Booking FAQ
Is it okay for the actors to set-up or break-down their equipment in the cafeteria while the kids are eating lunch?
The show requires sole use of a dedicated performance space for a full two hours and fifteen minutes. The performers are not able to set-up or break-down equipment during classes, breakfasts, breakfast clean-up, lunches, lunch clean-up, or bus dismissal.
Is it okay for the actors to perform on the floor? Do they need a stage?
The floor actually works very well and we often perform in gymnasiums without stages. Due to the interactive nature of the production it is especially helpful for the actors to be close to the audience. So, as long as the students in the back can see, and there is a 20' x 20' cleared playing area for the actors and their set and equipment, the floor is actually preferable. The other nice thing about performing on the floor is that the actors don't have to adjust to lighting variables (bright areas and dark areas) the way they do on a stage. Please do make sure that the space is closed to student traffic during the performance, and if possible silence additional bells during the performance.
I’m having trouble submitting the online form. Can I book over the phone?
If you’re having trouble with the form, please call Kerry Ryan, our Booking Manager, at (503) 307-8087 or email her at kerry@octc.org.
How long is the performance?
The full assembly time is 1 hour. This includes time for seating, an introduction, a 37 minute show, and dismissal. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the interactive nature of the production, this time is approximate. When requesting a performance time for your school please leave at least a 5 minute buffer to allow for performance time flexibility, show introduction, and any late seating needs.
Is it OK to schedule a performance for just my grade?
Because we offer our programs at no charge to schools, it’s important that we make the best possible use of our resources. For that reason, we like to perform for as many grades as possible (within K-3) when we visit your school.
Can grades other than K-3 attend the performance?
We gear our productions towards appropriate grade-level content, so please schedule the assembly for grades K-3 only. Thank you for your understanding.
We have 250 kids. Can we still have one assembly?
Because of the nature of the show, there is a firm cap of 200 students per assembly. We are happy to do two assemblies at your school to accommodate all of your students.
Do you perform for community organizations as well as in school settings?
At this time, we are only performing in schools.
We don’t have the minimum audience size of 50. Is there any way our students can see this production?
There are a couple of options in this situation. First, please notify us of your interest. We can keep a waiting list in the event we have a last minute cancellation near your school, and we can notify you if we schedule any public performances. Second, contact a school near yours and ask them if they’d be willing to book a performance and allow your students to attend, or, if you have a suitable performance space, invite another school to attend a performance at your school (if you do this, be sure they or you let us know – it’s always helpful to know the schools willing to create these kinds of partnerships).
What are the technical requirements of the performance?
Due to the interactive nature of this performance we find it's ideal if the actors can perform on the floor instead of a stage. Note: a 20' x 20' performance area is needed in addition to the student seating area. We bring our own sound equipment with us and the actors wear body mics for larger audiences. All we require is access to an electrical outlet near the stage. Please reserve a dedicated space in your school for two hours and fifteen minutes to accommodate set-up, student arrival, run-time, student dismissal, and packing time.
What themes are addressed in this show?
Our production focuses on the uses of electricity, how electricity is made, and electrical safety, both inside and outside of the home. Also addressed is the inherent power in making good choices.
How can I prepare my students for seeing this show?
Please visit PGE's Electrical Safety World website for interactive games, videos, and supplementary educational material.
If you have any additional questions please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks again for supporting educational theatre opportunities for your students and we look forward to visiting your school! For additional resources and some great links for energy education, please visit PGE's classroom support page.