Rebel Entertainer Bill Klaus asked this question in the big Q & A:
"Hi John,
In your opinion, when putting together a new or first time school program, what kind of program seems to be more accepted by the staff and students and why do you think so?
Bill"
Here's your answer:
The obvious answer is: "A great show". But I guess that's taking the easy way out.
I think you're asking about subject matter. What's the best theme for an assembly program?
That's a good question. Each school district and each state differs. You can find the most POPULAR by going on other School Entertainer's websites and seeing what they offer.
The slam dunk if you want to book a couple of weeks in October is a "No Drug Show". There doesn't seem to be enough good entertainers with that message to go around to all the schools. Science is a big winner if done right. And character is very popular.
But listen to this advice very carefully:
DOING WHAT OTHER'S ARE DOING DOES NOT SEPARATE YOU FROM THE PACK AND WILL NOT KEEP YOU BOOKED YEAR ROUND.
Putting together something original that nobody offers, or approaching a subject in a unique way that nobody else does, will separate you from the pack.
Go to the Board of Education website for your state and look up "State Standards" (ex: Utah State Standards). These are the curriculum that the teachers in your state must teach the students. Choose a subject that may be difficult for the teachers to convey, create a unique show using the talents that only YOU possess, and you'll have a hit.
Make sure you present it in a way that a teacher or other staff member can't.
Also remember that lots of schools do family fun nights. Usually they’re just looking for something fun. Not rocket science but must be super fun. If your program can actually MAKE THE PTA MONEY, it's even better. Actually, I know someone that does an assembly on Rocket Science, but that's a whole 'nother story.
Hope that helps.
- John Abrams
Rebel Entertainer and School Assembly Specialist
www.rebelentertainers.com
www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer
www.twitter.com/johnabrams1
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3 comments:
john thanks for answering my question..i wish i could be a fly on your shoulder for a 6 month stint. i would love to see you work..putting a show together for a school is an important matter and i know it has to be done right. little by little it will happen for me.. there are not any programs that i know of back here in missouri where i live, so i think i will have good luck when i put something together..writing the script will be a challenge.
Thanks Bill. It is a task, but once it's done, it's done.
Magic Michael had this great advice:
Hands down in my book is a show about Safety--either road safety or overall. There are a number of good books out there to get the juices going on the topic such as by Kaptain Karl Wagner put out by David Ginn years back. A solid show can touch on road, household, electric, fire, playground and water safety elements.
Bill, John is amazing to watch in action, you're right. However, a great way to see what's happening in your area is to network with other artists. Go to every library show you can and talk to the performers. Many of these performers also work in the schools.
When you get connected in your market, you've got a group of people to go to for advice regarding local issues. One caveat: Not all performers are as positive as the Rebel Entertainers, so make sure you hang out with people who are excited about their businesses.
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