Babies crying in theaters

I was watching a YouTube video of a play. This baby was crying for 2 full minutes over singing and monologues before the father took him out. How is this generally handled on Broadway? Does it happen often?

Simple. Children under 5 are not permitted at Broadway shows. Even Disney’s THE LION KING has it posted “no children under 2 permitted.” This info is clearly posted on show websites and ticket selling websites as well as the theatre’s box office. 

Does this rule also apply to off Broadway and off off Broadway shows?

Indeed. It’s standard policy, basically, and deters from anyone showing up with an infant/toddler and legally having the upper hand. 

HAMILTON is a bit more aggressive with their policy. Having to pay top ticket price for a 5 year old is a genuine deterrent for someone thinking of bringing their kid: 

Obviously a child doesn’t carry an ID to ensure they are of age, so while it is a rule that under a certain age is prohibited, some kids can look older than their actual age and also this rule operates in an honor system. (Personally, I grew like a weed and acted/looked 6 when I was 3, so anything is possible).

 

I don’t know much about children. For those of you who have experience with kids, at what age would a child typically be able to sit quietly through a musical?

PabloJuan said: "I don’t know much about children. For those of you who have experience with kids, at what age would a child typically be able to sit quietly through a musical?"

I love your first sentence, it's incredibly funny to me. There is endless talks in the Mom circles about what an appropriate age is for movie theaters, airplanes, musicals, etc. Many parents don't care about anyone's comfort and say "They are NOT entitled to a child free world!!" which makes me roll my eyes so hard. Some of these parents are my friends but we fundamentally disagree on this. People are entitled to a child free experience most of the time, but some places it's inevitable. If you're a good parent who doesn't believe in "free range/gentle parenting" (assholes), most people will extend grace to you. 

My friend wanted to take her 5 year old to Wicked and I told her what a horrible idea that was. Her chaotic kid started talking a lot and asking questions because he's... a kid. Then he started screaming for some reason during "Popular" and she ran out of the theater, which was convenient for her as I told her to book a seat on the aisle. She texted me "You were right, never again".

The thing about taking any kid under 10 to a show is you spend the entire time worrying they will misbehave, be disruptive, annoy people, and the list goes on. You aren't focused on having a nice time, you're just babysitting. It's a waste of money. Kids have much more fun when they can laugh and be weird at any kid's movie, and it saves you several hundreds of dollars and less need to drink afterwards.

Updated On: 5/16/26 at 04:08 PM

PabloJuan said: "I don’t know much about children. For those of you who have experience with kids, at what age would a child typically be able to sit quietly through a musical?"

It ranges quite a bit depending on the kid and the show. I have seen as young as 4 or 5 do well at a kid friendly show (not on Broadway) but that wouldn't be true for all 4/5 year olds for sure.

I think this is a way bigger problem at local theaters than Broadway or touring productions. I don't have a problem with parents trying it at a local school or community theater but if they get fussy, you have to LEAVE. Don't wait it out for a bit and see if they get better. Just go if they can't handle it.

I stay away from kids nights on broadway because of how annoying they are.  I agree, keep the kids at home 

I have no issue with babies in theaters so long as those shows are made for them. For instance, many years ago, the New Victory had an immersive 45 minute show in one of their spaces called "Baby Rave" which was exactly that. It was a rave party for infants 6 months to two years old (can't get much younger than that)! But the idea is that lights and sound are critical in a toddler's development. Music and lights played along with teacher assistants helping the the parents and children. I think they had four shows and they all sold out within minutes. No word if E or other drugs were passed around. They also had another show a year or two later called "White" designed for 2-4 year olds. I saw it and it was absurdist genius that worked on so many levels that it would take paragraphs to describe it here but the children were completely enchanted by it. But Broadway and most off-Broadway? No.