Should Your Child Take Theatre or Musical Theatre? (What’s the Difference?)
- centrestagekids
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 25
It was 11 years ago today that my youngest son was born. Just five days prior, I wrapped up directing a theatre show, a production I had poured my heart into. As I sat there holding my newborn, I reflected on the experience. I had a realization—I missed musical theatre. I had spent years teaching and directing straight plays for kids. While I absolutely loved it, something was missing. The energy, the music, and how a song could transform a moment—it all called me back. The question was, how could I make a full musical production work?
Fast forward to today. I often get asked by parents: Should my child take theatre or musical theatre? More importantly, what’s the difference?
Understanding Theatre
When we talk about theatre (or straight theatre), we're referring to performances that focus primarily on acting. Plays are usually dialogue-driven and concentrate on storytelling through character work, movement, and emotion.
In a theatre class, your child will learn:
How to build a strong stage presence
The art of storytelling through words and movement
Improvisation and quick-thinking skills
Confidence in speaking and performing in front of an audience
Creating and developing one or more characters
Theatre is fantastic for kids who love acting, wish to develop their communication skills, or enjoy the process of creating a character. If your child is a natural storyteller, enjoys reading, or loves pretending to be someone else, then theatre might be the perfect fit.
Exploring Musical Theatre
Musical theatre combines everything we love about acting with music and dance. It’s a triple-threat art form, meaning students work on acting, singing, and dancing all at once!
In a musical theatre class, your child will learn:
How to sing with confidence and expression
Basic dance and movement to enhance storytelling
How to combine acting with music to bring characters to life
The excitement of working with an ensemble in big musical numbers
Musical theatre is great for kids who love to sing and dance or those who thrive in dynamic environments. If your child belts out show tunes around the house or can't sit still when they hear a beat, musical theatre might be their calling.
Which One is Best for Your Child?
There’s no right or wrong answer. It all depends on what excites your child! Some kids naturally gravitate toward the dramatic depth of theatre, while others prefer the high-energy fun of musical theatre. Here’s a secret: many kids love both!
I've had students who began in theatre, later discovered musical theatre, and never looked back. Others have done the opposite, starting in musicals but ultimately falling in love with the beauty of a well-acted scene.
If your child is unsure, starting with a theatre class can build confidence in acting. If they show interest in music and movement, adding musical theatre can be a fantastic next step.
I know that when some kids think of musical theatre, they feel nervous about the singing. I love to remind them that plenty of options exist within every show. I ask my performers:
Do they want to sing? In a group or solo?
Do they want to dance? In a group or solo?
Is there a type of character they would like to play?
Reflecting on my own journey, during high school, I majored in theatre. I took it every day and loved every moment. But when it came to choosing a post-secondary school, I realized I didn't want to do "just" theatre anymore. I'd been there and done that; I wanted to explore further, and that's when I truly found my love for musical theatre.
Why Theatre (and Musical Theatre) Matters
Regardless of the path your child chooses, both theatre and musical theatre help develop critical skills. They cultivate creativity, confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. These experiences encourage kids to take risks, express themselves, and find their voice—skills that will benefit them far beyond the stage.
Looking back to that moment 11 years ago, I never could have predicted where my love for theatre and musical theatre would take me. However, one thing I know for sure is that every child deserves a chance to find their place in the performing arts. Whether through dialogue or song, theatre has a magical way of helping kids shine.
The Perfect Combination
So, what will it be—Theatre or Musical Theatre? Or maybe… both? Remember, both forms of art provide unique benefits and opportunities. Ultimately, it depends on what your child is passionate about!
Whether they prefer the spoken word or the beauty of a musical number, encourage them to explore both. You might be amazed at what talents they uncover.
If you kiddo loves theatre or musical theatre the key to any rehearsal, audition or class is a good warm-up. Check out my FREE vocal or actors warm-up (scroll down)
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