How To Help Your Child Be A Better Performer

There’s something magical about seeing your child light up the stage. One moment they’re belting out a show tune, the next they’re delivering a line with comic timing that would impress a West End pro. But even the most naturally expressive kids need a little backstage support to truly shine.

If your child loves to sing, act or dance, there are loads of ways to help them grow in confidence and develop their performing skills. From first-time jitters to standing ovations, every step of the journey counts. This guide is packed with practical advice to help you support your child as they discover the joy of performing and maybe even find their spotlight along the way.

Let’s raise the curtain and dive in.

How To Help Your Child Be A Better Performer

Helping young people thrive on stage doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. These top tips will give you practical ways to support your child’s performance journey and boost their confidence along the way.

1. Encourage the play before the performance

Before the bright lights and applause, it all starts with play. Acting, singing and dancing all grow out of playfulness, imagination and confidence. Encourage your child to be curious, silly, expressive and bold. Let them dress up, make up characters, improvise scenes and try out silly voices at home. Don’t worry if their first performance is to the family cat, that’s still a standing ovation in our books.

Play builds confidence without pressure, which is especially important if your child is just starting out. It’s also a great way to help manage stage fright. Many young actors feel nervous before performing, and letting them explore in a safe, low-stress environment helps ease those nerves.

2. Find the right drama classes

One of the best ways to help your child build skills and confidence is to join a good drama class. Look for performing arts schools that focus on nurturing talent rather than turning kids into stars overnight.

At a musical theatre school for kids, for example, students learn through fun, engaging lessons that cover singing, dancing and acting. Classes are tailored to different age groups, so young performers can grow at their own pace. Teachers are experienced and supportive, creating a safe space for every child to feel like they belong, whether they’re centre stage or waiting in the wings.

Classes also help kids make friends, learn how to work in a team and practise listening, responding and collaborating. These are key skills in performance, but also in life. It’s not just about the final show. It’s about the process, the journey, and the confidence they build along the way.

3. Support the rehearsal process

Practice makes perfect may be a classic phrase, but it’s spot-on when it comes to performance. Rehearsal is where the magic happens. Encourage your child to practise regularly, but don’t turn it into a chore. Help them set aside time that fits naturally into their routine, maybe ten minutes after school to run lines, or some time at the weekend to work on a self tape.

You can get involved too. Help your child learn lines. Be their audience. Film their monologue so they can watch it back and improve. Praise their progress, not just the final result. The key is to make it fun and rewarding.

If they’re struggling with certain lines or feeling frustrated, remind them that every actor faces those moments. Even professionals forget their words or lose confidence now and again. What matters is showing up, giving it a go and trying again.

4. Help manage nerves before a performance

Even the most seasoned actors still feel nervous before they step on stage. So if your child gets butterflies (or a whole flock of pigeons) before a show, it’s completely normal.

Here are a few ways to help them manage those pre-show jitters:

• Talk it out: Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous. Share your own stories of times you felt nervous and got through it.
• Breathe together: Try simple breathing exercises before a show: breathe in for four counts, hold for four, and breathe out slowly. It helps calm the nervous system.
• Focus on fun: Remind them it’s okay if it’s not perfect. The most important thing is to enjoy the moment and give it their best shot.

5. Understand the industry (without putting pressure on)

If your child is interested in auditions or wants to explore professional work, it’s worth learning a bit about how the industry works. There’s no need to rush into it, but being informed helps you support your child if they want to take it further.

Start with local opportunities. Some drama schools (like Spotlights) have a specialised talent agency which can organise auditions for external productions or run their own performances with casting directors invited. Your child might also create a self tape for a school or agency. Help them record it in a quiet space with good lighting and sound, and remind them it’s okay if it takes a few tries.

The industry can be competitive, but it’s also full of joy. If your child is serious about performing, keep reminding them that success comes with hard work, resilience and patience. One kid might land a role early on, while another takes longer to find their groove. Every journey is different and that’s absolutely fine.

6. Stay realistic and kind

We all want our kids to succeed. But it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget that not every child actor becomes the next West End star.

The best advice? Focus on the experience, not the outcome. If your child is having fun, learning and growing in confidence, they’re already winning.

If an audition doesn’t go their way or they miss out on a part, try not to make it a big deal. Rejection is part of the performing arts world, and learning how to handle it with courage and self-belief is one of the most important skills a young performer can develop.

7. Celebrate the small wins

Don’t wait for a big role or a standing ovation to celebrate your child’s progress. Every moment matters. Maybe they stood up in front of the class for the first time. Maybe they remembered all their lines. Maybe they helped another kid who was feeling nervous. These are all performances worth applauding.

Praising effort rather than just outcome teaches your child that their hard work, commitment and courage are valued. It also helps them stay motivated when things get challenging.

8. Talk to other parents

You’re not in the wings alone. Connecting with other parents can make a huge difference. Whether it’s chatting after drama classes, swapping tips on rehearsal techniques or sharing stories about auditions, being part of a performing arts parent community helps everyone feel supported.

It’s also a great way to get practical advice. Other parents might recommend a great singing teacher, share how they help their child manage stage fright, or offer tips on preparing for a self tape. Everyone’s experience is different, and learning from others can be incredibly helpful.

Looking for Musical Theatre Classes for Kids in London?

Helping your child become a better performer isn’t about chasing fame or being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about building confidence, encouraging creativity and nurturing a love for the arts that will last a lifetime.

If your child is ready to take their next step, why not explore the Spotlights Theatre School performing arts classes? Whether they’re curious about acting, keen to develop their singing or just want to make new friends and have fun, Spotlights offers a warm, welcoming environment where confidence takes centre stage.

Book your free trial or get in touch for more information!

FAQs

How can I help my child feel more confident performing in front of other kids?

Confidence grows with experience. Encourage small performances at home or in front of family to help your child get used to being watched. Celebrate their effort, not just the outcome.

Is it better to start small with performing opportunities?

Absolutely. Starting small helps your child build skills without too much pressure. A short solo in a class or a line in a school play can be the perfect first step.

What if my child compares themselves to other kids?

Remind them that every performer is on their own journey. Focus on their personal progress and praise their hard work to help them stay motivated and positive.