How to Be a Theatre Kid

Co-authored by Greg James Blount

Last Updated: November 4, 2024

What does it take to be a "theatre kid?" It takes a willingness to be yourself, work your hardest, and an ability to look past stereotypes to see what really goes on within the theater and broadway.

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Look the Part: One of the best things about being a theatre kid is that you can look the way you want. Theatre kids are known for being themselves and not caring about the judgment of others.
- While that is certainly not true of everyone, acceptance of themselves is a goal that theatre kids work towards. You can be any height, weight, do your hair however you’d like- diversity is key. Because theatre kids strive to be themselves, they do not feel pressured to wear designer clothes or popular mall labels. It is the art that matters, so when it comes to clothes they are like any other kids. While preppy certainly isn’t the norm, you won’t be judged if you dress like it as long as you don’t have the stereotypical prep attitude that many attribute to that style.
- Comfort, in a presentable and laid back way, is key because much of the time you will be in rehearsal or in a class perfecting your craft. T shirts, jeans, converse, dance pants, flats- things like this. It’s not to say theatre girls don’t love heels, they do, but it’s just not convenient for rehearsal. Outside of the theater though, they are just like every other kid. Hoodies from musicals are a social status, saying "Hey! I saw this show! Ask me about it!".
- Also, it is unappreciated by true theatre kids when others try to be accepted into the group just because they dress in a stereotypical manner. Theatre kids don’t all wear cartoon or comic tees or shirts with “witty” sayings, in fact, few do. These ideas only came about because the negative stereotype is “weird.” Also, you will not be accepted as a theatre kid just because you wear the shirt from your favorite musical. They don’t care how much you like “Wicked”, it is the dedication they want to see.
Well, not literally. But hey, if you feel like it, do it. Like I said in the step above, theatre kids work at being themselves. If you feel like being a bit crazy, be crazy, and if you feel like sitting by yourself with your iPhone or reading a book- you can do that too. As far as literally singing, theatre kids do that. Feel free, be loud, sound pretty, sound awful; it’s great stress relief. While it’s true that many theatre kids do love musicals and classic music like the Beatles, everyone is different. So while you may find some who shun the mainstream radio, you’ll find just as many who love it and many in-between. Just be prepared that theatre kids love diversity in their music, do not judge their tastes. If you don’t like it, don’t listen.

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The core group of theatre kids are those who have found their passion in the art and are tirelessly devoting themselves to it. It is extremely apparent when you are not committed. Many kids who do theatre, in your school for instance, may have other interests; maybe some terms they do sports after school instead of the play. It's perfectly fine to do that, but the amount you are committed to either activity is what will distinguish you as a "theatre kid" or as a really good friend" of the theatre kids. Yet don't feel pressured to give up on all your other activities and dedicate your life and soul to theatre.
.and try to fail again: Theatre, as an art, is difficult. For many, it does not come easily and it takes many failures to find a success. You need to learn to see the value in small successes so you don't feel discouraged because rejection will happen. You need to have a sense of "This is what I love and I will not give up." Many theatre kids struggle with self worth because it is such a demanding and competitive activity. Just do your best, be happy, and you will find friends and things to be proud of.
Theatre kids often feel judged by other groups, so don't turn around and do it too. It's hypocritical. Just because someone does sports and not theatre does not make them a bad person or unworthy of your time. Accept other's passion as you wish they would accept yours.
If you're in a show, talk about it! Don't be shy! If you like a show, try to get your friends to listen to it!

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Is theatre acting different from regular acting?

Greg James Blount
Acting Coach & Director of Talent Development
Greg James Blount is an Acting Coach, Talent Development Director, and co-owner with his wife of the Green Room Acting Studio based in Boca Raton, Florida. Greg has over 30+ years in the talent industry. His online acting studio trains hundreds of students each month and has been responsible for many actors being discovered and gaining representation, including Kira Kosarin (Nickelodeon's The Thundermans), Kayden Muller (Disney’s Villains of Valley View), Colin O’Brien (WONKA, Dear Edward), Cade Sutton (Disney's Kirby Buckets), and Christopher Cassarino (HULU’s Reasonable Doubt, NBC's New Amsterdam). Greg also owns Sound Tree Entertainment and has produced several award-winning films and TV shows. In May 2024, he directed his first feature film, The Tan Man. Greg has a degree in film production and a minor in fashion photography from the University of South Carolina.

Greg James Blount

Acting Coach & Director of Talent Development

Expert Answer

Theater acting is all about big, bold expressions to reach a live audience, while film and TV acting focuses on subtle, natural performances for the camera. On stage, you have to project your voice and movement. While on-screen, even the smallest expression matters. Shifting between these two takes different skills, which is why training for each is specialized.

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Would being on stage crew work?

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Of course! The stage crew is just as important as the actors in the theater program.

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How should I prepare for an upcoming school play?

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Just practice. Go over lines and songs and focus. Work with fellow actors or actresses and try to make it perfect.

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Being a theatre kid is a serious undertaking. It isn't always easy because being in one school play doesn’t make you part of that group. Theatre kids (as a group) are tight knit and they stick together. It’s like a family. You need to show dedication and commitment and an appreciation for diversity. If you’re not willing to do this, and you wanted to be a theatre kid because you saw “Hairspray” and liked it, it will be difficult. Theatre is a craft.

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You don't have to memorize the original Broadway, West End, and national tour casts of every musical ever created, but still make sure that you know about a variety of musicals, songs, and famous actors. Only knowing about Les Miserables and Wicked doesn't count. Keep up with the latest upcoming shows, make sure you know the famous ones (Hairspray, Avenue Q, Phantom of the Opera, Aida, etc.), and hold true to the classics.

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Theatre kids at different schools and theatres are all different. While you might find more stereotypical ones at one school, they may be really diverse at another.

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