We have done a "Variety Show" for the last 5 years. I LOVE IT! We hold auditions before our winter break so that students will know who made it and can use that time to practice. Then we practice once a week, on stage during January and have the show in February. We include all grades, K-5th, and many times we choose a few acts that aren't neccessarily the best performer but really WANTS to do it and WOW their self-esteem just goes through the roof!! We do not judge them or give out any type of awards. We have for the last couple of years given out participation medallions. We also invite teachers to join in. We do not charge anything to attend or to participate, but we also do not have any cost involved. We have our own sound system (new building) and I have always MC it myself.
This is my first year out of the elementary school and I know this is the main thing I am going to miss the most.

We have had a show for the last 3 years. the kids sign up, practice at home and after school once a week. Costumes and music is checked but we have not had a problem. We keep it as a free event. We spent $5-700 on the night, a good part of this goes to a DJ. We do not give out anything to the kids. We do have a pizza party after the last practice.

I really like that idea Blueridge! Do you also give out participation certifs?

We had an Art Show with ours last year. That was the first time we had done that.

We have one every year - but purposely call it a "Variety Show" rather than a "Talent Show". The semantical distinction is to encourage kids to participate who may not feel that they have a true "talent" but might otherwise be willing to get up on the stage. Our show is held early in the new (calendar) year -- Jan. or Feb. Tied in with it is an arts & crafts display featuring a variety of projects done by students. Again, the thought is to be as inclusive as possible - a student may not have a skill that lends itself to performing, but *does* have some sort of artistic skill. The display is a way to feature students who fall in that realm. The variety show is performed both as a day-time assembly & in the evening for parents - no admission fee. We're a K thru 5 elementary with about 370 students.

We charged $1.00 for adults and .50 for students. This didn't near cover the costs of trophies etc.

I was wondering if you charge for the performances or is it free? We are going to put on our first talent show this year & I've been trying to find out some info.