Time Keeping When Chaperoning

Time Keeping When Chaperoning

I have recently heard children say to me “Tony you don’t understand every second counts” It’s not the first time I have heard it and it upset me.

My response to this is times are my job just you focus on going out there and smashing your performance.

Every chaperone is different as is every production but we should be providing a secure and calm environment for young actors not adding stress and anxiety by constantly reminding of performance times and everything they have to do. Children are very observant and pick up on our stress and anxiety.

So this is how I time keep or relax the environment

-On child heavy productions speak to production before and how they plan to break up the day. We can share experiences and best practices when working with young actors.

-Speak to the AD team how do they want to inform them of timings I generally speak to the 3rd and inform in 15minute blocks

-Have good communication with the 1st AD how do they work sometimes they catch my eye or a nod on a busy set and we discuss timings things change on set.

-Talk about timings out of children’s ear shots don’t add to their pressure and please don’t shout across a busy set “you have 2minutes before I take them off”

-Be calm yes working hours are very important and must be tracked and recorded but staying calm and communicating clearly with crew can solve all sort of issues.

-Confident if you have done the above be confident with your timings and information you are giving. Try to think ahead and problem solve everyone on a set is very busy don’t let the performance time get up to 58minutes (Scotland timings) then tell them the young actors time is up.