So here you are, fast approaching the BIG performance! And a lot of time, energy and rehearsing has gone into this event. Your performer is excited, nervous and you too are feeling the jitters…what to expect? Hopefully you’ve already received detailed information about the When and Where as well as what to bring and prepare? And a really good studio will have clearly set your expectation for what is to come next. Here’s a check list just in case….
- Know your drop off and pick up times.
Cast and Crew need to arrive prior to show time. Depending on the show this could be one or two hours prior to “Curtain up” Why? The performers need to warm up, settle in, and focus on the task at hand in order to do their best. Know your drop off and pick up, and emergency contacts procedures
- Be on time.
Late students disrupt the backstage preparation and cause worry to other performers. If you have a drop off time but decided to wait in the lobby for the doors to open. That’s your choice, you may need to wait patiently.
- Know what the backstage procedures are.
Knowing what goes on behind the scenes helps reassure you that your child is safe and supervised and allows you to reinforce what the teacher has explained to your performer. Together, you can comfort any performance jitters.
- No flash Photography
It is a common request. The flash is distracting to performers on stage. It can be dangerous on elevated stages.
- Be Present, enjoy the performance!
You’ve driven them to class all year, watched them work to gain confidence and skill, purchased the shoes and costumes and invited the family. So for the next two hours, embrace the finished project. Enjoy the show!
- No Food or Drink in the Theatre
Standard theatre etiquette. Live performance is not the movie theatre. Leave your seating area clean.
- Be mindful of your belongings.
Not every facility has a coat room. These items might need to be in your lap during the performance. It would beinappropriate to fill a seat with coats in a crowded theatre. Remember not to leave things behind when you exit.
- Stay for the entire show.
Once in your seat and the performance has started, guests should remain in their seats. If you must exit, do so in between scenes or dance numbers- NOT during. Imagine a performer’s reaction to people leaving while they’re on stage performing.
- Know the electronic device policy?
What are the policies for using devices? Where can you use them? Never in the dressing rooms! It is poor etiquette to video tape a live performance. One does NOT hold up a screen blocking the view of the people behind them causing a distraction. Additionally there may be copyright or legal issues to consider. Often studios arrange for shows to be taped and these DVDs are available for a small purchase. This is your best course of action for creating a performance memory
- Can I charge my phone or camera?
Do NOT plug your devices into any wall sockets. Studios often have lightning crews, video equipment, sound systems etc. If the theatre guests start charging devices, there could be power issues delaying the performance. Honestly, all devices should be off during a performance. Additionally, it is not okay to give a sibling a device to occupy them during the performance. It is a distraction to others in the audience and takes away from the performers who have worked hard for their day on stage.
- Studios rent the theatre facilities
Studio owners do not control the building, they too are guests. The janitorial service is largely in control of meeting the needs of all guests, everything from additional tables and chairs, to turning on the AC and locking the building up in a timely fashion as well as stocking the bathroom with supplies. If you need something, mention it to a staffer and know they will do their best to move the request forward.
- Flowers: a Theatre Tradition
The giving of Flowers is a long theatre tradition. Present your flowers after the performance is over. Thinking about not doing flowers, consider how your family will celebrate your performers achievement, talk about it before the performance. Hugs work, stopping for Ice Cream, or a specially planned dinner. Everyone celebrates achievement differently and that’s okay
- Be Kind and respectful.
Remove hats, remove upset siblings, don’t have loud conversations, and don’t leave during a dance, no food or drink in the theatre.
- Applause!
Everyone has worked to be successful and applause recognizes the effort. Clap for everyone. Enjoy the Show!
Dancing Through Life,
Miss Kathleen