This paper reports on an Australian longitudinal research project to
explore and document children s perspectives on live arts performance and the
impact on children, their teachers and school communities. The research
involved collaboration between a State Department of Education and
Children s Services, a National Performing Arts company and a University
Research Institute for Early Childhood and Family Studies. 135 children from
four elementary schools attended two to three arts performances a year for
three years at a major performing arts venue. This paper will discuss the
responses of the younger children (4. 6-8 years of age) to performance, their
gains in language and literacy skills, and their appreciation of making a per -
formance. Principals, teachers and parents reported that children showed
more empathy and kindness to other children following live arts performance
and worked more collaboratively. Children were able to reflect on how they
would like to be involved in a performance and how they could use what they
had learned.