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 10
Smart Ideas for a Smooth Recital
By Rhee Gold
When it comes to recitals and other performances, successful
school owners know that organization and professionalism are
just as important as the dancers’ skill or the choreography.
Clients expect school owners to be experts at running a show,
especially those who have been in business more than a few
years. So make a positive impression from the start of the
season right through to the final bow. Here are a few tips to
make that happen. Have a great show!
1. Be organized right from the start.
Parents appreciate a smooth recital process. Create a recital
handbook that covers everything from the expenses to the dates
of dress rehearsals and performances. Distribute them at
registration or during the first week of class. Include
information about picture day, tickets, school policies, venue
location and facilities, check-in/checkout procedures, and
everything else you can think of to keep your clientele
informed.
2. Order costumes in December.
Eliminate the stress of late costume deliveries. Collect the
costume deposits by December 1 and place the order before the
holidays. Check your order confirmations thoroughly and
promptly (the day they arrive is good) to confirm that the
stock numbers, quantities, and sizes are correct. Have all of
the costumes in order months before the show.
3. Limit the show to 2 1/2 hours or less.
Follow this simple policy and your clientele will love you.
That’s a guarantee!
4. Include music for every generation.
Keep your audience engaged by including music for the
grandparents, parents, young children, and teenagers.
5. Give audiences more than they expect.
Put on an impressive show by including special lighting,
backdrops, scenery, or multimedia elements. Parents love it
when we make their kids feel like stars on their big day. Be
sure to plan ways to enhance your production—after all, those
happy parents are your happy customers.
6. Have extra everything.
If you choose to use props, keep in mind that they might be
broken or lost by well-meaning students (and sometimes the
parents). Whether your show includes parasols, beach balls, or
magic wands, have at least a couple of extras for the dress
rehearsal and performances. Take it further by having extra
tights, shoes, and hats, too.
7. Be business smart.
Be so organized that you have the brochure for the following
fall semester ready by the end-of-year show. Place a table in
an easy-to-spot location and staff it with an informed,
friendly person to answer questions, hand out brochures, and
take new registrations before the recital, at intermission,
and afterward.
8. Remember that a recital is a marketing tool.
A good show with a happy audience and students who feel good
about themselves is the best marketing tool for your school.
Consider taking out some newspaper ads during the month prior
to the performance to help bring the general public to your
show.
9. Keep it about the kids (and not you).
Long speeches by school owners are a no-no! First, they are
one of the main reasons for a long recital. When you grab that
microphone, that’s when people get out of their seats for a
break—or to sneak out altogether. Make a nice speech at the
dress rehearsal, when your audience consists of students and
their parents and faculty members. It’s appropriate to say
thank you and share your thoughts with people who will
appreciate your words.
10. Always remain calm, cool, and professional.
Being a pro at all times is the key! Your attitude sets the
tone for everyone; if you are stressing out, then everyone
else will too. If you have a “nothing is a problem” attitude
(on the outside, at least), then everyone else will have it
too. Try it—it works!
If you can do all that, have a post–dress-rehearsal reward
waiting at home for you—maybe a glass of wine, your favorite
chocolate, or a foot massage!
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