{"id":19996,"date":"2018-02-15T09:48:23","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T15:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/?p=19996"},"modified":"2024-09-11T08:17:09","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T13:17:09","slug":"get-gigs-school-assemblies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/get-gigs-school-assemblies\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Gigs at School Assemblies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last updated on September 11, 2024<\/p>
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In the hearts and hopes of every school kid’s life are two words that strike against the ongoing grind and routine of the academic day: School Assembly. When those words break through the teacher\u2019s lips, kids know they can look forward to an upcoming hour of fun, laughter, or inspiration. Professional speaker and leadership consultant, <\/span>Houston Kraft<\/span><\/a>, shared a few things he\u2019s learned in his experience with over 500 schools, conferences, and international events. Whether you’re a magician, motivational speaker, or musician, these tips will help you know how to get booked for school assemblies and diversify your gigs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\ud83c\udfeb Why Gig at Schools <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gigs at schools are rewarding, providing you with a chance to inspire young minds and make a lasting impact on students\u2019 lives. They\u2019re also practical and offer you a unique chance for off-season gigs and refining your skills, all while building a positive reputation within the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make a difference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Assemblies make a difference in the lives of students. Studies prove that the interaction of education and the arts leads to higher test scores and retention of learning over time<\/a>. It also develops the skills necessary<\/a> to navigate the increasing demand in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. Beyond academics, assemblies can inspire personal growth, boost confidence, and foster a sense of community among students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Increase offseason opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Getting gigs as a school assembly performer is a great way to keep the income going in the offseason when bookings are slim and the clients are few. Most assemblies are going to be during the school day, so you can rock out with some great educational numbers in the morning and your awesome Steely Dan covers at night!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f Find out how to book more gigs with these tips<\/strong>: 5 Keys to Effective Client Communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Refine your skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

School assemblies also provide an opportunity to refine your performance skills. If you\u2019re a musician, you\u2019ll learn the tricks to get them on their feet while singing about kindness. If you\u2019re an inspirational speaker, you can discover how to dial in your presentation on bullying to motivate and encourage. Magicians can try out new illusions to include in their acts. Kids and teens are an incredible combination of a discerning and responsive audience. They\u2019ll quickly let you know what works and what doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83c\udf93 What Students Want <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Captivating a school audience takes more than just showing up with a great act \u2014 it requires a deep understanding of what resonates with young minds. To truly connect and leave a lasting impact, your performance must be engaging, authentic, and relevant to the student’s world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Engaging entertainment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some performers make the mistake of dismissing the sophistication of a school audience. Don\u2019t. Kids and teens can provide some of the most profound and heartfelt cheers, tears, and laughter an entertainer could want. Naturally, the content must be age-appropriate, but that doesn\u2019t mean it has to be watered down or overly simplified. Challenge their minds, spark their imaginations, and respect their intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Authenticity and passion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is easy to assume that students want only an entertaining or exciting presentation, but they also need to know that you, as a performer, genuinely care for them and that you are passionate about what you do. Young people can detect inauthenticity a mile away, so stay true to yourself and your talents. Be authentic, trust your act, and ensure your confidence and composure always show through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf88 Read expert insights by a professional<\/strong>: How to Become a Successful Children\u2019s Party Entertainer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Relevant content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Students want something that is relevant to them. This doesn\u2019t mean relying on the latest slang. Instead, it\u2019s about creating engaging content that connects with students\u2019 interests, experiences, and current cultural or educational trends. As with any performance, your material must be meaningful and applicable to the audience’s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83c\udfeb What Educators Want <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Booking school assemblies isn’t just about securing a time slot \u2014 it\u2019s about building relationships and delivering value that goes beyond the performance itself. From thorough preparation to providing additional resources, these tips will help you make a lasting impression and keep those bookings rolling in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Proper preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Houston has worked with over 500 schools all over the country, speaking to thousands of kids and educators. He feels the most critical skills to develop when working with schools are empathy and adaptability. \u201cIt\u2019s important to show up very prepared and be willing to give more than you were contracted for.\u201d Be flexible and easy to work with. Administrators are a highly networked community, and a good reputation will lead to future bookings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go the extra mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Educators and faculty are notoriously overscheduled and underfunded. Academic and classroom resources are scarce, and teachers or administrators won\u2019t have the opportunity to create extra content or materials for your event. For Houston, this is the number one rule: \u201cAnything you can create or provide or share with a school that brings them value before, during, or after your speech helps to set you apart from anyone else that can fill an hour or two.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd01 Pro Tip<\/strong>: 7 Avoidable Mistakes That Can Cost You Gig<\/a>s<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Support school goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is important to remember that your key goals as an assembly presenter are to reinforce and enhance what is happening every day in the classroom. Take time to research and discover social and educational trends teachers are addressing, and consider how you can incorporate these themes into your existing act. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few current topics that many schools are addressing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n