Two of my favorite theater experiences were at Children's Theatre. The first was watching Go Dog Go. In addition to our 3-year-old and five-year-old daughters, we had a 3-year-old boy with us. My husband is uncomfortable with kids misbehaving in public and he was sure this was going to be a disaster. The kids were riveted. They goofed-off during the intermission, but didn't miss a minute of the play when the actors were on stage. We were also amused with the sets and the adaptation.
The second experience was an OnStage performance. Students who participate in the School of Theater Training program (weekly classes from September to March) are eligible to participate in five weeks of intensive rehearsals, followed by a weekend of performances. One of my daughters was cast into Urinetown, and I left the final performance thinking we were in on one of Charlotte's best kept secrets. The talent of the kids was impressive - as was that of the directors, choreographers, and others who worked with the kids. I had never seen this play before, but I am sure there was never a better performance. Although rehearsals are held almost every weeknight during the five-week period, my daughter thrives on being part of this group - enough so that I don't mind driving from South Charlotte daily.
Take your kids to the plays. Sign-up your kids for the classes. You will not be disappointed.