This guide provides tips, how-to’s and best practices for high school and middle school Muse Machine advisors.

Over the months ahead, a great deal of information from the advisor archives will be adapted and added to this new online version of the Advisor Handbook. We’ll launch with info about getting a new Muse club up and running, in-school performances and student Muse Captains – read on!

When you are getting ready to welcome artists to your school, it is recommended to create a checklist to keep track of everything that needs to be done for a smooth performance. Arrange tasks into three groups: those that need to be accomplished before the day of the in-school performance, those that occur on the day of the show, and tasks that need to be completed after the in-school performance. To keep track of everything, make a note of when each item is completed and who is responsible for it.
If this list looks especially intimidating, consider creating Muse captain positions within your club to help you carry out these tasks. In the absence of Muse captains, consider other faculty members who might be able to assist you, especially if they have had to organize larger performances or presentations at your school.

Example Checklist:

Before In-school Performance:

1. Determine where most of the in-school performances will be held.
2. Create a social media plan to promote the performance.
a. Depends on which social media outlets your club uses.
b. In some cases, Muse Machine will provide examples for you to use.
3. Distribute link to TED-Ed lesson plan to all students who will be attending in-school performance using school-approved methods.
4. Distribute any handouts to promote the Muse Machine club to non-members and announce upcoming event to members.
5. Invite special guests to the performances, such as principal, administration, school board members, etc.
6. Prepare a press release for the performance using the Muse Machine press release template (COMING SOON).
7. Understand all tech requirements for your in-school performance.
a. Arrange for refreshments for performers.
b. Arrange for proper school performance space and make sure that the space is clean and prepared for the performance.
c. Check on the necessary sound and lighting equipment and other arrangements.
d. Depending on the size of the audience, make sure there are sufficient teachers in attendance.
8. Plan out any announcements and remarks that should be made at the performance.
a. Remember to recognize any funders present at the performance.
b. Check the Muse Machine website under Teachers tab for introductions for each of the in-school performances.
c. Devise a fun way to educate students about Audience Etiquette.
d. Make sure you are aware of a performer’s photography policy before you consider photographing any part of a Muse Machine performance.

The Day of the In-school Performance

1. Double-check that the performance space is clean and ready for the performers.
2. Greet the performers when they arrive.
3. If you keep social media accounts for your club, consider taking a selfie with the performers to use, if there is time.
4. Make sure the Muse Machine poster is on the stage or in the performance space.
5. Greet the audience.
a. Introduce the artists using Muse introductions.
b. After reviewing Audience Etiquette, have everyone take selfies to promote the performance, then ask them to put all phones away!

After In-school Performance

1. Send completed press release to local publications.
a. Track press coverage after press release.
2. Share performance story in school publications.
3. Update student member database as new students join Muse Machine.
4. Send thank-you notes to artists, funders, and other appropriate parties.
5. Post pictures on school or Muse Machine club social media.