PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST FOR STUDENT PROGRAMS
___Plan program for approximately 45 minutes toward the end of the day, so parents can
easily attend.
___Plan a date that is compatible with other school events and building uses.
___Notify school administration and custodians of the plans. Notify other affected staff,
such as classroom teachers, gym teachers, music or art teachers, or cafeteria workers
that may be affected by the plans.
___Plan program to include every student in some way, even if it is just displaying art
work, introducing an act, moving props, or participating as part of a group activity.
___Plan “acts” that will survive illness, absence and stage-fright, by using groups for
singing and dancing and using partners &/or back-ups for M.C’s or readings.
___Plan acts that are age-appropriate. Avoid “sexy” moves, dress or lyrics – these
usually make parents uncomfortable. Consider correct grammar in presentation – it
is a reflection of the staff and the quality of the education.
___Consider audience participation “acts”, such as sing-along for familiar songs
(patriotic, holiday, nursery rhymes or popular songs). Perhaps audience can clap
along, or join a line dance. (Audience participation should be voluntary, not
obligated.)
___Give plenty of advance notice of the date and time so parents can make arrangements
attend (posters, note at sign-out table, newsletter note, invitations from students)
___Invite other interested parties, such as custodians or staff in the building, local
politicians, funders, volunteers, etc.
___Give advance notice for parents about clothing students should wear for the show.
___Give advance notice for parents about contributing food, props, or time to help.
___If a snack or meal is involved, plan ahead for food, seating, serving, & clean-up.
___Plan for props or costume accessories, such as hats, gloves, sashes, vests, etc.
___Clean performance area and set up enough chairs (and mats for floor seating).
___Plan adult supervision of students before, during and after each phase of the
performance.
___Plan on photography/video and whether to make copies available for families for a
service fee.
___Plan to let students review the video the day after the performance.
___Plan music to use as people wait for start time and for breaks between groups.
___Ensure that each leader knows their activity and the designated time.
___Pace the “acts” to alternate between small & large groups, mellow and active, etc.
___Build up to the most exciting group activities at the end.
___Plan one or two full rehearsals prior to the performance.
___Ensure that staff and students know where everyone should be sitting or standing,
before, during and after the show.
___Teach students to respect the performances of others, as they would like to receive.
___Start the program on time.
___Prepare a program that lists performances and performers and thanks the helpers
___Use decorations or stage props and/or students’ art work displayed
___Adults should stay off-stage or out-of-sight during performance as much as possible
___Plan appropriate clothing for adults who are supervising the show (NOT jeans)
___Arrange for a sound system that works well for music and speaking
___Test the sound system and have a back-up plan for problems with it.
___Use musical accompaniment for singers (A Capello is very difficult for students.)
___Use a microphone that is adjustable for height or movement, as needed
___Set up seating that allows everyone a good view of the program
(maybe have younger students on mats in front)
___Plan for waiting times during transition, such as background music or a group song
while performers change clothes or prepare for next act
___Have practice for students - how to enter and exit the stage, where to sit or stand,
how to behave before, during and after the performance.
___Practice how to hold and use the microphone (don’t cover mouth or face).
___Schedule youngest performers scheduled first so they can go sit with parents during
the rest of the show.
___Have practice for students – how to speak clearly and loud enough, do not cover
mouth or face when speaking, read as LITTLE as possible (memorization preferred),
look toward the audience, smile.
___Students should prepare to perform without reading, but plan ahead for prompting or
provide large-print reference materials if they forget their lines.
___Position group performers positioned so that all can be seen easily by the audience
(small ones in front)
___Assign people to help with
___Sound system issues (different person from the adult leading the group)
___Timing of music (CD’s, instruments, etc.)
___Hosts to greet visitors and hand out programs
___Adults to closely supervise students in the audience, dressing area & stage
___Scenery, props, lighting
___Food setup
___Food serving
___Food cleanup
___Tables and chairs
___General cleanup (trash, spills, chairs, supplies)
___Master of Ceremonies (use students as much as possible)
___ A brief reminder at the beginning of the show can help students (and adults) to
remember appropriate behavior during a performance – that is:
- sit still during the performance
- stay quiet during the performance
- if you must get up for any reason, wait for a break between performers
- appreciate the talent you will see today – you may seeing the stars of the future!