Once our director gives the go ahead to production to start in about 5 minutes we go from full
house lights to half
intensity, then
play a short clip that says "
Good evening, and welcome to the (School name) Performing Arts Center. A few words before tonights show begins. First please note the four emergency exits, two to your rear and two to your left and your right. Second, there is ABSOLUTELY NO food or drink allowed in the
auditorium. Photography is allowed, however out of respect and
safety of our performers, we ask that you turn off the flash. Last of all, please silence your
cell phone and electronic devices, and enjoy the show." This works almost every time, unless something unplanned occurs and the show starts later, then it turns into a long time of waiting in silence, or people start talking again. I have the recording on a CD in the player, as well as it gets loaded at the top of our
QLab show for every event. We just had a girl
in one of our ensembles that had a great speaking voice record it.