This season of the year illuminates how much we all have to be grateful for. For me, there is no doubt that one of life's richest treasures has been what I have learned from the remarkable people that do what we all do - create with kids! The majority of us wear multiple hats with an incredible amount of expertise! Becoming a Travel Planner for performing groups was not a college major for most of us.
So, I asked one of our Junior Theatre Festival veterans, the most delightful and very experienced Anne Marie Pringle of Musical Mayhem Productions in Elk Grove CA, to share a few of her trade secret weapons for traveling with kids!
• No singing in public.
Anne Marie tells her students that when they sing together they sound like a heavenly choir, but fellow humans do not want to hear them sing while walking down the street. Be respectful of everyone's personal space - including their ears.
• When traveling by car, make sure everyone rides in the same car every time.
This is a safeguard to make sure everyone is accounted for. Nothing is worse than thinking Johnny is in Car 1, when Car 1 thinks he is in Car 2, and in reality, he is in the bathroom.
• Set up group texting.
Remind your group where to meet at 30 minutes beforehand, and again in 15 minutes.
• Be twinsies!
When everyone is dressed alike, it is easy to find members of your group!
• Always walk 2 by 2.
It gets you where you need to be very easily. Line up behind the director. Chaperones should NOT be next to the group. They should also be 2 by 2 - at the end of the line.
• Students MUST carry their own belongings.
If they decide to take 500 books with them, it is their personal responsibility to carry them. It is not their chaperone's responsibility.
• Fill a rolling suitcase with snacks.
This makes it easy to transport, and when you have a break everyone can just grab what they need.
• No singing in public.
See rule #1
• Always have a positive attitude
Remember, everything is fixable, everything can be fun, and everything improves when you have a good attitude.
Traveling with your young performers can be life-changing. With some guidelines, you can be as "rehearsed" for the trip as you are for the show. CR
Anne Marie Pringle is happy to answer emails regarding travel tips! Annemarie@mmpkids.com
Read more Cindy Says.
