A little "theatre magic"
Emily Giles • March 25, 2025
One phrase that gets thrown around when working with young people on theatrical projects is “theatre magic!” When we enter production week and it looks like we are miles away from where we want to be, I have been known to say, “Let’s just hope ‘theatre magic’ kicks in!” Or when parents ask, “how do you get all those kids to do what they are supposed to do on stage with just five days of rehearsal?” I half jokingly respond “theatre magic.”
When I say “theatre magic” am I really thinking the theatre gods will look down on us at that moment and shower us with magic dust to pull all the various pieces together? No, I do not. So what do I mean when I say “theatre magic?”
I define “theatre magic” as
- three parts the overwhelming human need to be a part of something bigger than oneself,
- two parts the human need to be involved with something creative,
- one part desire to do a good job, and/or show off
- A pinch panic that the clock is ticking!
Throughout my 20 plus years of working with youth in theatre, “theatre magic” has never let me down, but sometimes it does try my patience by waiting until the last minute to show up! I think giving youth the opportunity to be involved in a theatrical production is magical, and something every child should have the chance to be a part of during childhood!
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