A program in Central New York introduces theater before kids reach kindergarten. It's accessible to children of all backgrounds as the actors speak a made-up language.

Theatre for the Very Young puts on an entirely different type of performance, where the actors invite the kids to be a part of the show through play.

“We don't think that under five-year-olds are going to be able to sit still. So, we make these shows incredibly interactive,” said Kate Laissle, the director and advisor of Push, Pull, Together, Apart.

What You Need To Know

  •  Research from one study shows exposure to performing arts before 8 leads kids to say theatre is for them

  •  Theatre for the Very Young performs for children ages 1-5

  • Their show "Push, Pull, Together, Apart" brings kids directly into the action

While the finished product may look like playtime pandemonium, it has a purpose.

“The audience is like another fourth character in our show. So, the show can't happen without our young audience members being a part of it,” said Laissle.

Theatre for the Very Young introduces the concept of playing pretend for ages one through 5.

“I grew up near New York City, so we used to go to the theater a lot. So, I believe in that for kids,” said Kathy Keeler who brought her granddaughter to the show.

“The neat part was that the performers weren’t speaking a language that the kids understood it, but they understood what was happening because of the actions,” said Patty Searle who brought young children to the show with her.

This show is titled Push, Pull, Together, Apart. And the action is constantly changing.

From shapes to sound sculptures, to ping pong balls.

“Discoveries are really fun to watch happen live, and they happen every 2 seconds in these shows,” said Laissle.

One study with children over a three-year period, done by The New Victory theater in New York City and research firm WolfBrown, showed that exposure to live theater before the age of 8 made students say theater is for them. And those children exposed to live theater can better imagine others’ lives.

“And I know that a lot of people think that theater is just not for them because it's inaccessible. A lot of times, it's not free, it's not affordable. They weren't introduced to it as a young age. And I think that this just lowers the barrier to entry where people feel like theater is a place that they can come and that they are welcome at,” said actor Avery Larson.

Performances of this show were free for audiences, to help spread the joy of experiencing something new.

“Take advantage of the options that are near you, especially for children's theater. It's so important. It gives kids, again, that sense of autonomy, that sense of freedom,” said actor Bailey Levering. “I would never have considered theater for myself had I not seen a show when I was like four. My parents took me to see 'Madagascar Junior,' which I don't even think is a show anymore. But they took me to see some random kids show and I fell in love, and it was what got me into theater.”

“And I've always loved theater, too. I remember when I was like three years old, I went to a show, Cinderella, and I came home crying with my grandma and my parents like, why is she crying? And I didn't want to leave because I just loved it so much,” said actor Alyssa Beaulieu. “There's so many different types of shows out there. There’s plays, there's musicals, and they vary from reality to like fantastical. And so, there's something out there for everyone. And I would hate for anyone to ever not think it's for them."