Fire Alarms & Other Emergencies

I was in the middle of a routine when the fire alarm went off.

I looked up and the kids immediately began heading to the door of the gym.

I turned my microphone off and waited to see if this was a real alarm or a drill.

The 20 or so kids were heading outside, so I guessed it was the real deal.

I waited my turn to exit the gym. As I stood there, my client, the director, began frantically waving her hands, shouting, “NO! We don’t have to go out!”

Turns out it was a false alarm.

“This happens sometimes in this building,” she explained.

Nodding, I sprang to action.

I quickly turned my mic back on. “Kids! We don’t have to leave! It’s a false alarm!”

I helped guide the kids back to their seats on the gym floor. Within a few minutes, order was restored, and I was ready to continue the show.

Just before I restarted the show, one child approached me. “What’s a false alarm?” he asked.

“It’s when the alarms go off but there really isn’t anything wrong,” I explained.

I finished my show, and the teachers thanked me for helping restore order. My client apologized for interrupting the show.

“No problem,” I assured her with a smile.

I was performing that day at a YMCA for a summer camp. It was a big camp – at least 300 kids.

I was hired to conduct three magic class workshops, one balloon-twisting workshop, and a magic show for most of the campers.

It was an exhausting gig but a fun one.

The fire alarm wasn’t the only surprise that day.

Later, after lunch, I was in a small room waiting for my next magic class of about 20 kids. Suddenly, 50 kids entered the room.

“Sorry,” one of the counselors said. “There are thunderstorms, so we had to bring all the kids in for lunch.”

“No problem,” I assured him.

Things like this happen. Shows don’t always go smoothly.

How you handle these delays, surprises, and speed bumps will go a long way toward leaving your clients will good feelings about you…or not.

I’ve got a few ideas to keep in mind in case of an emergency or delay during your show.

• First, remain calm.

There is no need to panic. That will only make things worse.

Perhaps more importantly, don’t act frustrated. It’s okay to feel that way on the inside. We’re all human.

But don’t show frustration or irritation.

Your client likely feels the same as you. If you add to it, it’s not going to help matters.

• Second, help only if it’s appropriate.

What do I mean by ‘appropriate?’

My fire alarm experience a few days ago is a prime example of an appropriate time to help.

I had a microphone, and my client did not. I clearly heard her trying to guide everyone back into the building.

Since I had the mic, it made sense for me to step in and help.

Not all situations are that cut and dry.

I remember once at a math show, a student on the spectrum broke free from the audience and ran toward my backdrop.

Two teachers/aides raced to intercept the child before they could do any damage.

Upon being restrained, the child immediately dropped to the ground and began having a meltdown.

The other 300 kids watching the assembly didn’t react. They were apparently accustomed to some of their fellow students acting like that. Or at least that student.

Me? I stepped closer to the rest of the audience and continued my show. I didn’t acknowledge what was going on behind me.

Soon, the student was taken care of, and the show continued.

It would have been really inappropriate for me to get involved with that student.

I have neither the training nor the experience to deal with something like that.

And putting my hands on a student probably creates a plethora of legal issues.

• Third, do your job to the best of your abilities.

You’re the professional. No matter what bizarre issues get thrown your way, it’s up to you to deliver a great show.

This is important. Most of the clients you’ll have don’t know much about putting on a theatrical performance.

I’ve lost track of how many times my clients stare at me in confusion when I arrive an hour before my scheduled start time.

“But you don’t go on for an hour!” they exclaim.

“I have to set up” is my response.

So when things go wrong, many (most?) of these folks have no idea why or how the calamity could affect your show.

Remember that old saying, never let them see you sweat.

Have a great week everyone!

--Cris

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