster session and can’t immediately list three new best friends.
That’s okay.
Friendships take time.
What I usually see is something much smaller at first.
Week one:
They recognise a few faces.
Week two:
They know where they’re going.
Week three:
They start standing next to the same children.
Week four:
They’re chatting before class starts.
Nothing dramatic.
Just lots of little moments that gradually turn into friendships.
Why Theatretrain Helps
One of the advantages of performing arts is that children don’t spend three hours sitting quietly next to each other.
They’re constantly doing things together.
Working in pairs.
Creating scenes.
Learning routines.
Solving problems.
Sharing ideas.
When children are involved in group activities, conversations happen naturally.
They aren’t being told:
“Go and make friends.”
They’re working together on something, and friendships often grow from there.
The Friendships That Surprise Me Most
One of my favourite things about Theatretrain is seeing friendships form between children who might never have met otherwise.
Children from different schools.
Different year groups.
Different backgrounds.
Our shows are particularly good for this.
When all the age groups come together, it’s amazing to watch older students looking after younger ones.
Then a few months later, when we’re back in normal classes, you see them passing each other in the hall and greeting each other with hugs.
Those friendships started somewhere too.
Usually with a simple introduction.
What If My Child Is Quiet?
Being quiet doesn’t stop children making friends.
Some children walk into a room and immediately start talking.
Others take a little longer.
Neither approach is wrong.
The mistake parents sometimes make is expecting friendships to happen immediately.
For many children, belonging comes before friendship.
Once they feel comfortable.
Once they feel safe.
Once they feel like they fit in.
The friendships usually follow.
What If They Don't Know Anyone?
That’s perfectly normal.
Most of the children here started exactly the same way.
The goal isn’t for your child to arrive and instantly become best friends with everyone in the room.
The goal is for them to feel welcomed, included and comfortable enough to come back.
Because that’s usually where friendships begin.
Thinking About A Taster Session?
If you’re worried your child won’t know anyone, you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common concerns parents share before booking.
The good news is that helping new children settle is something we do every week.
That’s why we have Welcome Ambassadors.
That’s why we keep an eye on new children throughout the session.
And that’s why we focus so much on helping children feel like they belong.
Because once children feel they belong, everything else becomes much easier.
Find out more about our
amazing performing arts classes here
Theatretrain Leicester
Saturdays
Brockington College
10am-1pm
