“You Are Here” reminds us what really matters in the early years
In the whirlwind of toddlerhood, it’s easy to lose sight of how important those early moments are. But in those fleeting, sensory-rich experiences, so much of a child’s foundation is built.
You Are Here, a gentle and immersive theatre experience created especially for children aged 2 to 6, invites families to slow down and truly be present.
Created by Danish artists with a deep understanding of early childhood development, the show helps little ones explore the world through sound, movement, and story.
With performers at eye level, lights left on, and room for every kind of response, You Are Here creates a gentle, welcoming space for connection
We had the chance to interview the creators and performers behind this show, Pernille Bach and Christian Schrøder, about the inspiration behind the show and what families can take from it.
1. You Are Here is such a beautifully immersive experience for little ones. What inspired you to create a performance that speaks directly to toddlers, especially those in the crucial early years of development?
Young children explore the world through their senses. All of our performances, including this one, are created specifically for 2-6-year-olds with a focus on sensory experiences. You Are Here was inspired by the interaction between words and images and how people navigate them in different ways.
Some of us are highly visually oriented, while others rely a lot on letters, rhythm, and signs —this contrast sparked the idea for a show about finding your way in the world. Whether as a child, an adult, or even a sea turtle, there are many ways to find your way.
2. The first 1000 days are often described as a “foundation for life”. How does this philosophy influence your approach to children’s theatre and storytelling?
Children start building their foundation through sensory experiences, and we are deeply focused
on how they engage with the world in those early years. In our performances, we intentionally activate multiple senses to spark curiosity—because curiosity leads to questions, and questions lay the groundwork for knowledge.
Our shows are designed for ages 2-6, ensuring that even the youngest children grasp meaning,
while older ones discover deeper layers. We also emphasise eye contact and presence, creating a space where children feel seen and engaged.
By nurturing creativity and curiosity at this crucial stage, we help children develop the confidence, awareness, and sense of wonder that will guide them as they grow—because engaging with the world through the senses doesn’t stop at age three.
3. So much of toddlerhood is about learning how to navigate the world—and themselves—through emotion, movement, and play. How does your storytelling approach mirror or support these early developmental milestones?
Our work is sensory-based, using soundscapes, objects, movement and storytelling that resonate with young children.
Finding one’s way in the world is easier when guided, which is why You Are Here first invites children to observe, then encourages them to explore on their own. After the performance, children and parents or caregivers create their own stories using illustrated stones, forming patterns with images and letters.
This process mirrors how children develop narratives, fostering creativity and, for those drawn to letters, an early readiness for school.
4. Your show is performed at the child’s eye level—a simple yet powerful idea. Why is that perspective so important when engaging with toddlers?
Because it makes sense! It’s all about connection. We create a space where children and adults
feel safe and welcome—a meeting between us and them. Keeping the lights on allows everyone to orient themselves, and we seek eye contact to create a sense of presence and engagement.
Our approach is always playful. To truly communicate with children and their parents, we must
share stories with them, not just present them. We stay curious about how they respond, making
every performance a unique and interactive experience. It’s all about presence, curiosity, and connection.
5. In You Are Here, children are invited to participate and play, rather than just watch. How do you see interactive theatre nurturing creativity and emotional development in young children?
Well, it’s not so much about playing as it is about exploring. First, children watch the performance, letting it inspire them. Then, they engage by creating their own stories, patterns, and pathways.
This interactive space allows them to experiment with how images and letters shape different kinds of stories. By participating, children discover their own ways of navigating the world. It becomes a space for curiosity, creativity, and self-expression, helping them understand not just the world around them, but also themselves.
6. Denmark is often praised for its progressive, child-centred parenting style. What elements of Danish parenting culture have influenced the themes or structure of this Show?
Our approach is rooted in how we see and interact with children in Denmark. Like all our shows,
You Are Here speaks to both children and adults, fostering connection and presence—something increasingly under pressure in modern life.
Danish parenting emphasises shared moments, and we reflect this by telling stories that capture
the essence of meaningful childhood experiences. Sensory experiences often create lasting
memories that shape who we become, like a quiet fishing trip with a parent or simply feeling the wind on your face.
In You Are Here, we try to bring these values to life by creating a space where child and adult
experience the journey together, rather than just observing. Through storytelling, music, and
sensory elements, we aim to strengthen their bond and encourage a shared sense of curiosity.
7. The music and soundscapes in You Are Here are incredibly evocative. Can you tell us a bit about how sound plays a role in engaging a toddler’s senses and imagination?
When creating the soundscape for our shows, we work a lot with expectations—expanding and
playing with soundscapes, from the tiniest sounds to the biggest. Music goes straight to our
emotions without any filter, allowing us to shape the atmosphere and connect with the audience in a deeply intuitive way.
We want to awaken the audience’s ears and iinvite them to truly listen. We’re always curious about how sound can capture their attention, draw them into the world of the performance and spark their imagination.
8. What are some of the most surprising or heartwarming responses you’ve witnessed from young children during performances?
The most beautiful moments are when children and their parents find a peaceful, creative space
together, where they are equal and fully present. Whether during our shows or workshops, these shared moments of connection are always special, no matter where we are in the world.
It’s also incredibly moving to see how families everywhere share the same deep love for their
children. In a time when we often hear about our differences, these moments remind me how
much we all have in common.
9. For many parents, taking a toddler to the theatre can feel daunting. What would you say to reassure them about bringing their little ones to this kind of show?
We understand that for many children and families, this may be their first theatre experience.
That’s why we create a safe, welcoming space—never dark or overwhelming, but warm and
inviting, with gentle music. Children sit close to their parents, so they feel secure, and if they ever need to step back, that’s completely okay.
We are highly attuned to the children’s responses. While our performance has a set structure, we always adapt to each audience, making eye contact and adjusting our play accordingly.
Every child engages in their own way—some respond immediately, while others quietly take everything in.
There is no right or wrong way to experience our show; there is space for every kind of reaction.
10. Many parents are becoming more aware of the science behind early childhood development. How can the arts – especially live, sensory-rich performances – support what we know about the first 1000 days?
The arts provide an essential space for young children to engage with the world. We view our
shows as “incubators for curiosity,” offering time and space for immersion.
By incorporating natural materials, tactile objects, vivid soundscapes, stories, and illustrations, we stimulate sensory development, which is vital for cognitive, emotional, and social growth in the early years.
By activating their senses, we encourage children to ask questions, experiment, and connect with their surroundings, helping them see themselves as part of the world around them.
11. How do you hope children and their parents feel when they leave You Are Here?
With the motto “Stories that live on…” we hope that children and parents leave the performance
feeling inspired to talk about finding their way in the world. You Are Here is not just a show – it’s an invitation to explore and reflect further.
To support this conversation, every child receives a free poster with images and stories from the
show, so parents and children can reconnect with the experience at home. Additionally, the book
“You are Here” is available for purchase to further extend the experience. We really hope that the journey continues long after the show ends.
12. And finally, for our Kiindred parents, do you have any simple everyday practices or rituals inspired by the Nordic approach that families can try at home to nurture connection and creativity during those early years?
Don’t forget to spend time in nature together. It’s one of the best ways to connect!
At home, remember to play with your children while they are young—time flies! Activities like
tumbling, roughhousing, and body movement help develop coordination and balance, which are a big part of parenting in Denmark.
To nurture creativity, encourage your child to practice fine motor skills too. You can find helpful tutorials on our website, to guide you.
Lastly, keep in mind that repetition is key for young children—they thrive on it because it helps them process and understand the world.
These simple, sensory-rich moments spent together create memories, lasting bonds, and stimulate creativity.
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