| Elementary and Middle schools across the country | | | | what your budget is for an assembly program, here |
| bring in assembly programs as educational and | | | | are some ways your school can save money: |
| entertaining enrichment for their students. These | | | | 1. Grants: Many states and organizations offer grants |
| programs reinforce educational curriculum, but also | | | | to help schools bring in enrichment programs. These |
| provide students with an important exposure to live | | | | grants can range from $100 to the full cost of the |
| performances, theatrical arts, and appropriate audience | | | | assembly program. Many professional school |
| behavior. There are hundreds of professional | | | | assembly companies will be able to tell you if any |
| speakers, authors, magicians, musicians, and athletes | | | | grants are available for the programs that you are |
| who have assembly programs available to elementary | | | | interested in booking. |
| and middle schools. This guide will help you make your | | | | 2. Block Booking Discounts: Most school assembly |
| school assembly show planning easier. | | | | programs offer discounts if another school in your |
| Assembly Programs With A Message | | | | district books the same assembly program on the |
| Most school assemblies have a theme or message | | | | same day or during the same week as the program |
| that can be tied into the student's curriculum, or to | | | | at your school. This discount can sometimes be |
| social / behavioral messages. There are two different | | | | $100-$400 for EACH SCHOOL, so it definitely pays to |
| ways assembly presenters can deliver their message. | | | | call around other schools in your district and try to |
| Some assembly presenters are simply speakers or | | | | coordinate assembly schedules. |
| lecturers who talk in front of the audience, delivering | | | | 3. Search Local Assembly Presenters: Start your |
| facts through personal stories and question and | | | | search for assembly presenters by looking for |
| answer time with the audience. This type of assembly | | | | assembly programs in your state. A locally based |
| usually delvers the most information and educational | | | | school entertainer will have less travel expenses and |
| content. When the message is more serious | | | | their performing fees can often be 50% less than a |
| (anti-violence, anti-drug), this can be a more effective | | | | national act. Start your search for local school |
| and motivational presentation for your students. You | | | | assembly programs by doing a Google search that |
| must, however, be careful when booking a "speaker" | | | | includes your state and "school assemblies": Michigan |
| presenter for elementary audiences, as they make | | | | School Assemblies or Ohio Bully Prevention School |
| quickly get restless and bored if the presenter is not | | | | Shows |
| engaging enough. | | | | Three Questions to Ask Every School Entertainer: |
| Other assembly presenters use a performing art such | | | | It is always best to talk with someone over the phone |
| as magic, music, or storytelling to make the | | | | about your school assembly needs. Specific requests |
| presentation energetic, fun and interesting to students. | | | | and important information can often get left out in |
| The messages in these shows are intertwined with | | | | emails. Of course, you will want to talk about the |
| the entertainment elements. There is usually a balance | | | | programs available, pricing, availability, etc, but there are |
| between the entertainment (fun) and the educational | | | | also some other questions you should ask before you |
| portions of the show. These types of entertainment | | | | book an assembly program: |
| assemblies are best suited to reinforce general | | | | 1. Is the show grade level appropriate? Many |
| curriculum themes to your students. | | | | entertainers have great programs for middle or high |
| Popular elementary and middle school assembly | | | | school students, but the same show may get lost on |
| program themes include: | | | | an elementary audience. You want to make sure that |
| - Geography | | | | the material in the program has been specifically |
| - Bully Prevention | | | | designed for the grade levels of your audience. |
| - Self Esteem | | | | 2. What equipment does the school need to provide? |
| - Math | | | | Most professional assembly programs come |
| - Science | | | | self-contained with everything they need to put on a |
| - Social Studies | | | | quality presentation. Some presenters, however, will |
| - Reading | | | | have a list of requirements that will be a part of their |
| - Money Responsibility | | | | contracts. These requirements could include: tables, |
| - World Cultures | | | | chairs, projectors, sound systems, or bottled waters. |
| - Ethnic Diversity | | | | Be sure to discuss any set-up needs prior to |
| - Environmental Issues | | | | confirming a booking, so you can be sure that your |
| - Black History Month When deciding on what | | | | school can meet the requirements. |
| assembly program themes you may want for your | | | | 3. What is the ideal size audience for your |
| school, it is a good idea to get input from your | | | | presentation? Some shows work better with small |
| teachers on what curriculum or message they feel | | | | groups, while other shows can easily play to a packed |
| could use reinforcing. You also could consider | | | | gym of 500 students. Find out what works best for |
| scheduling a program to coincide with a school wide | | | | the presenter and determine if multiple presentations |
| project or special celebration. | | | | may be needed. |
| Saving Money On Your School Assembly Programs | | | | Final Thoughts: |
| Fees for school assembly programs can vary greatly. | | | | Good school assemblies get booked up early. Begin |
| A large touring theatre group may have a performing | | | | planning your assembly programs several months in |
| fee that starts at $2500, whereas a more regional | | | | advance to avoid disappointment and to have a better |
| assembly presenter may only charge $375. No matter | | | | chance of getting your choice of dates. |