First Show Advice

Our VP of Percussion, Mike Maegly, shares his advice for surviving the first show weekend:

Relax and breathe – Not everything will go perfectly. Try to plan ahead and avoid potential headaches.

Bus/Truck/Trailer – Do you have transportation? Do you have a truck to haul the gear? Do the drivers know where they are going? Communicate with the driver(s) at the show as well. Let them know when and where you need them. Don’t assume.

Floor Plan – Take some time at rehearsal and walk the members and any parent or student helpers through the entrance and exit of the floor. I like to line them up in the hall and physically go through it. I actually time it as well. Explain the time line to everyone involved. Make sure your tarp is marked and the tarp cart too. Do yourself a favor and get the tarp set correctly the first time. Kids tend to freak out when things are different.

Electrics – These like to be uncooperative at bad times. I like to have a backup plan just in case the synth gods are not kind to you. Spare cables can save headaches. Always have an extra extension cord at the ready.

Uniforms – Many groups do not have their actual uniforms ready for the first show. This is fine. I do highly suggest having the kids do at least a run through of the show wearing what they will wear the first weekend. Do this before show day in case adjustments or changes need to be made.

Announcement – Talk through with the kids what the pre-show announcement will be. (Either checks this yourself at the show when you arrive or have a staff member do this) Young kids can get rattled when things are different. Have a name for your show as well.

Check In – Have a spiel sheet & Release of Liability form ready or be ready to fill one out at the show site. Know how many performers and staff you have. Take care of your bus driver. I always ask if the show is running on time. Find out if a guide will be directing you where and when to go or if you are on your own. I like to take the time right after check in to go over times with the kids. Don’t let the kids leave valuables lying around the homeroom/hallway area. Trust me. Lock valuables in the truck.

Walk Through – I always walk from the homeroom/hallway to warm up areas, unloading areas and of course the gym. Look in the gym. Any surprises like back bleachers out farther than you thought? Do you have a tape measure? Do you know how big your tarp is? Is electric supply where you need it to be? Will everything fit? Where do you exit? Do you go directly outside?

Food – The kids will need to eat on show days. Did you plan for that? Do kids know to bring $ for food if needed? Avoid surprises.

Watch – I like to build time in to the schedule to watch other groups if possible.  Before your show, it is good to see a group go through set up and exit. I also like to listen to the sound of the gym. Watch your own kids too. Applaud. Have your parents and staff applaud as well.

Warm up – At early shows, it will most likely be too cold to warm up outside. Check out the indoor warm up facilities. Will you fit? Is there electric? I like to know ahead of time how we will set up in the room. Tell the kids and staff. Plan your warm up. Don’t waste time by deciding in the room what you are going to do. Since there is limited time, I like the kids to pad out a bit before warm up.

The Run – Whoever starts the show, make sure they know when to start. I like to make sure everyone is set and then signal this person. Things can get crazy the first weekend out, so make sure this safety net is in place.

Retreat – Most shows have a captain only retreat for awards. Assign ahead of time, which members go out for this. Make sure they know how to behave appropriately. They should wear their uniforms.

Critique – Sign up for critique. Go to critique. Listen to your judge commentary before critique. I know as a director, that you have much to do after the show, but take time to listen to the commentary. (I will offer some additional thoughts on critique later.)

Video – Find someone to video your show. I like to put this on a web site so the kids can watch it and see and hear what is happening on the floor. Advise the person as to what you want to see in this video. Close-ups are not what you might need to see. Watch the video at some point with the kids. 

Just some things to keep in mind…

Get some rest.

Enjoy the lack of snow.

Mike Maegly