Our annual dance recitals are an amazing experience, for both our students and their families. The entire AMA Staff and crew are focused on one thing during the shows: creating a memorable experience for every AMA Star while maintaining safety and quality.
Show etiquette and policies have been developed so that every single performer and their family and friends have the absolute best experience possible. We thank you in advance for your understanding of and adherence to these policies at our performances.
For our dancers:
1) Don’t mess with other people’s props or costumes.
There will be a lot of people, props, scenery, and costumes in the backstage area. Everything has been created with a specific purpose and put in a specific place for the show; it is important that it is still there, in good condition, when the person it belongs to comes to get it! We want to make sure we have all ten magic wands for all 10 of our little princesses when they’re ready to go on stage!
2) Stay in your designated area/dressing room!
Dress rehearsal and shows are very busy for everyone! We need to make sure all of our performers stay safe and are ready to perform when it’s their turn to go on stage!
3) Bring something to do.
We will have several activities available in the dressing room to pass the time (coloring, games, movie, etc.), but it always helps to have some extra things that you know you like to do. Time flies when you’re having fun!
4) Keep track of your own “stuff.”
Try to keep all parts of your costume, shoes, and activities in one place! For students in multiple routines, we recommend bringing a laundry basket so you can keep all costume pieces contained in one spot when changing costumes. Hanging a plastic bag on your costume hanger for accessories, like hairpieces or gloves, also helps keep everything together!
5) Keep quiet in the wings!
The music may be loud, but chatter in the wings can be distracting to performers on stage and can also be heard from the audience.
6) Stay warm, stay safe.
Make sure you warm up, stretch, and stay hydrated before your performance and throughout the show! This will minimize the risk of injury on stage!
7) Don’t argue… just do it!
If a staff or crew member asks you to do something, it has a purpose and is in your best interest. Please follow directions so the show runs smoothly for everyone involved.
For our audience:
1) Gandalf says, “YOU SHALL NOT PASS.”
Only staff, recital volunteers, and performers are permitted backstage. Performers will stay in the dressing room for the entire show and may be picked up only when the show has ended, after the finale. When the show is over, parents may pick up their children from the dressing room, after they have checked out with their class chaperone. Our policies are designed with your child’s best interest in mind and we thank you in advance for following them.
2) Cell phones and recording devices are not permitted.
Please turn off all cell phones and recording devices upon entering the theater. If you think you’ll be tempted to check for text messages during the show, please leave it in the car. Please remember that every single routine is the most important part of the show for someone in the audience. Nothing ruins a performance quite like the blinding light of a 4-inch cell phone screen in a dark auditorium. Remember: every family will receive a DVD of the show! Enjoy your child’s performance with your own eyes and not through a screen!
Note: you can take ask many photos and videos as you’d like at dress rehearsal!
3) Coming and going. Please don’t leave the theater during the performance unless it is an emergency.
This is for your safety and out of respect for others in the audience and our performers on stage. Intermission is a great time to get up and stretch your legs, use the restroom, and grab a snack or drink from the concessions stand.
4) Lady Gaga says, “I live for the applause.”
Be generous with your applause! Our performers have worked very hard for it all year!
Lady Gaga and our performers do not live for the sound of candy wrappers, talking, and noisy children, however. We understand that recital can be a long time for a child to sit quietly; if they start to fuss, please wait for the current routine to finish and move to the balcony for the remainder of the show, or spend a couple routines in the lobby stretching your legs.
Please be considerate and respectful of those around you who wish to continue enjoying the performance.
5) The Magic of a Live Performance.
When attending a live performance, please keep in mind that the performers can hear and see you. Your actions and reactions, positive, negative, or disruptive, can impact the performers’ success. All of our AMA Stars have invested time and hard work into their performances, so please show them the respect and courtesy they deserve.
All of our AMA performers have been working hard all year and we cannot wait to see them all shine on stage this weekend! It is going to be a spectacular show! See you there!
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