After having performed well over 3,000 dramatic and musical programs in the last twenty-plus years, I would like to think I have learned a thing or two about what makes a program work and what can hinder it. A good performer will adapt to whatever each unique situation requires. He or she wants to do a good job. After all, the performer wants to be invited back. Often, a presenter will be blamed for a poor performance when in fact, the fault lies not with the performer, but in the lack of attention to a few details which could have made all the difference in the effectiveness of the performance. Here are a few of my observations.
For what age group is this particular program intended? If the program was designed for 6th graders, don't blame the performer if he can't connect with your first graders. Don't try to get more bang for your convo buck by bringing in an audience for which the program would not be relevant. Stick with recommended ages and audience sizes.
The physical space in which the performance is held can have a dramatic impact (positive or negative) upon the effectiveness of the performance. It is understood that not everyone has an acoustically perfect auditorium, or any auditorium whatsoever. We all must work with the tools we are given. That said, here are my favorite settings in order of preference:
My least favorite areas to work are as follows:
I hasten to add that of all the programs I have done in school settings, probably more than half of them have been done in gyms or cafeterias and have been very effective. One of those locations may well be the best option open to the school. If a large space must be used, there are some simple steps which can greatly enhance the experience for the audience. Here they are:
Don't put your performer in the middle of the gym with kids seated from one end of the bleachers to the other, unless it is a lecture. If at all possible, seat them in the center sections of the bleachers and keep them from being spread out.
Never (at least from my perspective) seat the audience in a circle with the performer in the center. Someone will always be left out. A shallow semi-circle is much better. Deep horse shoe shapes are better than a circle, but not much.
Never split the audience with an aisle dividing them (except of course in an auditorium).
Face the audience in a direction which will cause the least distraction. For instance, I once did a performance in a "commons" area which also served as a connector between two hallways. During the entire performance, people were walking behind me and it was not only distracting to me, but to the audience. Had the audience been facing the other way, this distraction could have been kept to a minimum.
Avoid having the audience too far away from the speaker. Most performers find it easier to connect if the audience isn't too far away.
Avoid having the audience too close to the performer. Give the performer a little room to work.
Often, the difference between an effective performance and a non-effective one can be as simple as pulling the plug on the vending machine for 45 minutes. Ambient room noise can be very distracting. If possible, turn off all blowers and fans, noisy water coolers, etc. If the performance has to be done in a cafeteria, try to plan it at a time when the cafeteria workers will not be getting ready for, or cleaning up after lunch.
I can't say enough about this one. Dim lights on the performer usually make for a dim presentation. Simply make sure the room is well-lit. Standard room lighting is usually sufficient. If you have an exceptionally dark room, like an older gym, you may want to consider another alternative.
Performers who have worked in school settings for any length of time realize that the arrangements are seldom going to be perfect. Most of us (with a couple of exceptions, which will remain nameless) are not prima donnas. We have learned to roll with the punches, work with what is available, and do it with a smile on our face and a grateful heart for the opportunity to perform for you. It is my hope that these simple suggestions will help make your next performance the very best it can be.