Stanford Wives

So your school has given you a fixed budget to book a school assembly program and you have no clue where to start. Just follow this simple outline and you will find the the process to be quite elementary!

Step 1:  Ask your teachers and school administrators what subjects that the school is looking to highlight. Possible school shows could be on reading, math, science.  Many schools are concentrating on Green Shows or Anti-Bullying programs.

Step 2:  Find your school assembly program.  Contact other schools in your area first.  Ask them for recommendations. Next search web-sites for school show performers in your area.  You will find that thest performers are often the most affordable becasuse travel means expense. When you are searching the web, use your state name and words “school show” to isolate assemblies in your area.

Step 3:  Contact the peformer.  Here are some questions that should be asked before booking any performer for your school.

•  How many years have you been performing in schools?
• What schools in my area have you been to?
• Can I see a video or live performance?
• Do you have an audience size restrictions ( if you are a large school, you can often purchase a “back to back” show for a reduced cost.
• What are your set-up requirements? ( does performer use their own sound system, props etc….

Step 4:  Sign a contract or performance agreement.  Some performers may want a deposit.  The contract phase is most important as you will get real feel for how professional performer is.  If the performer is seasoned and has been doing for a while, contract will most likely be emailed or faxed.  Final show fee balance is usually required at the end of show.

Step 5:  Prepare for performance

• Make sure date is on the school’s master calendar.
• Let anyone that is going to be inconvenienced by the school assembly know that there is an show on that day. Most teachers and staff that should be notifed personally are music and band teachers, gym teachers and of course the school custodian.
• Write up a brief summary about the performance and give to teachers.  This material will be available from your performer.
• Have a brief introduction prepared so that you or school principal can introduce the show in a professional manner.
• Make sure performer’s  set-up needs are met.

Now……Enjoy the Show!