Important Stuff Pop-Up Proms Performers Need To Know

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our first booking!

• It will be on Friday 22nd November at Corton House in Norwich. Exact time tbc, but likely to be singing at about 7pm, for definitely no more than an hour.
• The mood will be informal and jolly- they are REALLY looking forward to our visit!

Because we will have a different combination of performers available for each concert, each performer needs to be self sufficient.

• This means, whatever you decide to sing, you will need to bring  your own backing track on cd.
• Because Pop-Up Proms is a group of volunteers (once again, thank you all so much!) rather than a theatrical company, we won't have any rehearsals. I'm depending on all performers being experienced and confident enough to turn up, put on their cd track, and sing.
• I will supply the CD player.
• I would like performers to choose at least two songs to perform  (ones you're completely confident with)
• At least one of your choices needs to have a participative element such as a chorus the audience can join in with, or clapping along, or doing actions...whatever floats your boat. It's your time to shine!
• Your other song choices can be, again, whatever you're confident with. Any era as long as the song is really well known.
• EXCEPTION: 1940s! Apparently our audiences have heard 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary', 'Roll Out the Barrel', 'We'll Meet Again' and the like more times than they care to remember... No 40s stuff, thanks!
• I will need to know what you'd like to sing about a week to ten days in advance so I can put together a rough running order for each concert.
• In between your own songs I would really love all the performers to mingle in the audience and join in with the participative bits of other people's songs, and help get the audience going.

And finally...

When I was a teenager, about twenty something years ago, my own singing teacher took me and other pupils to many care homes for the elderly, to sing and entertain. It was a fabulous way to gain experience and confidence as a performer, in a relatively informal setting, and I've continued to sing to similar types of audience ever since.

During these concerts I learned many things.

One thing was, not to be put off by people falling asleep during your songs.
Another was not to be put off by people talking, loudly, and sometimes about you, while you're singing.
Another was that it's extremely humbling to do it (I know, people use that word too lightly, but in this case it's true). The residents in care homes are so pleased to see you bothering to come and entertain them.
These very elderly and sometimes very frail folk love seeing people who are younger and vibrant and smiley and happy.

If we can put aside the endless ifs and buts of putting a concert together for a moment, it really is just about turning up and singing.
And if, my dear, lovely performers, you come and give your time and your talents for these dear, lovely people, you won't regret it. I promise.

Any questions, email me or send me an FB message.

Thanks again for volunteering xx