Show Development

Question 1

When developing a theme, what are 5 things to consider

Answer 1

Available Animals
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Set themes
Creativity and clear description
Client Need of Topic

Question 2

How should you structure your show

Answer 2

• line up
• Introduction:
  - expectations of the show
  - intro theme
• Transitions
• Conservation message throughout
• Interaction? Exit? Control the flow

Question 3

What should your line up include

Answer 3

Volunteer opportunities
Also needs to aid to your theme

Question 4

What should your introduction include

Answer 4

Who are you personally and as an organization
Expectations of the show
Intro theme

Question 5

What should your transitions include

Answer 5

• Tie back to theme throughout
• Review or tie back to previous animals

Question 6

Things to consider when creating volunteer opportunities for your show

Answer 6

Animal vs. non-animal
age appropriate (no animals below 1st grade)
- preface the opportunity
- introduce & direct your volunteer, set them first before introducing animal interaction
- thank them and tell them when to return to their seat

Question 7

Things to consider when creating audience participation opportunities for your show

Answer 7

• tell your audience how you want them to participate i.e raise your hand, thumbs up
• younger audience (preschool - 1st grade) needs movement/activities
• use as a tool for audience control

Question 8

Tools for audience management

Answer 8

Speak in a lower tone of voice
Getting them loud
Asking a pointed question that directs them to answer a certain way
Stand close &/or eye contact
Don’t reward those that speak out
Don’t start answering questions until you are ready
Touching of the animal should be towards end

Question 9

What should you NOT do when trying to get your audience to be quiet

Answer 9

Should not threaten to put animals away or not bring them out
Should not shh the audience. Asking them to be quiet should be a last resort

Question 10

Things to consider when handling animals in a show

Answer 10

Ensure the animal is secure before next one is brought out.
Read your animal, if you need to address a situation, do so.
Not the time to let your animal “explore”
Avoid putting animals on ground with large groups
Hold animals at chest height or slightly above

Question 11

True or False: it is ok if your animal stays in one spot with no behaviors

Answer 11

True

Question 12

True or False: it is ok if you stay in one spot while holding an animal (especially when multiple speakers &/or handlers)

Answer 12

True