Normal, and worth planning for
Nerves and excitement are part of performing, and they are not the same thing. Both can show up as restlessness, quietness, silly behaviour or a sudden need for reassurance. A chaperone does not need to fix the feeling. The job is to create a calm, predictable space around it and to keep an eye on wellbeing through the day.
Keep the day predictable
- Go over the running order and rough timings in the morning.
- Keep to familiar routines for getting ready and moving between areas.
- Give the child a clear sense of what happens next, so the unknown feels smaller.
Short, gentle check-ins
Regular low-key check-ins work better than waiting for a problem to show. A quiet word away from the buzz of the set lets a young performer say how they are feeling without an audience. Ask open, simple questions and let them set the pace. If the child is accompanied by a parent or carer, work alongside them.
Look after the basics
Hunger, tiredness and thirst make everything harder. Regular drink breaks, food at sensible points and a rest from bright lights and noise help a nervous child stay steadier. Watch for the child withdrawing, becoming unusually quiet or seeming distressed, and involve parents, carers and the production team as needed.
Know where guidance stops
This is peer-level support, not medical or clinical advice. If you are worried about a child’s health, wellbeing or safety, follow your local authority policies and the production’s safeguarding procedures, and use the appropriate reporting route. Do not share identifying details of children in public or community spaces.
Chaperone Collective is a peer-led community for licensed child performance chaperones and tutors, with further practical guidance in the News and Updates library.