Broadway Kids, Big Dreams, and the Tony Awards: Why Child Performers Continue to Steal the Show
Every year, the Tony Awards remind us that Broadway is part concert, part athletic event, part emotional support group, and part “HOW is that child tap dancing while singing an eleven o’clock number?” For theatre fans, the Tony Awards are one of the most exciting nights of the year. It’s Broadway’s Super Bowl, Oscars, Met Gala, and choir concert finale all rolled into one glorious, jazz-handed celebration. But one of the most magical parts of the Tony Awards has always been the spotlight on child performers. Because nothing inspires students quite like watching kids their own age command a Broadway stage in front of millions of people while fully committing to choreography that would send most adults directly to physical therapy.
Why Broadway Is Such an Incredible Opportunity for Kids
Performing on Broadway as a child teaches skills far beyond theatre.
Young performers learn:
discipline
teamwork
memorization
public speaking
emotional expression
resilience
confidence
collaboration
Broadway kids are essentially tiny professionals carrying binders and emotional support water bottles.
Many young performers balance:
schoolwork
rehearsals
auditions
vocal coaching
choreography
live performances
And unlike film acting, Broadway performers do it LIVE. Every single night.
No editing. No second takes. No “let’s fix it in post.”
Just talent, preparation, and hopefully remembering where their spike mark is.
Celebrities Who Started as Child Broadway Performers
Many major stars got their start performing onstage as kids before moving into television, film, or music.
Anna Kendrick
Before starring in the Twilight and Pitch Perfect film series, Anna Kendrick made her Broadway debut at age 12 in the musical High Society and was even nominated for a Tony Award for her performance!
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande hasn’t always been the girl in the bubble. At age 15, Grande made her Broadway debut as just a girl in the back, an ensemble member and understudy in 13 the Musical.
Caleb McLaughlin
The first in our Stranger Sings series, McLaughlin made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in The Lion King at age 11 until he was 13. Two years later, he was cast in the Netflix series Stranger Things.
Gaten Matarazzo
McLaughlin’s Stranger Things co-star also has a theatrical background, having performed on Broadway in both Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert and Les Misérables before he turned 12.
Lea Michele
Growing up in New Jersey, Broadway dreams weren’t too far away for Michele, who performed on Broadway in Les Miserable at 8 years old before originating the role of The Little Girl in the musical Ragtime at age 11.
Nick Jonas
Also a native of New Jersey, before breaking big with his brothers, Jonas performed professionally beginning at age 7, starring on Broadway in Annie Get Your Gun, Les Misérables, and Beauty and the Beast.
Sadie Sink
Like her Stranger Things costars, Sink began singing on Broadway at a young age, performing the title character in the musical Annie at 10 years old. She later returned to Broadway only 3 years later in the play The Audience opposite Helen Mirren.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sink isn’t the only actress who got her start in a red wig. Parker made her Broadway debut at age 12, first in the ensemble before later taking on the title role in the original production of Annie.
Broadway Shows That Featured Incredible Child Tony Performances
“Revolting Children” from Matilda the Musical (2013 Tony Awards)
The Tony Awards performance from Matilda became an instant Broadway classic. The child ensemble performed difficult choreography, rapid-fire lyrics, and emotionally layered storytelling with astonishing precision.
“Angry Dance” from Billy Elliot the Musical (2009 Tony Awards)
The Billy Elliot Tony performance showcased astonishing dancing and emotional storytelling from child actors performing one of Broadway’s most physically demanding roles.
“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” from A Christmas Story: The Musical (2013 Tony Awards)
The child performers in A Christmas Story became a huge part of the musical’s charm and success. Theatre fans still praise the energy and comedic timing of the young cast.
“You’re in the Band” from School of Rock (2016 Tony Awards)
The child performers in School of Rock amazed audiences because many of the students played instruments live onstage while acting and singing. Critics repeatedly highlighted the extraordinary talent of the young cast. This is the kind of performance that makes every music teacher immediately want a larger budget.
Why This Matters for Students
The Tony Awards are more than entertainment.
They show students:
kids can achieve extraordinary things
creativity matters
the arts are valuable
storytelling builds empathy
performance develops confidence
Not every student will perform on Broadway.
But every student can benefit from:
creative expression
collaboration
confidence-building
finding their voice
And sometimes all it takes is one Tony Awards performance to inspire a student to:
audition for a play
join choir
try dance
write creatively
speak up in class
believe in themselves
That’s the real standing ovation.
Jake Perlman is the founder of Teachertainment, blending education, entertainment, and pop culture to turn learning into an unforgettable experience.
