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There’s a kid in the middle of nowhere who’s sitting and living for Tony performances
Singing and flipping along with the Pippins and Wiggets and Kinkys, Matildas and Mormons-es
So we might assure that kid, and do something to spur that kid
Cause I promise you all of us up here tonight, we were that kid!
Neil Patrick Harris, Tony Awards 2013 Opening Number
I was sitting next to a 13 year old girl last night who was spurred to big dreams by the Tony Awards. We were watching at her insistence and it was a wonderful moment when I was informed that when she went to the Tony’s I could come with her and that she would remember to thank me.
These are the moments to encourage growth and exploration of a new love. Summer is the perfect time to try on new things. I always spent my summers dreaming and planning and doing. I painted, I built forts, I visited stables and brushed horses. Do we allow enough time for our children to dream? Or do we have camps taking the place of school from the first day of summer vacation? I am downsizing our summer this year!
Here is my plan. I will sign Weston up for two musical theater camps (at her request) and other than that I will give her the time and the room to put on any play she can imagine, write or perform. I can’t tell you how many showings of Annie my parents had to sit through in my childhood. It’s time for a little pay it forward!
And what does every young performer need? A stage…
An Underground Playground, CJ Online
A slightly raised platform with some curtains and your child’s song becomes a performance! I love stages in playrooms because they have the ability to transform into so many other things. One day a theater, one day a playhouse, a school, a hospital. The black board on the wall behind this stage can be used to create scenery or to help the transformation to another purpose.
HGTV
If you are creating a stage for your future American Idol a marquee, some lights and a couple of comfortable chairs for the audience are a nice touch. (Don’t forget how many performances you may be enjoying!)
You don’t need a lot a space for a stage this small corner with a window still works perfectly and it also makes a great reading corner with some natural light and privacy.
Beehive Stage Builders
I love the functionality of this “stage” some one was very clever to use the landing as you enter into the room. The door to the star’s “dressing room” is the door to the room and as you walk in you travel across the stage. Not one inch is unused in this playroom!
The Creative Family
But, honestly, a child will make anything a stage. This window seat serves many purposes and as long as it is deep enough to stand and move on safely it is a perfect performance space.
Designer Dad Studio
The most important thing any stage needs is an audience! And mom and dad are the best fans a performer can have.
Whatever, your child may dream of doing this summer make sure you allow them space and time. Summer is the time children grow and explore; encourage their natural curiosity! And enjoy the show while it lasts, tomorrow they may want to be a veterinarian and that’s fantastic too. Volunteering at a Humane Society could be fun…