Choosing the right volunteer to have as an assistant or helper on stage is critical to the success of the performance. The right child on stage can make a show, the wrong one can leave you wishing you had stayed home.
Here are a few ideas that help insure you get just the right person so your presentation goes well.
Enlist the Help of the Parents
Since I am always at the show site at least one hour in advance, I have time ask the person in charge for a few names of adults or children that would be good on stage. The boss really likes the opportunity to involve their friends or to reward a child by participating. They will also know which kids that should NOT be on stage due to behavior or physical abilities issues.
Setting the Stage with Your Audience
During the opening of your show, introduce yourself to the audience and inform the children that from time to time you will be inviting some of them to help me right from their chairs and that some of them will have the chance to come up on stage as well. Then say, “However, I only choose children that are sitting up nice and straight and that have very big brains!” This is very important so you don’t want to embarrass anyone. Then follow with, “Raise your hand only when I ask you to and remember, you must have a giant big brain!”
Of course, my job there is to have fun with the children and give them an entertaining and educational experience. I am not there to embarrass them. If they do answer incorrectly, I will guide them to the correct answer.
Don’t Make this Critical Mistake
A performer should also be mindful of race when selecting volunteers. People will notice and remember if the performer selected only children during of one race during the show. When selecting volunteers, mix it up! Choose a mixture of volunteers according to race, gender and even size.
Handle Volunteers with Care
If you are using a hand held microphone and ask a child their name, then bend down and let the child answer in the microphone or at least repeat the name of child several times during the routine. This technique will validate not only their name but them as a person.
When inviting volunteers on a stage, please have an escort ready to assist them up the stairs. If the performance is at a theater, then an escort needs to take the children up on stage to you through the wings and back to the seating area again.
While the child is on stage, do NOT handle them roughly by forcing them to bow, smile or turn their head a certain way. It is always better to whisper a request into the child’s ear. This is what a gentle entertainer does. You never know, the child you pick for the stage may someday hire you for their child’s birthday party!
About SteveKissell
As a clown, humorist, author and motivational speaker, Steve has performed in 46 states and 5 countries! Yes, Steve Kissell has been performing for 25 years at conventions, schools, churches, libraries, birthday and holiday parties. He also shares the performing arts of clowning, comedy magic, and storytelling.
Contact Steve at: kisselltalks@cs.com or Visit Steve's Website
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a show can be amazing with a good co-operating volunteers and by this type volunteers an acrobat can entertain whole program with great joy.volunteers should be well skilled..
presentation skills