PROGRAMS

At Hats Off, we know that performance art IS AN ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILL. Being able to address an audience, to confidently be on a stage or in front of a camera, to improvise when necessary, and to simply connect with a crowd - these are all skills that are necessary to our children's futures, and if taught correctly, breeds confidence in our youth.

Hats Off offers a host of programs open to all Calgary Educators. Below is a small description of each. To review our programs if full, or to discuss implementing a program in your school, please contact us.

The following programs are fully flexible and can be customized to meet the requirements and interests of educators and facilitators:

• Lunch & Lyrics
• Mastering the Mic, Level 1
• Mastering the Mic, Level 2

Lunch & Lyrics - a singing program offered at lunch time with the use of karaoke equipment to teach different song styles, rhythms, voice enhancement, and more. The momentum-buiding strategies employed in this program best facilitate the fun factor which is the supreme motivator for participants to experience significant improvement in multi-dimensional areas.

The overall goal of Lunch & Lyrics is to teach:

1. Singing ability:

• key (pitch) control.
• Voice projection.
• Lyrical rhythm and synchronization.
• Vocal dynamics - volume, control, and expression.

2. Artistic and creative expression.

3. Personal Development:

• Self-Confidence
• Assertiveness
• Social deportment and poise.

4. Group Cooperation

• Verbal (lyrics)
• Non-verbal (body language and movement)
• Performance in small (peer) group setting.

Mastering the Mic - Level 1: a host training program with instruction on microphone techniques, performance enhancement, overcoming nervousness, comedy skills, and connecting with the audience.

The overall goal of the Level 1 Program is to teach:

1. Operation, respect and care for sound system equipment.

2. Creating a positive atmoshpere.

3. Executing basic host elements:

• Correct microphone handling techniques.
• Clear speaking with enthusiasm, expression, and inflection.
• Introducing a show.
• Introducing individual performers.
• Soliciting applause.
• Executing a variety of strategies for encouraging the reluctant audience.

4. Managing the show's rotation.

5. Personal Development:

• Self-confidence.
• Assertiveness.
• Social deportment.
• Public speaking poise.

Mastering the Mic - Level 2: The level 2 program is designed to refine and expand the basic hosting element introduced in Level 1. Hosting duties are executed in a larger venue with an expanded audience, beyond the qualified host training peer group.

The overall goal of the Level 2 Program is to teach:

1. Setting up, operating, and dismantling professional sound equipment.

2. Understanding an audience connection and encouraging participation.

3. Executing host elements:

• Introducing event and performers through use of cue cards and ad lib.
• Using "dead air" time
• Making announcements
• Injecting humour from cue cards and impromptu.
• Developing a personal style.
• Closing a show.

4. Show Preparation

• Setting the sound.
• Preliminary music.
• Audience warm-up

5. Maximizing participation with an expanded audience.

6. Facilitating a performer.

7. Personal Development skills:

• Organizational - planning and structuring the components of a special event.
• Teamwork - working successfully with others in planning, organizing, and executing all aspects of a performance event.
• Leadership - undertaking responsibility for various elements of a large event (ticket sales, prizes, food sales, etc)
• Assertiveness