Community Theater

One of our favorite things to do as a couple is go to plays and musicals. We have season tickets to the Hale Center Theater in Orem--a small community theater. Every 6-8 weeks, we have a built in date night that we already paid for last summer. It's awesome! We want our boys to learn to appreciate the theater, too. So last night we went on an family adventure.

We went to Mountain Ride Junior High for the play, Willy Wonka. Our 6 and 3 year old boys loved it! They kept singing the Oompa Loompa song and both loved Willy Wonka. We really like taking our boys to the school theaters because it is cheap and fun. We wouldn't feel bad if we had to get up and leave before the show ends (though we never have) because it's not like you're at a Broadway show. In addition, schools often do fun plays geared toward children, and we like supporting our local schools.

One tip for getting the most out of your theater experience: Tell your kids the story of the show as much as you can before you go. Watch the movie, read the book, discuss the characters, and they'll understand the show much better. We spent a few bedtime stories on Willy Wonka before we attended and it makes a world of difference.

If you are ever looking for a fun family activity, check your local high school or junior high and see what shows are coming up. We often end up at Mountain Ridge because my husband teaches in Highland and sees the flyers, and we like to watch his old students perform, but we watch the other schools as well. The school year is coming to an end, but we are excited for the show below.

If you'd like to try a play with your little ones, Annie is coming to Timberline Middle School July 6-16 (this is going to be put on by Alpine Community Theater, not students). Stick this on your calendar.

Another great community theater is the Scera Shell in Orem.