Open Forum

Rather than presenting a spring show this year, my program is planning a 'talent show' that will be open to schoolwide participation. I initially resisted the idea because I've never done anything like that, but the students are really into the idea and most of my resistance is just out of inexperience with this type of show.

For those who have done a talent show with your program, any helpful guidelines or pitfalls to avoid?

I won my school's talent show about a million years ago with a magic act, but what still stands out for me was how well it was handled. First, the rules and time limits were spelled out up front. Anything that the acts needed, like music, was to be provided by the students. Participants had to attend a rehearsal. There were two performances: one in the afternoon for the school and one at night for the parents. There were first, second, and third prizes. And finally, when the MC (a student) came out to announce the winners, she started out by saying simply that this was a talent show and not a popularity contest. Everything was up front. 

Whether you choose to have an audition or not, make sure you preview all of the acts (including costumes) well in advance of the show. When I did a talent show many years ago, students showed up to auditions with both music and costumes that would not have been acceptable to my administration. They were shocked when I told them that had to change it up, often because they had done these acts at their dance studio so they thought they were fine for school.

Hello,

Great suggestions so far. I direct/produce a 80+ year-old variety show at the high school I teach at. Here are a few things that I've learned in doing so. We have a few unique traditions that I like. There is a theme each year (ranging from "Top Gun" to mystery to fairy tales). This helps to give students perimeters if they need it. Over the summer, a student(s) writes an MC script inspired by the theme that is a cohesive story interspersed throughout the acts. The ending of the show always somehow brings all the performers back onstage to do a very short sing-along, dance, etc. The MCs are selected by audition. Each grade level puts together a "class skit." There is a faculty skit. 

A few other guidelines I follow.

1. All acts must audition (except for the faculty and class skits).
2. Each act must be 3 minutes or less. No exceptions.
3. We do cut students because the entire show must remain within 2 hours. And, I do not want to put anyone onstage who might ultimately be embarrassed. We also look for variety of types of acts - and are upfront about this. 
4. It is not a competition. There are no winners or prizes.
5. Each act must have at least 1 rehearsal with myself or our music director before tech week. We create a sign up sheet. Skits and dances usually need staging help. It's also a chance for me to understand the scene changes in/out of each act.
6. Tech is the week of the show. Monday is Q2Q with the MCs and stage crew. Tuesday is Act 1 tech. Wednesday is Act 2 tech. Thursday is a full dress. Friday & Saturday are the performances.
7. This is really stage crew's show to shine because we want those scene changes to be seamless and almost invisible. They love the challenge.

Obviously, every school context is different, but I hope this is a little bit helpful. 

Cheers, Sarah