Whens a good age to start drama?

[mum2oliver]

What age is ok to start a child with a drama group?
My ds is only 3.6 so a little young now but just interested as I loved it as a child and wished I had continued with it.

There are so many good drama groups for kids these days e.g. STagecoach, Perform etc

DS1 (now 8) started at 5 in Mini-Stages (Stagecoach) and loved it. At this age it's all just 'games' and 'songs' but building confidence.

Expect to get mixed opinions on this though - some people think Stagecoach and drama for kids is all about developing precocious kids...

DD did drama club at school last year - so started at 4.5yo in Reception. She hasn't bothered with it this year.

Would you say it builds confidence as im worried my ds lacks it and holds back.

Sorry what does precocious actually mean?

dh is a drama teacher and says try it out and if he likes it, then send him, if he doesn't then don't. drama can build confidence if they enjoy it, but it can also ruin their confidence if they are forced to do it when they don't want to.
if your child finds it fun then it will be a good thing.

precocious - "exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age" - but I used it to mean this in a not entirely positive sense i.e. think little girls dressed up to look like mini-adults with make-up etc and thinking a lot of themselves!

I agree with beautifuldays - it will be good for some and not others. Best thing to do is give it a try when he's a bit older?

thanku all.x

It depends what is meant by 'drama'.

Some drama classes (mostly franchises) have a bit of a reputation for being 'teeth and tits' theatre (i.e it's all about the end of term performance, and cheesy musical stuff, bratty 'star' performer included). Also often taught by performers rather than teachers. Very hit and miss in terms of quality I think. And bloody expensive.

I prefer (and teach) drama that is first and foremost FUN. Storytelling, games, teamwork, skills, silliness... much more relaxed and less focused on creating stars of the stage and (soap) screen. Look for drama classes run at arts centres IMO - MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper too. Sometimes they start at 3 too (I have taught Drama classes for 3-5 year olds).

A good teacher should be able to build his confidence with drama - good luck, hope he enjoys it!

Three of mine do drama club - it's much more low-key than Stagecoach and is mostly just games and putting on a little show for parents once a term. They all adore it and it has been particularly good for ds1's self-confidence. DD has just started and is 4.5 - the youngest they'll take them basically.

mine did it and it was wonderful, nothing as professional as stagecoach, but a small company, basiclaly confidence building games and such.
really good fun and to be recommended for shy children.

and age, school age i would have thought.

Mummymagic - I think that's the sort of broad generalisation I was anticipating with my earlier observation!

My kids have done all sorts of drama classes and courses with teachers and performers.
By far and away the best was Stagecoach (and yes, it was more expensive than some of the others) but they really enjoyed it and it produced some of the best results in terms of confidence and communication skills (acting and singing).And not a bratty child in sight....

Our local arts centre holiday club was totally shambolic and I took them out after a couple of days.

mum2oliver - it's worth asking around before you commit, and most drama clubs will let you have a free trial session to see if he likes it (although be aware it may take longer than this for a young child to settle in)

Oh yes, a total generalisation

But glad you had a good experience with Stagecoach, it's horses for courses with curriculum content really. And whether a child gets on with a class will pretty much depend on the teacher (Stagecoach or Arts Centre or whatever). But at Stagecoach prices - really can't work out how they justify it.