Just a reply -- two years later - AcRock is STILL a fabulous and quality school show. I recently hired them for our 25th wedding anniversary party and knocked everyone's socks off.
It's rare to find a group that can entertain 4 generations of family.
Yes, the sticker shock. Professional educational shows can cost a pretty penny, but are usually Well worth it!! We budget $2,000 for a PTO sponsored event. We sponsored the Earth Balloon by Whereabouts last year and it was a tremendous hit!
I noticed on the bottom of Ac Rock's website they are part of an accapella web ring. If you have the time, you could click thru that and maybe find a group in your area, if you're looking for musicians. Oh, BTW, listen to the CD's they're a great do-wop band. I listen to their CD's on my way to work. They cheer me up!
I just did a search under chicago outreach and got this: www.wneptheater.org
Its a local semi professional theater production company. Contact them or any local theatre for their outreach services. Ask them to recommend someone if necessary.
You can also look at your area dance troups and art councils. Do you have something like "Young Audiences" in your area? They have everything from puppeteers to semi-professional musicians. They range from $250-1000. I am in Dallas and have researched lots of possibilities.
Hey Momski, I received info. from ACROCK. They charge $600.00 for their 45 minute show plus travel costs. Our principal thought that was too much. What did you think about the cost? They also sent me a complimentary CD which I haven't listened to yet. From reading your post I thought they would be great for our elementary school. We have our first meeting Sept. 3 so it may be discussed. Thanks for the great idea.