In a recital, not only are you managing and organizing a two hour show or multiple shows, you are also managing hundreds of children backstage. Often very young children make up the majority of the dancers. This can be challenging and very chaotic. Here are my tips for safe and {somewhat} calm dressing rooms and backstage.
Volunteers! You can't run a backstage without volunteers. Make sure you find a good one. Bonus if they are a school teacher or works in education. Those humans are saints and can run a dressing room better than anyone.
Have some volunteers in charge of entertaining children. Others can be responsible for lining up and making sure they are ready to dance. Have at least one designated bathroom escort.
Make sure volunteers know about any important medical information such as allergies and medication. Prosody Backstage makes this information easy to access for volunteers.
You need at least two good runners that will pick up a class, take them to the stage, and return classes to their dressing rooms.
Be mindful of your backstage assignments. Pay attention to the ages, number of dancers, and amount of costumes changes in each room.
Have designated spots for each class. You can even tape sections of the floor for each class.
Have stations or activities to entertain the children. Movies, coloring, books, puzzles, and card games are good ideas.
Have dancers, especially younger dancers, wear a large t-shirt over their costume.
Make sure dancers only bring water and non messy snacks such as fruit snacks.
Make sure you a have a smooth and safe check in and check out process. Prosody Backstage is perfect for a smooth check in.
Keep the hallways clear. Dancers should be onstage, in the wings, or in their dressing rooms.
Make sure everyone has all the needed information. Prosody Backstage makes this part easy!
Most importantly, breathe! You got this!
Happy Recital Season!
