Online Performer
Demonstrations Have Arrived!

PerformersVideoShowcase.com is a NEW online showcase featuring video demonstrations of over 100 pre-qualified performing, visual, variety, and demonstration artists who are available in Southern California.  All visitors to this site are able to watch program demonstrations of professional artists with shows and assemblies that are available to schools, libraries, preschools, cities and community organizations.    

The site is a wonderful resource and is sure to become a valuable one-stop location for children’s and family shows, workshops, and assembly programs.  Here you can view artists that will meet your specific requirements, who are available in your area, and will provide the programming that you are interested in.  

This site will help you save time.  No longer will you have to try and get artists to send videos or will you have to go to see a show or even find a performers showcase to attend.  No longer will you have to try to explain programming or get DVD’s to share with other decision makers.  Now with technology and, with the internet, visitors to PerformersVideoShowcase.com can browse through a wide variety of artists or look for specific types of shows from the convince of a home or office computer. 

This tall, lanky bearded “kid” uses music and stories to bring a love and respect for nature, a sense of humor and a deep appreciation for the value of friendship and sharing to the world.  Dan has been a long time children’s music artist and educator whose programs have taught, entertained, and inspired audiences for over 30 years.

Here is what Walt Disney Educational Media had to say about Dan Crow as an Educator:

“Dan has a BA in education and an MA in communication.  He is a former speech therapist, classroom teacher and track coach.  His efforts in the areas of language, reading readiness, vocabulary, and communication skills development are internationally recognized.  He makes magic happen!”

Artist News - Program Preview Day Audition Tips
By Ken Frawley

Program Preview Day on stage showcase requires that all new artists and organizations who have not demonstrated previously and artists who have not presented in past 3 years must audition for acceptance.  March 22, 2010 is the date for a live audition and it will run from 8:30 AM to 2:00 pm.   Each artist will have 15 minutes to set up, demonstrate about 7 minutes of their program and answer questions from the audition panel.  Be sure and save this date if you wish to participate.

If you are unable to attend or are from outside Southern California, you may choose to submit a video demonstration (video or DVD).  It must be your entire school program, in front of a live audience, and be the same one that you will be demonstrating at Program Preview Day.  It is best that it is also presented to a live audience.  Mail these by 3/31/10 to Dream Shapers, P.O. Box 3831, Orange, CA 92857.

There are many considerations for you to keep in mind with regards to auditioning.  Here are key issues that you will need to address:

1. Educational Value.  Your program must demonstrate that it clearly meets California Educational Standards.   You can find these standards for Visual and Performing Arts, or History, Language Arts, Math, Science, PE, Etc. at  http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp. 
2. Grade Level Appropriate.  Your program must clearly demonstrate that the program is designed to engage preschool, or elementary, or middle, or High School children.  It is best to choose one level for your demonstration and not try to cover all ages.
3. Professionalism.  The artists and presenters must demonstrate their preparedness and ability to present their program within the time constraints.  This also includes arriving on time, having rehearsed your presentation and providing any hand outs and follow up literature that you may have available.
4. Presentation and Performance Skills. The programs must demonstrate quality in presentation and performance.  The panel is looking for skills from the knowledge of material and costuming to props and the actual performance. 
5. Audience Connection.  Presentation must demonstrate that it connects to the audience, is motivational, and can sustain their attention.

Watch for more information on an upcoming workshop for the showcase!

Write an Article

We are looking for articles for upcoming newsletters that are of interest to schools, librarians, and others who are looking for programming by artists featured at PerformersVideoShowcase.com.  We are looking for 500 words or less.  They need to be written so that they are general and not self promoting of any one artist.  If you wish to be a featured artist, you can write your promotional piece and submit it for review.   Please forward your articles to Ken Frawley at kenf@dreamshapers.org.  If you have not had a response in 2 weeks, re-contact Ken for status information.

Survey

What feature would you like to see added to the site to make it easier or better for you to use? Please contact us and send us your response in the comments section.   We will post the results in our next edition.