backstage volunteer information

You are responsible at all times for the class you have volunteered for.

Your top priority during your time backstage is to ensure the safety of the dancers in the class you are assisting.

Thank you for volunteering! We appreciate you!

  • Please arrive 1 hour prior to the start of the show time.  Your dancers will begin arriving 45 minutes prior to show time.  You’ll need to check in at the Dancer Drop Off Door.  If there is a line of dancers waiting to enter, please walk to the side and around them to the check in table. 

  • Due to space limitations, additional family members and siblings are not allowed backstage with you unless previously approved.  For obvious reasons, males are not allowed backstage.

  • There are Backstage Coordinators on hand to assist you at all times should you have questions.

  • Holly Osorio is our Lead Backstage Coordinator. Click here to email Holly with questions.

ALL DANCERS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY BACKSTAGE FOR THE ENTIRE SHOW UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY.   dancers should not be picked up at intermission.

All dancers will participate in the curtain Call at the end of the show on stage. Please keep the dancers in costume for the duration of the performance.                                                                                                              

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Please bring a blanket(s) for your dancers to sit on.

  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizers

  • Safety pins, bobby pins, and hairspray.

  • Coloring sheets or activities. No markers, paint, glitter, etc.

  • Feel free to bring a small movie tablet or dvd player to entertain your little ones during the show.

  • The more prepared with activities you are, the easier your time backstage will be. The little ones can get antsy!

  • Please remember you volunteered for the entire class, not just your child.

  • NOTE: Be sure that the coloring stays on the blanket. We are fined when crayons get on the carpet at the school.             

We do not suggest bringing any type of snacks or drinks due to food allergies and the risk of damaging the costume.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE SHOW:

                          

  • Once the dancers begin arriving, you will check their name off of the roster your given. 

  • Let us know if you are missing a dancer 10 minutes prior to showtime.                                                                                                              

  • Once a parent checks in the dancer, they receive a Security Card. The parent will present this card to you after the show to pick up their child. Dancers may not be picked up without a security card.                                                            

  • It is helpful to keep all items (especially if the dancer has multiple costumes) organized as they arrive for a smooth show once it begins.

  • If you have dancers who have costume changes, plan those out accordingly with the show program and know the order.

  • As dancers arrive, begin to bobby pin their headpieces in, if not already done.  Use as many bobby pins as needed to ensure the headpiece will not fall off.

  • Go ahead and learn your dancers names. You’ll need to know them to line them up correctly for the stage.

    things to double check on each dancer:

  • Hair is slicked back with no whispies. If there are whispies on the bun or around the face, please spray them down.

  • No extra jewelry, bows, or headbands. (If a child has recently had their ears pierced, they are allowed to keep earrings in.)

  • Ensure they have the correct color tights on. Should a dancer not have the correct color, notify a Backstage Coordinator immediately. She will be able to get some from our boutique in the lobby. Dancers cannot go onstage in the wrong color.

  • Touch up lipstick, if needed. Use a Q-tip to apply.

  • All ballet ties (strings) need to be tucked inside the top of the shoe. The strings should not be tied in a bow or hanging out.

  • All tap shoes are double-tied.

  • All costumes are securely fastened. Use as many safety pins as needed.                                       

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SHOW:

  • Once the show begins, you’ll be responsible for keeping your entire group organized & ready for their time to go onstage! 

  • Restrooms will be available for you.                     

  • A Coordinator will come and get you when it is your group’s time to go onstage.

  • Have your dancers prepared. There will be no time for last minute touch-ups once you have been called to the stage.            

  • You’ll receive a Backstage Line Up sheet at your station when you arrive.  This is very important.

  • The Backstage Line Up details the order in which the dancers should be lined up to go onstage. 

  • You’ll need to have them in order and assure they stay in order as they move closer to the actual stage. 

  • Hands on shoulders like a choo choo train is a great way to keep them in order. Bringing a long cloth rope, string, etc. is also great for them to hold onto and stay in order.                                                                                                                                            

  • The Coordinator will then lead you and your class to the waiting area to go onstage. 

    Doublecheck again that your dancers are in the correct order with your Line Up. You will take your Backstage Line Up on the side stage with you in case of last minute issues with order.  (Littles can jump out of place easily, so you have to stay on top of them!) 

  • They will be excited, but once on the side stage preparing to go on, please keep them as quiet as possible. The audience can hear them once they are on side stage.

  •  Once the dancers are onstage performing, you will be able to move up into the wings (just feet from the performers!) and watch your dancers perform!                                                                                                                              

  • There is glow tape on the floor, stepping in front of the tape means the audience can see you onstage.  A general rule of thumb when standing in the wings:  if you can see an audience chair—they can see you.  Please stay back in the wings where the audience cannot see you.                                                                         

  • After the dancers perform, they will come off the stage to you and you will lead them back to the Green Room.        

  • Some dancers may have a costume change, you’ll need to assist them with the costume change. Ensure they are ready to go for their next dance performance.  When it is time, the Coordinator will come in and call them to prepare to go onstage.                                                                                               

  • Please do not change them out of their costume.  We bring all the dancers back onstage at the end of the show for a final curtain call.  Parents will pick them up in their costume, after presenting their Security Card to you.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SHOW:

  • After the final curtain call, all classes will be taken back to the Green Room.  Here you’ll need to prepare the children to be picked up.                                                                                                                                                    

  • Having them organized, in a line, with their bag in hand will help you tremendously when parents begin to enter.  It can get very busy with all the parents coming in to pick up their dancer at the same time. (Use that same cloth rope and have them hold onto it in a line.)                                                                                                                                                   

  • Parents will come in, show you their security card, and may take their dancer out to celebrate.  They will need to keep their card with them and show it to the Coordinator at the Exit Door. Do not keep the card.

  • Please clean up your station thoroughly. We really appreciate your helping us clean up!