Looking for a way to nurture your preschooler’s imagination while having fun together? Say hello to theatre playtime! Theatre isn’t just for the stage—it’s a delightful way to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create memories with your little one. Plus, it’s packed with giggles and silly moments you’ll both treasure. One question I often hear from families is they find their preschoolers VERY dramatic - well let me tell you friends I think most preschoolers are DRAMATIC and it's not a bad thing. Those kiddos are learning how to handle big emotions, they are at the age where their imaginations are limitless and best of all they aren't worried about being judged!
Why Theatre for Preschoolers?
Preschoolers are naturally curious and love to pretend. Theatre activities tap into that innate creativity, helping your child:
Build Confidence: Pretending to be a roaring lion or a superhero encourages self-assurance.
Express Emotions: Acting out scenes helps them understand and articulate feelings.
Develop Social Skills: Team games and group storytelling teach cooperation and empathy.
Enhance Language Skills: Playing with dialogue, rhymes, and sound effects boosts vocabulary.
I have seen first hand how theatre has shaped my life when I found as a kid, my students lives and even my kiddos.
I know a lot of parents get stuck on how to encourage theatre and play so I thought I would share some fun games. I love to start the play time with saying "Do you want to play a game?"
This is important as theatre can be confusing for littles - think about it when you watched a movie as a kid and your favourite character was all of a sudden a different character (you were watching a diferent show or movie at the time). I also love the idea of having your preschooler say yes or no in the play. No one wants to play with a preschooler who doesn't want to play. Once your kiddo has said yes here are some great games to try!
Theatre Games Your Preschooler Will Love
1. Copy Cat Stand face-to-face with your child and take turns mimicking each other’s movements and expressions. It’s a hilarious way to build focus and coordination.
Here is how you can explain it: In this game look at my face, see what I am doing and you are going to try and copy it. Start with emotions: Happy, sad, angry, silly, sleepy, shy, serious.
Then give your kiddo a turn to make faces.
Next try to add movement as well.
2. Animal Parade Pick an animal and act it out together. Slither like snakes, stomp like elephants, or flap your wings like birds. Add sound effects for extra fun! Here is how you can explain it: Let's pretend to be a pig. How would we move? How would we sound? Let your kiddo take turns choosing the animal as well.
You can also add some music to this game. I like to call it Dance Like and you would dance/move like that animal.
3. The Magic Object Hold an imaginary object (like a feather or a heavy rock) and pass it back and forth. Let your child transform it into something new—a magic wand, a hat, or even a pizza! Here is how you can explain it: In this game I am going to pass an object to you, you need to guess what it is but seeing if it is heavy or light? What the shape is? Once you guess the object you are going to turn it into something else and pass it back to me.
This game may need to some clues to figure out what each object is, but I find the longer youu do it the easier iti becomes.
4. Silly Voices Storytime Choose a favourite book and read it using silly voices. Let your preschooler join in by creating their own character voices.
I don't want to toot my own horn here but when I use to read stories to my kiddos I created some EPIC character voices. Let's just say they never asked Daddy to read them stories. Not only is this fun to do, but if it is a story they know quite well they might love changing it up a bit. If there is no dialouge in the story you can stop and ask your preschooler - what do you think that character would sound like? Is their voice high or low? Do they talk fast or slow? You could even play with how that character would move like?
5. Freeze Dance Drama Play music and dance together. When the music stops, freeze in a funny pose or as a character—like a superhero or a ballerina. Always a classic but with a little twist. If your preschooler is getting really into you can ask what is something that character would say. For example maybe the super hero would say " I have to save the day'.
Tips for Theatre Playtime Success
Join the Fun: Your enthusiasm makes the experience magical. Don’t be afraid to get silly! To be honest I think this is the most important part. When your preschooler sees you doing something it gives them permission to do it as well. The more fun you have and the sillier you can be the better.
Let Go of Perfection: There’s no right or wrong way to play. Celebrate your child’s unique ideas. My favourite part about theatre is that there really is no right or wrong. One directors version of a show is exatcly that. You can go see that same play and because it has diferent actors and director it can be completely different. Encourage the play, laugh when things don't work and try again later.
Keep It Short: Preschoolers have short attention spans, so keep sessions brief—15-20 minutes is perfect. You could set a timer to start and I bet after the first few plays they will want to be playing longer. Like I said earlier choose a time where they want to play and of course you know your kiddo best so read their cues if they are done playing.
Use Props: Household items like scarves, hats, or stuffed animals can transform into fabulous costumes and props. Sometimes giving your kiddos things they may not normally get to play with as well is very exciting. I remember putting on my moms high heels and thinking it was the best thing EVER!
Face paint or make-up can be fun as well!!
Lights, Camera, Family Bonding!
Theatre playtime isn’t about creating the next Broadway star—it’s about connecting, laughing, and letting your child’s creativity shine. Whether you’re roaring like lions, telling stories, or playing freeze dance, you’re giving your preschooler the tools to express themselves and explore the world in imaginative ways.
P.S. Looking for more theatre fun? Check out our favorite games and activities for kids of all ages! 🎭✨
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