Raptorman88
The programs I perform deal with awareness and sensitivity to differences ie. disability, cultural, medical. We also deal with prevention issues ie, child abuse prevention, substance abuse prevention, AIDS prevention. Our most popular program is the Disability Awareness program. We are located in NJ but serve NJ, NY, & PA. Our audience range from K-8 with specific topics for specific grade levels. My suggestion is to go to www.schoolshows.com
or a site called school assemblies (I'm not sure of the www) They have a ton of listings and you can get a real good idea of what's out there. Good Luck!!!
I could not resist responding to this post. I currently own my own educational programming company.I first started approx. 13 years ago with another woman. I worked with her for about 6 years. I then decided to start my own company since she was planning on retiring.I eventually went out solo. (and also worked 3 other jobs!!!) The first year I did 7 programs,currently I do approx 50-70 programs from Sept to mid-June. It has not been easy!!! Every year you have to start over unless you get a school district that has some grant money. I travel from one end of my state to the other. You go wherever the work is!!! Now mind you I wouldn't trade my job for anything but if you are not doing something you love then well..... Make sure it's what you really want cause it can be very hard!!! Hope my story helps!!!!
Interesting discussion. I think this site is better suited to the demand side of the question (i.e. -- what do parent group leaders look for in a performer? etc.). For a good site about the business end of performing, you might look to www.schoolgigs.com. Highly recommended as a resource for school performers.
As with any small business there is risk involved when investing not only your money but your time. You have to ask yourself some questions first. Is this going to be your only income or are you going to "keep your day job, too?"
Are you in an urban area where there are alot of K-6 schools or will you have to travel, and if so, how far are you willing to travel?
As far as what to charge, you could comapare other progams pricing policies. Marketing the program also costs money...ie mass mailings to school districts, posters,handouts and maybe even an 800#. To start, you could offer some local PTO/PTA a free or discount program...word of mouth can help a whole lot!
I beleive you could make a good living doing this, but you would really have to work your butt off. Most small businesses are not expected to turn a profit in the startup year, so don't go buy a yacht just yet. Also, most state and local governments offer incentives (grants, low interest loans) to first time small business owners. That would definitley be something to look in to.
Good luck, and remeber nothing ventured, nothing gained!
I'm considering starting my own business geared toward education through school assemblies. The programs would be earth science related, focusing on dinosaurs and interactive dinosaur education. I have the talent and the experience so that wouldn't be a problem. However, I'm concerned whether or not it would be a profitable venture. It would probably require $10,000 to $20,000 for start up costs and for me that's risking a lot of cash. 1) Can one make a good living doing this? 2) What could I charge for a full day of programs? 3) How would you recomend I market the program? and finally, 4) How many shows can one expect every year?
Any advice you could give would be very helpful. Thanks
