What can the school do to make this a great assembly?
Glad you asked. We know that school funds are limited and so
we want you to get the best show possible, with us, or any assembly.
Razzle Bam Boom performs at many schools in Southern California.
We have compiled a list of tips from our experience they will
help you get the best possible assembly. These tips should generally
apply to any assembly presentation.
Make it a magical. Make sure as many Show elements can
be preserved. Lighting and Sound and the stage all make the
cafeteria come alive in a theatrical way. The kids won't believe
what can happen in that cafeteria when the right touches are
added.
Be a stage manager. Check the stage before the day of
the assembly. Is it clear? Is it a storage area? Finding 35
computers on stage an hour before show-time is too late. Does
the curtain work? Is the area in front and next to the stage
cleared and pleasant looking?
Be a lighting crew. Do the spot lights work? Do you
know how to turn them on? Do the bulbs need to be replaced?
Are they pointing the right direction? It is a simple thing
for the custodian to replace a bulb when given proper time to
do it. But the day of the assembly is too late. Lights make
a HUGE difference. Kids are focused and respond much better
when the stage is well lit.
Be a promoter. If the principal can introduce the assembly
the children will see how important it is. If the principal
is not available someone that kids know from the school is usually
better than the performers introducing themselves.
Be an usher. The best seats in the house are up close.
Have the students are sit as close as possible to the stage
yet still are able to see. You should ask the performers, "How
close is too close?" But closer is better. Make sure that
each class that comes in gets to sit as close as they can. No
gaps between classes. For the kids in the back, 10-feet closer
can make significant difference. Are there chairs for the teachers
to sit in? Do the teachers know what time they need to have
their students in place so the show can start on time? Sometimes
if the students arrive too late the show has to be cut short.
Does the cafeteria know what time the shows are? Will they interfere
with lunch? Will there be any interruptions during the show? Razzle
Bam Boom was once in the middle of an assembly when teachers and
cafeteria personnel began passing out cheese to the kids because
10:20am was normally "snack time". We laugh about it
now
When all of these things are in place the children will see
that performing and presentations are important, and they realize
that being a good audience member is also important.
Though not required, a secret to getting performers to give
their best is to treat them like stars. Be there to greet them.
Offer water. Razzle Bam Boom has a soft spot for muffins. Have
a parking spot reserved. On these points, don't feel obligated,
but performers are human and respond better if they feel they
are welcome. When the Assembly coordinator goes this extra step
the performer can't help but want to give their best performance.
Assemblies are the perfect time to learn proper audience behavior.
Students should pay attention, participate with laughter, clapping,
singing along, following instructions, sitting quietly, and
whatever else is appropriate at the time. Teachers should model
good behavior by not talking and not grading papers.
Be a press agent. What you are doing bring enrichment
to the children is a great thing. Brag about it. Tell the parents
when the assembly is and what it is and invite them!!! Let them
know how PTA money is being spent. Those that spend want to
know that is goes to something for their kids and those that
don't invest in PTA might start to see the light.
Invite the nearby pre-school to come by for the show. Tell the
local paper. Local papers are always looking for a story with
pictures about the community. Tell the neighboring schools.
Maybe you can work out a share program. Lower your costs by
having the same assembly at two schools in the same day. Good
business for everyone. At the least the other schools can come
by and see if they want the show for their school. At the very
least you can let the other schools know that YOUR school has
the best assemblies. :
By the way, this is a photo opportunity for your yearbook.
Bring a camera. Razzle Bam Boom encourages as many pictures
as possible. Some performers may object to flash photography
during the show. Please check with the performers first.
These are just suggestions.