"Soothe the Savage Beast"
Tips on Audience Control for Childrens' Performers
by Randel McGee
www.storyteaching.com
Not long ago I had the opportunity to attend a school assembly
featuring a noted author of children*s books. His books and works have
been very popular, even featured on national TV programs in years past.
He had some very entertaining elements in his "live" presentation, but
soon the children were becoming restless. They responded
inappropriately to his vague questions. He got them excited about
participating, but then did not seem to know how to guide their
excitement to a positive involvement. He became rather perturbed with
the students* behavior and let them know that he was. The "fun" of the
program left and he had to drag himself through the rest of his
presentation, which ended up being shorter than the teachers had
planned on.
What went wrong? As a professional entertainer of
children for nearly 25 years myself, I thought about this presentation
and the techniques that were missing that could have made his handling
of the audience a much more successful and positive experience. I
started making a list of techniques that I have found to be extremely
useful in holding my young audiences* attentions and guiding them into
a mutually enjoyable experience.
In sharing this list I must add a few disclaimers:
Every performer, no matter how professional,
trained, and talented, will have an audience, at some time, that is not
going to respond well to the show, no matter what techniques you use.
The techniques that follow, like most artistic
techniques, are suggestions that must be used in a delicate mix of good
judgement, the artist*s sensibilities, the audience*s character, the
venue, location, current affairs, etc., etc.
So here we go with a veritable "ABC" of audience control:
Acknowledge...
Where you are: Your audience loves to have you mention their town, school, library, etc.
Who you*re performing for: Adjust to their age level, understanding, & community sensibilities
Minor Distractions: These occur - make funny (but not derogatory) comments that tie them into your show
Kids will ask questions or make comments aloud -
answer them or comment on them immediately, briefly, in character, and
then get back on track
Kids will raise their hands to speak or ask a
question: Tell them they can ask later at a better time and then
remember to let them ask before you leave the stage
Good behavior and participation: Praise them or thank them for good responses
Those responsible for bringing you there: Be sure the sponsors get a good word
Balance...
Passive and involved activities: Passive activities
are listening and looking presentations. These can still be very
engaging. Involved activities include: question & answers, call and
respond stories or songs, actually choosing audience members to
participate on stage ( a tricky venture, to be sure!), etc.
Concentrate...
Keep your own mind focused on your presentation and the audience.
As in a "juice concentrate" - Condense your show or
story to the essence of what you want to share and work from there,
expanding or contracting as the situation dictates.
Direct...
Their attentions to those elements that you want
them to focus on by using vocal inflections, hand gestures or facial
expressions.
Tell them what you expect them to do.
Example: "I*m going to do a song now that I know you*ll like"
Ask rather specific questions that they can respond to in only positive or specific ways.
Example: "You all know the story of the 3 Billy Goats Gruff, right?"
Enthusiasm...
Your total belief and involvement in what you do are key elements in how involved the audience will become.
In addition to these techniques, I find that the following attributes are "the frosting on the cake":
4 P*s of Performing for young audiences:
Patience:
They are only kids! Relax! Have Fun!
They need you to direct them on how to best behave for your type of show.
Positive Attitude
Be "Up"! When you like what you do and who you do it for, it shows!
Preparedness
Have enough well-rehearsed material to fill your time, and some back-up if you need it.
Know how to handle most interruptions and problems.
Come with the equipment you need to make the show successful.
Professionalism
Look clean and appropriately dressed.
Act courteous and amiably business-like from the moment you arrive until you leave.
*Most important of All*
Ya* Gotta Love *Em!
Treat your audience as if they were your own children and you were in front of the judges for "Parent of the Year"!
copyright 2003, Randel Mcgee
Randel McGee is an internationally recognized
performer, teacher and artist. Educators around the country have
appreciated his programs on conflict resolution and character education
for young students and his literature based programs for all ages. His
most popular acts are his comedy act of Randel McGee & Groark and
his portrayal of Hans Christian Andersen, the beloved
author/storyteller. www.storyteaching.com
