Smaller Halls –
Our show is flexible enough to be set in all sizes
of venues, however smaller halls will not allow us to install the full range of special effects. If the volume of Children
is under 20, a smaller hall may be more desirable and we would recommend that tables and chairs are removed, but accessible
to allow setting up at half time for refreshments.
Tip 2 - Access –
Access to a hall is perhaps more important for us
than others. Difficult access (Flights of stairs, small corridors etc) restricts us from bringing a full set up into the venue.
To create our amazing look to the show, many items of equipment are Bulky and very heavy. While we will do our best to get
our equipment into the venue, halls with easy access (Ground level, large Doors with direct access to the hall etc) allow
us to use our full range of equipment and hence ensure a truly impressive set up for the Children.
Tip
3 – Sound Limiters – (Top Tip!)
Sound Limiters are installed in SOME venues. Mainly
in venues close to residential areas and in areas where the Council demand such devices.
Sound Limiters are designed to control the “acceptable”
level of noise and should the level exceed the set level, the general procedure is that all power will be cut from any source
using power points in the hall or stage area. The result is quite devastating as naturally all sound and light will be lost
from the Disco along with any other items that may be plugged into the wall (we had one experience with a Chocolate fountain
losing its power due to this reason, one can imagine the results !)
While we fully appreciate and understand the reasons
and needs for a Sound Limiter, they are very difficult to work with for Children’s Disco Shows. We are not in the habit
of using “excessive” sound for the show as our sound system is built upon quality of sound rather than volume.
However the excitement of the show will certainly create volume from the Children. Imagine
30 children all clapping and singing – having fun, this alone can trip a sound limiter.
Sound Limiter’s do eventually re-set the power
(some have to be re-set by “Key Activation” and hence require a caretaker to be present), however they will cause
real disruption to the party.
We
strongly advise careful consideration as to using a venue that operates a sound limiter and highly recommend using a venue
that does not need to use such a device. Always ask the Venue about Sound Limiters. If you do decide to book a Venue that
operates a sound limiter, please let us know in advance. We cannot be held responsible for disruption to a party that is caused
by the activation of a sound limiter.
Tip
4 – Decorating a hall
Our Disco show will take care of all the Lighting
for the party. Most halls have “controllable” lighting (dimmer switches / Lighting that can be control in sections
etc). To create the best effect for our Disco, the hall should be quite dark and if your party is a daytime event, it would
be a good idea to check if the hall has curtains for the windows etc. It is also wise to know on the day where all the controls
for the lighting are and what controls what. Upon our arrival, we will also check the lighting operations).
Decorations – As the hall will probably be
fairly dark, it is not imperative to go to town with decorating the venue. Great ideas are to have “Shimmer Curtains”
across the entrance doors to the hall. One can also buy funky Disco Dancer posters
than can be put up on the walls (subject to acceptance from the venue). Helium balloons are fantastic and a great “present”
for the Kids at the end of the show. Normal balloons tend to create the urge for Kids to pop them the minute they arrive,
so perhaps consider the Helium option or set normal balloons on the walls above head height so that they remain as a decoration
and can be given out at the end of the show.
Tip
5 – Food / Timing of Food
Food choices tend to vary from one party to another,
and really is the choice of the parents. Some feel that the food is a very important part of the party while others prefer
a small buffet style or snacks. It certainly is not for us to recommend what type of food should be served however observations
show that the Kids do not tend to spend a long time at the food table at a party
We suggest that food should not be served as a “take some when you want some” basis, but presented during the break of the show.
This avoids having Children on the dance floor with food and also helps restrict the amount of cleaning up at the end of the
party.
We suggest that the break is after approximately
1 hour of the show and then during the break, while the Children are enjoying refreshments, we perform or Pop Quiz followed
by Birthday songs / cake etc.
Food such as Pizza slices are a great idea, but
beware of items such as popcorn as this will require allot of cleaning up at the end of the show!
Plenty of fluids should always be available during
the whole of the show and we always encourage the children to get a drink should they want one.
