One of the primary goals at Keith and Company is to make everything as easy for our customers as possible. Keith brings everything he needs and works to make the set-up as simple yet as effective as possible.
What's your availability?
I book up to two years in advance, but I also book two days in advance. My calendar fills pretty quickly, but there are always some dates available throughout the school year. Obviously, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to schedule your program.
How long is The "I Love to Read" Program?
About 40-45 minutes.
Allow 20 minutes prior for setup.
Allow 20 minutes after to clear the room.
I typically arrive 45 minutes prior to the first presentation.
How much time is needed between performances?
About 15 minutes. For example, if the first show starts at 1:00pm, the second can start at 2:00pm.
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What if we can't give you enough time to set up and tear down?
Although I typically arrive 45 minutes before the first assembly starts, I can set up and tear down in as little as 15 minutes. I understand that gyms and especially multi-purpose rooms run on tight schedules. Whenever necessary, I can set up as much as possible in a corner out of a custodian's way so he or she can get the floors mopped after breakfast or lunch. Then, I can move cases and speakers into place.
As for after the performance, if a physical education class needs the space, all I ask is that there be no flying balls or running near the speaker towers until I have the chance to move everything back into a safe corner.
How large can the audience be?
I recommend keeping the audience at 250 kids or less. Less than 175 is ideal. I've had many school audiences over 300.
To what grade levels do you present?
The "I Love to Read" Program was created for K-6. In smaller schools, such as private or rural schools, I have presented very successfully to K-8. Whenever practical, I recommend dividing the school by grades so that I can present the show more age-appropriately to each group. This division is usually K-2/3-5 or K-3/4-6 (or even 4-8). Pre-Ks are usually welcome. However, if your audience is mostly pre-k, then I'm not a good fit for your needs. Also keep in mind that it can be very difficult to keep Pre-K and 8th graders feeling involved at the same time.
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Can you do evening or weekend programs?
Yes! My program is a proven draw for family reading & Title One nights as well as for weekend book fairs, etc.. The parents enjoy the show as much as the kids do! For many schools, I have done one or two assemblies during the day, and then a somewhat different family show the same evening. The kids go home and beg their parents to bring them back for the evening program!
Can you incorporate our theme?
Of course! There are key points in The "I Love to Read" Program that are designed to incorporate custom themes.
Do you want the kids in chairs, on the bleachers or on the floor?
I usually work on the floor with the kids sitting on the floor or on the bleachers. Quite often, putting an entire audience on the bleachers can spread the audience too wide for the best performance experience. If that is the case, we often direct the older grades to sit across one or two sections of bleachers while the younger grades sit on the floor in front.
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Do you prefer a stage?
I almost always present from the floor, but every school and every situation is different. I always assess each room before committing to a set-up.
Most gym stages are built too high to really connect with the kids. Plus, it's often difficult for audience volunteers to make their way quickly and safely to the stage.
Would you prefer an auditorium or the gym / multi-purpose room?
An auditorium is always the best way to go for a live performance, but I've performed the vast majority of my assembly programs in gyms and multi-purpose rooms.
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What is your cancellation policy for snow days, etc.?
There are two types of "snow days": (a) Your school is closed due to inclement weather; and (2) Your school is open but I am snowed in. I try my best to avoid being snowed in by watching the weather reports and determining if heading to or near your town a day early would be a wise or foolish course of action. Either way, I always work with each school to find a new date for their assemblies when acts of God get in the way.
Also, please call to set a new date for your performances if your school has a major flu epidemic going on (one that is so bad attendance is light anyway). Otherwise, I become a suffering carrier monkey who spreads it to other schools and back to my own family.
Do you have other educational programs?
I am working on a new and exciting project that will encompass assembly programs, theater / arena events, and products all centered around a breakthrough concept in motivating and educating kids to craft exciting and successful lives for themselves and those around them! Stay tuned for the great unveiling, hopefully sometime this school year!
Can you do a show without educational content?
Of course, but I only recommend it for ages 3 to 103. ;-)
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Do you do birthday parties?
No.
Where was Keith for a few years?
With school budgets declining and gas prices rising, I devoted some time to building up my corporate programs. (Corporate comedy with motivational side-effects.™)
Now, in spite of even higher gas prices and even greater financial woes for many schools, I have returned to schools and libraries for two reasons:
- Even though I took down my old "I Love to Read" website and changed my 800 number, several schools and libraries made the effort to track me down to book my program. I appreciate all of you who did so, and I apologize to all others who have wanted to book me but could not contact me.
- Even though corporate money is bigger and easier, I have not experienced the same satisfaction as I have from working with schools and libraries. I have realized that entertaining and inspiring children is my passion and perhaps even my calling.
I am excitedly looking forward to working with you this school year!
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