When hiring a school show for an assembly, you must consider three things:
1) Will this show entertain my students and teachers? If the presenter is not likable and fun, students’ attention will drift. Often schools are disappointed to find that the presenter sent by a large agency is not personable or energetic. Large agencies often have outstanding shows, educationally-wise, but their high turn over of presenters can me an inexperienced employee comes to your school.
Large agencies generally do not pay their presenters well, due to high overhead, salesmen’s commissions and other expenses. The best performers soon leave and the company is faced with filling a slot, most times with a birthday party magician or a wannabee actor.
Many times, author visits turn into mind-numbing experiences for students and teachers alike. Although there are some outstanding authors who will captivate an audience, most authors are solitary people and ill-equipped to hold the attention of a grade school student.
Look for a presenter that has many years under his or her belt and specializes in school shows. If using an agency, find out who the presenter is and what his experience level is. Ask to see video of his work. NEVER let an agency randomly send a presenter. Select your show and the person to perform.
2) Will this show educate my students and is it curriculum-related? Too many magicians and clowns convince themselves that because they can entertain at a birthday party or festival that they can do school shows. They may indeed be entertaining, but their shows are usually poorly written and the tricks and gimmicks are off topic. Making a rabbit appear and saying, “Don’t be a bully” is not an anti-bullying message.
This past summer saw many magicians develop a “science show” for the Fizz, Boom, Read theme. I have seen clips from many different shows by many different magicians. Everyone of them had the same flaw in common. They did their standard magic tricks, used science words and never explained any of the “science” used. They were entertaining shows, quite good for library programs, but had little if any educational value.
When hiring a presenter, ask what core standards or curriculum relevant material will be presented.
3) Will this program motivate my students to further study? The show can be exciting, the presentation captivating and the material educationally significant, but if the students leave having seen a great show and are not motivated to head to the library, the lasting impact will not be significant.
A good presenter will introduce relevant books to the audience, or present demonstrations that can be easily and safely replicated by the students. He will challenge the students with unanswered questions for them to research.
Follow-up materials for the teachers to use, or fun worksheets for the students are another way the top presenters keep the learning going after they leave the school.
When you are looking to schedule your next school assembly show, be sure the answers to all 3 questions are yes.
