Producing School Performances: A Guide for Elementary School Teachers
School performances are not merely events; they're opportunities for students to showcase their talents, for educators to foster creativity and confidence, and for communities to come together in celebration of shared experiences.
To ensure the success of these performances, meticulous planning and thoughtful consideration are essential. From selecting the venue to engaging the audience and everything in between, each step plays a crucial role in delivering a memorable and impactful event.
1. Defining the Purpose
Before diving into the logistics, it's imperative to clarify the purpose of the performance. Is it an opportunity for students to exchange feedback and refine their skills? Or perhaps it's meant to demonstrate mastery of a subject or assignment? Alternatively, the event might aim to foster a sense of community among families and participants. Understanding the purpose guides all subsequent decisions, from content selection to audience engagement strategies.
2. Choosing the Right Venue
The venue sets the stage for the performance, quite literally. When selecting a venue, considerations such as the purpose of the performance, technical requirements, and audience comfort are paramount. A theatre piece celebrating elements of nature might come to life in an outdoor setting, while a dance performance exploring shapes could find synergy with a school playground as a backdrop. The venue should complement the content and enhance the overall experience for both performers and audience members.
3. Inviting the Appropriate Audience
Engaging the right audience is essential for maximizing the impact of the performance. Aligning the content with curriculum objectives not only enriches the educational experience but also strengthens connections between the performance and classroom learning: who should be invited to see the students learning in the arts and academics?
Involving the community fosters a sense of belonging and shared ownership of the event. Who in your community should be invited to support and celebrate the students' achievement alongside you? Maybe there is a local organization with similar goals or desires to support your performance with funds or in-kind donations of costumes, concessions, programming, printing, or sets.
4. Preparation Is Key
The success of a performance hinges on meticulous preparation, both in terms of the performance space and the performers themselves. Ensuring the space is adequate in size, visibility, and acoustics is fundamental. Carefully consider the quality of the sound and lighting equipment available to you. Designing the right sound and lighting can enhance the experience of the students and audience.
Equally important is preparing the performers for their roles, from entering and exiting the stage gracefully to managing technical aspects like costumes and props. Rehearsals not only refine the performance but also instill confidence in the performers, enabling them to shine on stage. Sometimes it is not possible, but having the students rehearse their performance in the performance space is crucial for supporting their confidence.
5. Cultivating Audience Etiquette
An engaged and respectful audience enhances the atmosphere of the performance and shows appreciation for the hard work of the performers. Educating the audience on appropriate etiquette, such as when to applaud and how to engage with the performance, sets the tone for a positive experience. Whether it's a music concert or a theatre production, understanding the nuances of audience behavior adds to the overall enjoyment of the event for everyone involved. Share your expectation of the audience in the introduction to the event, print them in your program, and include them in parent information sent home prior to the performance.
6. Post-Performance Reflection and Feedback
The conclusion of a performance marks the beginning of reflection and feedback. Don’t miss this step!
Providing opportunities for performers and audience members to share their thoughts and experiences fosters a culture of learning and growth. From question-and-answer sessions to classroom discussions, each interaction deepens understanding and appreciation for the arts. Additionally, constructive feedback encourages performers to continue honing their craft. This is also the right time to express gratitude through thank-you notes to the faculty, staff, parents, or community partners who supported your event. Having students write thank-you notes is a great way to engage them in developing leadership skills as well as reflection.
In essence, producing a successful school performance is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. By aligning the purpose, venue, audience engagement, and post-performance reflections, educators can create transformative experiences that inspire and empower students for years to come. Through the magic of performance, schools can cultivate creativity, build community, and celebrate the diverse talents of their students.
Click here to download our eBook on Producing Performances.
