Lights, Camera…Get Organized Now For a Top-Notch Talent Show!
Talent shows are a great part of the school experience for both kids and their parents. If you have a chance to help out with one, we say go for it.
But let’s be straight with each other. Helping with the talent show is one of those odd experiences in life. At least some of the time you are doing it, you will wish you were anywhere else in the world. I mean, how many times can anyone be subjected to Taylor Swift lip-syncing acts before feeling a little unhinged. But then in the end, when you see how happy the kids are (not to mention their parents), you will be thrilled that you experienced it.
So if you’re helping run a spring talent show, the best advice we can give is to start planning now. The key to talent shows is to stay organized. If you are juggling a few dozen acts and dozens of kids, along with parent requests, logistics, and sponsors, you need to stay on top of things.
Try to get a few key helpers who can work closely with you. Best case, divvy up key responsibilities among a core group of volunteers so no one person is stuck handling too much. Ask around or send out a survey to find out if there are parents within your community with special talents who can help. There are usually some parents who have spent time in community theater or have expertise in music or publicity, or can lend their skills with costumes or set decorations.
Some other tips:
1. Get as many children involved in the talent show as possible. There will be students who want no part in performing. But there are many jobs, from program designers and backstage helpers, that you can give to students.
2. Try to get support from the principal and teachers. If possible, have them swing by a rehearsal every now and then so students understand that the talent show is a school event and they should work to make the school proud.
3. But remember, they are kids and no one should expect perfect performances. Encourage students to have fun and relax.
4. Decide early on if you want to sell tickets, do a raffle, or have concession stands. Often, a talent show is a good time to find ways to raise a few extra dollars for your group.
5. Check out the PTO Today resources on talent shows for additional help, including our article, Stage a Successful Talent Show, and our free talent show downloadables on the File Exchange that can be used to create flyers, permission slips, and programs.
