Knowing how to select an assembly presentation that is right for your students can be a difficult job! It is important to decide what you want to accomplish, then locate the types of programs which will best serve your needs.

Magic, juggling and puppet shows, while fun for the kids, do not offer the learning experience that educational programs do. Good programs are designed to strictly adhere to and support the educational standards of your state, and thus to augment the educational process, while providing every bit as much entertainment and fascination for the kids as do the shows which focus strictly on entertainment.

Programs are available that emphasize science, math, writing skills and reading. Character education programs are also available.

Once you have determined which area is of interest, the next task is to locate the appropriate artist.
Often your PTA or PTO will keep a file of brochures that have been mailed to the school. It may include reviews from teachers to help you select an approriate presenter.

Some school show presenters are totally independent and must be contacted personally. This can be challenging as these independent acts are often busy performing when you call, so patience is required. You may need to wait til the end of the school day for them to reply to your inquiry.

There are large companies that have several presenters. Though they often have office staff to answer your call immediately, there is a big risk in working with these agencies. They usually have a large turnover of presenters and often hire unskilled and inexperienced people to present their canned shows.

When working with an agency, always be sure who your presenter will be, what their background is, (often they are birthday party magicians or actors, with no teaching experience), and how long they have been with the company. Due to the expense of running large offices, these presenters are usually paid poorly compared to professionals presenters, and these are not the top notch talent you want. The good ones tend to leave as soon as they get experience.

Be sure to schedule enough performances to ensure the material presented is grade level appropriate and the audiences are not too large. A thousand students in an auditorium is fine, but 600 kids in half a gym is often too crowded and makes for a poor show. Check with the performer to see how large a crowd he can handle effectively.

Taking the steps to hire a professional, experienced performer with a proven show will reward you with an unforgettable experience for your students and staff.

For more information on educational school assemblies, and a wide selection of programs presented by a professional educator, former teacher and experienced performer, visit: Dennis Regling Wonder Shows.