Each year it seems that we start the new semester in September and all of a sudden it's that time again! Recitals or as we call them Student Showcases are an extremely important part of the studio life. An exciting, smooth running performance can not only spread goodwill with your current clients but also greatly add to your ability to publicize your studio to prospective clients. Every studio has their own creative ideas on how to present their dancers.
The one word of advice I could give is to try to keep your performances on the short side. There is an old showbiz saying, "Leave them wanting more! I know that you want to show every class and every parent wants to see their child, but so often I have had people tell me that they have just attended a dance recital that went on for four or five hours and that they didn't stay or that their husbands were bored to tears. We try to put on productions that will show all the dancers but that do not last longer than two hours with intermission. Make it like a professional show.
What are the benefits of doing it this way? First and foremost, no one is bored because the reality is that no matter how much you love dance, no one looks good after too many hours. Most of your audience are not dance aficionados and are primarily coming to see their child on stage, so if you can keep them entertained with the other numbers and they can see the progression their child may be able to take it will definitely help with your enrollment.
The number one thing you need to create is a manual for your recital. Start out with the time of year that you order your costumes to the loading out of your show. By creating this manual it will be a straight forward way for you to keep everyone connected with the production on track. Write a step by step description of everything that is needed in chronological order. Sometimes the most insignificant things can put a spanner in the works if not attended to. So, try not to overlook even the smallest details .Make a checklist of all the people you will need both backstage and in front of house to make your production a success. We do a separate show for our pre-school dancers at the end of each fifteen week session. We have found that it is so much easier and less pressure for the children at a very young age. It is, however, very important to have the dressing area for the younger children in the main shows extremely well staffed by faculty that are used to dealing with this age group. We do not allow any parent backstage unless it is someone who is working in the immediate backstage area and not involved with the preparation part of the dancers. I have been asked many times by studio owners if it is a good idea to use volunteers. In my experience it is generally better to pay someone a small fee to assist, the only exception I have to this is if there is a parent of a child who is on scholarship who can be helpful. College kids who are former students are usually a big help because they have experience with the way you run things plus they can always use the extra money!
Here is a checklist of things that are important to help you have a smooth running performance.
1. Try to order costumes no later than January to receive discounts and make sure they actually arrive in time!
2. Print up a calendar for you, your faculty and front desk staff. Include rehearsal times, Dress rehearsal days and times and performance days and times.
3. Make lists of backstage and front of house helpers. Arrange to have a meeting with them two weeks prior to the event to make sure you are all on the same page.
4. Make list of and order any technical equipment you may need: flooring, lights, special effects etc.
5. Order garment bags with your logo on to give each student their costumes in.
6. Arrange technical crew and people to help load in and out any props.
7. Check with theater to know what available stage lighting they have and decide whether or not you want to supplement it.
8. Arrange to have a TV set up in largest dressing area so students can keep busy backstage and watch each other.
9. Buy coloring books, crayons and books suitable for small children. Very often a few stuffed animals and stickers for good behavior are well received also.
10. Hiring a truck is a good idea if you have a lot of things that need to be transported to and from the studio and theater.
11. Make sure you have at least four healthy, strong young men to do all of the loading in and out so that you are free to direct!
I am sure you will have your own ideas of what you can incorporate into your checklist. The main idea is for you to have a smooth relaxed recital or show with as little mayhem as possible! Good Luck!
