Eliot Institute Talent Show Coordinator

Talent Show night is usually the second to the last night of the conference. While being fun and entertaining, talent night should reflect the following philosophy: Eliot shall be a safe place for reluctant and first-time performers to try out their talents, regardless of the skill level; as many different performers as possible shall be accommodated; the content of each act shall be in good taste, and sensitive to the inclusive, intergenerational nature of the Eliot community.

If the conference is overflowing with talent, the Dean may decide to also have a concert, coffeehouse, and/or cabaret at another time during the week. [These will not be your responsibility]

Suggested Schedule:

Ask the Volunteer Coordinator for names of potential helpers.

Advertise and promote the Talent Show early in the week through the camp newsletter. Display a sign-up poster on the bulletin board to recruit performers, requesting:

Title of the Act

Type of Performance (piano, skit, etc.)

Length of Act (no more than five minutes)

Participants and Age (if children or youth).

Accommodate as many different performers as possible, and individually encourage reluctant performers. If there are too many willing performers, and time becomes as issue, a separate Music Concert could offer an alternative venue for the more polished and serious musicians. If you have the option, try to keep the Talent Show on the “lighter side”. When time is an issue, limit musical pieces to one per performer.

Speak to a representative of each act and make sure they have an accurate idea about length. Each act should be under 5 minutes - use your discretion to limit any performance. Also, get some feel for content. If in doubt as to propriety, arrange to preview the act before scheduling it.

Find volunteers for the following:

Master/Mistress of Ceremonies - one or two people who can keep the show moving, and add a little patter when necessary, without being too lengthy.

Sound and lighting person

Assistant to coordinate stage entrances

Ask the Volunteer and Operations Coordinator (Seabeck camps)/Operations Manager (Naramata camp) to have sufficient chairs set up.

On Talent Night, post a schedule of performers at the front, on a poster or flip chart, so people know when they are on. Be sure the printing is legible and large enough to be seen from the back row!

Have the Emcee inform participants that they are to be backstage two performances before their act is scheduled.

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(Revised 2003)