So do some adults. Our area has all manner of performing companies catering to youngsters. For live plays, places like the Kennedy Center Theater Lab and the Smithsonian Discovery Theatre generally get national companies cut from relatively professional cloth. Kids still will be entranced, just as they will be by the mimes and magicians and dancers and other performers in our area. Take toddlers to shows for preschoolers or with audience participation.
Puppet shows are especially good introductions to theater.
Little ones sometimes get frightened. While they should learn not to talk at shows, let your child know ahead of time that it's okay to tell you if he or she is scared. If the child gets really upset, you should leave. If you can, sit on the aisle, especially with a first-timer. Dinner Theaters Not long ago, local dinner theaters cottoned to the idea of using their stages on normally dark Saturday mornings or early afternoons.