i mean, don't misunderstand me, here

i still don't like kids. i don't.

but

performing at 10am for a random assortment of children, from what seems like 6 year olds to high schoolers, has, at times, been a really rewarding experience. hearing that one little kid laughing louder, and a little bit later, than anyone else in the audience. or learning that another whispered "Benedick!" when our Benedick came onstage alone. it's exciting. those little moments.

of course, on the other hand, there tends to be a lot more silence. huge gaping holes of silence. which can be frustrating, especially when it seems obvious that their teachers have been preparing them for this field trip for over a week..."if any of you so much as lets out a peep! let alone poke your neighbor, or chew gum, or fall asleep, or kick the seat in front of you, or put your shoes on the seats, or get peanut butter on anything, you will be in time out, or detention, or what-have-you for a week! do you hear me? a week!"

so.

then they get here and sit on their peanut-butter-free hands, praying they won't have to pee before intermission, and holding their breath until curtain call.

somebody tell the children of the world that it's ok to boo and hiss at the bad guys. life's more fun that way.