Education

    School Concert Run Sheet

    A school concert involves managing dozens of student performers across multiple age groups, a live audience of parents and family members, and a technical team — often all with limited resources and volunteer support. This school concert run sheet template gives your performing arts team a clear framework for the full evening, from student arrival and backstage warmup through to the final curtain call and parent pickup. The template is designed to be practical and adaptable for primary or secondary school settings.

    Sample Run Sheet

    TimeTaskResponsibleLocation
    14:00Hall setup — seats, stage, and AVVenue StaffSchool Hall
    15:00AV and sound system checkAV TeamStage
    15:30Lighting rig focus and colour checkAV TeamStage
    16:00Student performers arrive and check inTeacherBackstage / Green Room
    16:30Costume check and hair/makeupTeacherChange Rooms
    17:00Stage rehearsal and blocking runTeacherStage
    18:30Venue doors open for audienceVenue StaffHall Entrance
    19:00Concert begins — MC welcomeMCStage
    19:05Junior school performances — Set 1TeacherStage
    19:45Middle school performances — Set 2TeacherStage
    20:15Interval — refreshments availableVenue StaffFoyer
    20:35Senior school performances — Set 3TeacherStage
    21:15Combined finale performanceTeacherStage
    21:30Principal's closing remarksMCStage
    21:40Student photo opportunity on stagePhotographerStage
    22:00Parent pickup and venue clearanceVenue StaffHall Entrance

    Key Considerations

    Assign a dedicated backstage supervisor for each year group to manage student movement, cues, and calm nerves throughout the evening.

    Brief parents and audience members before the concert that flash photography should not be used during performances and that mobile phones should be silent.

    Run a full dress rehearsal at least one day before the concert — this is non-negotiable for identifying cue errors, costume issues, and timing problems.

    Create a clear student movement plan between the change rooms, backstage waiting area, and stage entrance to avoid collisions or delays during the show.

    Have printed copies of the full run sheet for the stage manager, AV operator, and each class teacher involved in the performance.

    What to Include in Your School Concert Run Sheet

    • Full performance order with act names, year group, number of performers, and duration
    • Student arrival, costume, and warmup schedule by year group
    • AV and lighting cue list per performance
    • Interval timing and foyer refreshment plan
    • Post-concert photo schedule and parent pickup logistics

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I manage nervous students before a school concert?

    Create a calm, structured backstage environment with clear signage, a supervising teacher per group, and a defined warmup routine. Allow students to arrive at least 90 minutes before the concert begins so they have time to settle, costume up, and do a brief rehearsal without feeling rushed.

    How long should a school concert run?

    Aim for 90–120 minutes including an interval. Younger audiences (junior primary) have shorter attention spans, so consider a 60–75 minute format with no interval for lower year levels. Secondary school concerts with multiple departments can comfortably run to two hours with one interval.

    Should school concerts include an interval?

    Yes, for events longer than 75 minutes an interval of 15–20 minutes is recommended. It gives the audience a comfort break, allows backstage teams to reset for the second half, and creates a natural pause in the program for the students.

    Related Templates

    Ready to Build Your Own Run Sheet?

    Stop juggling spreadsheets and last-minute messages. Run Sheets gives your entire team a single, live document for every event — accessible anywhere, updated in real time.