`A fantastic resource for everyone interested in children's theatre. Matthew Reason's groundbreaking research provides fresh insights into children's experiences of live theatre which are of great benefit to arts and education communities across the world.' Tony Reekie, Chief Executive, Imaginate<BR><BR>`This inspirational book, that cares passionately about the child's gaze, should be welcomed and cherished.' Tony Graham, Artistic Director, Unicorn Theatre<BR><BR>Children's theatre in the UK is thriving. Debates about why children should watch theatre and what educational, emotional and expressive benefits it can provide inform cultural policy and arts education. Children aged 4-11 are increasingly taken to watch tailored theatre performances, yet there has been virtually no reflective research on what theatre means to children. This book is the first to investigate the nature of children's theatrical perceptions and their experiences of being in an audience.<BR><BR>Matthew Reason uses innovative visual-arts based audience research, practitioner interviews and contextual analysis to explore the nature of young children's experiences of live theatre and the implications for its providers.<BR><BR>The Young Audience provides vital insights into how we can better support and enhance children's engagement with theatre. Its exploration of how young children perceive and respond to live theatre performances is invaluable for teachers, artists, researchers, students, policy makers and other professionals working with theatre or with young children in other contexts and environments.