Things You Need to Know About Scream N’ Shout

Often, there are some questions and/or concerns about some of the special effects that we use in our program. Scream N
Shout “Kidz With Character” utilizes three main effects in the assembly.

SEATING

It is very important that our “Scream ‘N Shout” program be located in a wide-open space. Gyms or cleared cafeterias are ideal. We know that most assemblies use auditoriums where there is ‘fixed’ seating; however, “Scream ‘N Shout” employs an abundance of group participation and demonstration. This requires the students to stand up and down in a very quick and constant motion.

Fixed seating, such as that of a theater or fixed cafeteria tables will hinder all movement for the students. Bleachers are also NOT recommended, as the students will be jumping as a group; therefore, they not only hinder that, but they are also ruled as unsafe.

A wide-open gym floor is preferred. If a gym is not available, a cleared cafeteria is our second preference. We do have cones that will allocate the area or the stage, as well as the area for seating. The students will be seated on the floor. There will also be a center aisle, while the students sit on either side. The students will be seated by age group, beginning with the youngest being seated closest to the front (stage area) while the oldest are seated towards the back.

STAGE

If there is a stage located in the room where the assembly will take place, there will be no need to worry about clearing it. We will not be using the stage for anything more than our speakers. They will be sitting on the “thrust” of the stage. If there happens to be a curtain, we will close it so as to hide anything that may sit on the stage. Everything else will be located on the floor along with the children. If there is not a stage in the designated room, there is no need to worry as we will be bringing carry stands, as well as carts for anything that would need to normally sit on the stage, such as the speakers.

TEMPORARY OR MOVEABLE STAGING IS NOT REQUIRED.

POWER

We only require a total of three (3) power outlets. We would prefer different circuits, if at all possible that are located with 25 feet of the marked off ‘stage’ area. In a gym, this is typically located directly under one or both of the basketball goals. It is important that the room be set up length-wise, rather than width-wise. For this particular assembly, it is more important for the room to be longer rather than wider so that our special effects work to the fullest extent.

Stage Effects will be used during an assembly and are mainly comprised of the three different elements below.

SMOKE RING GENERATOR

This is a device that we have constructed to fill with smoke. When tapped, a ring of smoke is forced out of the device and travels across the room. You can see it! It will travel towards you. Once it is within reach, you may touch it. It is very neat and is definitely one aspect of our assembly that will leave everyone talking about, even days after we have performed.

I know your concern: what about smoke detectors, fire alarms, and breathing issues? To date, we have never set off a smoke detector or fire alarm. However, we cannot guarantee that either one of them will not become set off.

In the past, if the concern was too great, the school would either put the fire alarm system into stand-by for 2 minutes OR we worked another routine into the assembly. It is your choice.

In regards to children having breathing issues: the formula used is rated for human consumption by the FDA and is considered safe to breathe. However, if there is cause for parental concern, you may notify us upon reaching the location and we will respectfully not generate smoke rings in the direction of the child.

Note: The smoke rings are used to reward good behavior during the assembly. However, the smoke ring generator can be removed from the performance, if the school has too great of a concern. We do not like to do that though, because it is a lot of fun once the children experience it! Nonetheless, you can let us know so that we can accommodate your needs and requests!

SOAP SUDS GENERATOR

This is a small device that ‘rains’ down small flakes of soap suds (the suds are the size of those that are produced when you wash dishes). They are used in the core of the program during what is called the ‘Citizenship’ portion of the program.

I know your concern: What about expensive gym floors, the children’s clothes, and if they fall into someone’s mouth? Please, do not worry. The formula that is used is rated for human consumption by the FDA. It is also a ‘Rapid Evaporative Formula’ which means the body heat from the children causes the suds to evaporate very rapidly.

It is also formulated so that is will not harm your gym floors. In fact, once it evaporates, you will never know that the suds were ever there.

TOILET PAPER LAUNCHER

This is a simple device that unrolls toilet paper above and all-over the children’s heads.

I know your concern: Who is going to clean all of the paper up, after it falls to the ground? The kids, of course!

The citizenship part of the performance will teach the children to respect the school, as well as the custodial staff; thus, in such cases, the children are taught to become good citizens by cleaning-up the messes, whether they are the cause for the mess or not. We will even provide recycling bins, so, that the children are taught not only to be respectful, but to also recycle so that they may save our environment, one small step at a time.