STEM on Stage: Backstage Books for Kids

If performing is the only thing that comes to mind when you think of the theatre, think again! Aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are a huge part of what makes theatre come alive, from the engineering required to build the sets to the technology required to run the lighting and even to the science of designing and building costumes.

Learn more from these theatrical picks for kids of all ages.

For little ones, check out Onstage & Backstage, a picture book where animal performers at the Owl Theatre are putting on a production of Cinderella.

For the budding thespian in your life, get a drama class in a book with Break A Leg!, a kids' guide to stagecraft. Learn about acting, creating a character, building sets, designing costumes and more.

Older kids and tweens (and even adults!) will love following Nate's adventures in Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate! where the drama onstage is nothing compared to the drama behind the scenes of a professional Broadway production.

One of my favorite books about backstage antics is Drama, a graphic novel starring Callie, who learns to problem solve on her school's stage crew (just how DO you build a working stage canon?).  Callie's friendship with another stage crew member, Jesse, is a highlight!

Or, gather as a family and watch a backstage concert movie, like Michael Jackson's This Is It to see how the designers, engineers and directors work together with artists to create the effects for a major concert.