Elementary Touring Shows - Pricing, Logistics, and FAQ

Pricing

School Type	Single Performance	Back-to-Back Performances
Non-Title 1	$850	$1,275
Title 1	$722.50	$1,083.75

*Contact us for multi-tour package pricing and extra discounts.

What's Included:

Access to Alley Re-Sourced, our online interactive guide to use before and after the show.
A high-energy, interactive and participatory experience between The Brainstormers cast and the audience.
A 10-minute talk-back after the show reviewing important concepts and vocabulary.

To Know Before You Book...

Appropriate audience age is Kindergarten through Fifth grade at schools, community centers, libraries, and more.
Audience limit for a single show is 550 students.
We suggest back-to-back performances (2) splitting the audience into K-2 and 3-5.
Run time for a single show is 55 minutes, which includes a built-in 10-minute talk-back after the show.
If booking back-to-back performances, there will be a 30-minute reset period between shows.
Additional fees may be added for tours exceeding a 50-mile radius from the Alley Theatre in downtown Houston.

Day-of Logistics

Before Alley actors/staff arrive:

Please review the Touring Performance Agreement (sent to booking contact upon confirmation of date/time)
Be sure that the performance space is clean and accessible.
Please ask teachers to respect the privacy of our performers and refrain from entering the backstage space once we have loaded in for the performance.
You will be given a projected timetable for the day, see load-in/load-out times below. Times may vary due to parking issues, obstructions during load-in and load-out, presence of pedestrians and automotive traffic on school property, and other situations. If you have any concerns with this schedule, please alert the Stage Manager promptly so we can make adjustments.
- 75-90-minute load-in
- 55-minute performance (includes 10-minute talkback)
- 30-minute reset (if back-to-back performances)
- 45-minute load-out

Before the show begins:

Prior to seating students, do not forget to check-in with the Stage Manager to make sure we are “Clear” for the students to enter performance space.

After the show ends:

You will receive an email with a link to submit feedback on the show. We would love to hear from all administrators and teachers whose students attended the performance.
Don’t forget to share and utilize our digital interactive resource: Alley Re-Sourced!

QUESTIONS?

ELENA VALLADOLID-RIVERA
Manager of Emerging Audiences
713-315-5424
ElenaVR@alleytheatre.org

Frquently Asked Questions

Have questions? Check to see if they're answered below.
If not, feel free to contact us for more information.

Will you come talk to my school about bringing THE BRAINSTORMERS?

Yes! Contact us at 713-315-5424 or elenavr@alleytheatre.org to find a date and time that works best for an in-person meeting.

How can my school pay for THE BRAINSTORMERS?

Historically, schools have used a variety of funding sources to pay for The Brainstormers:

Title 1 Fund
Activity Fund
PTO/PTA Fund
Fundraising event
School District Funding
Grant funding
- Was your school severely affected by damage from Hurricane Harvey? See if you're eligible for the Texas PTA's Natural Disaster Relief Fund HERE.
- We are now part of the Texas Touring Roster - this means you can apply for a grant that could potentially fund up to half of the cost of a performance of Oskar if awarded. The grant application For more information on deadlines and application process, please visit Texas Commission on the Arts.

When is payment due?

Payment is due no later than 30 days after the performance occurs via check, direct deposit, debit/credit card or purchase order. It is recommended that you plan for your The Brainstormers purchase out of funding that is already awarded versus a pending award or grant.

What will I receive when I book?

Upon booking, you will receive an email from DocuSign containing two important documents.

Invoice – This document states your school’s performance date/time, payment instructions, and due date.
Touring Performance Agreement – This document is required to help The Brainstormers team prepare your performance(s), including: contact phone numbers/emails, load in/out schedule, school bus/performance space conflicts, etc. Please sign it via DocuSign.

What if I need to reschedule of cancel?

Deadlines to cancel or reschedule performances are typically a month before the first day of the tour. Please refer to the Touring Shows page tour dates. Rescheduling performances after the deadline will be at the discretion of Alley Theatre and based on availability. Further information about cancellations will be covered in your Touring Performance Agreement and Invoice.

How many students can come to each performance?

Appropriate ages are K-5. A single performance can hold a maximum of 550 students, therefore we suggest back-to-back performances splitting K-2 and 3-5.

How long is THE BRAINSTORMERS show?

The performance run-time is 55 minutes. There is a built-in 10-minute talk-back after the show. If your school is hosting back-to-back shows please allow for a 30-minute break between shows.

What times can I schedule the performance(s)?

Times for performances will be based on availability. For schools, we typically schedule performances before or after the lunch period. The load in/load out schedule is tailored to any unique situations like bus arrival, breakfast/lunch, class period changes, performance space conflicts, etc. After-school and weekend performances may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

What does the performance space provide for the performance(s)?

We require a private dressing area, bathrooms, water fountain and a clean performance space.

How does load-in/load-out work?

The Alley requires the schedule below for load-in and out. When you complete your Touring Performance Agreement, you will describe the situations that will be present during the load-in/load-out process, such as parking issues, student arrival to and dismissal from performance space, presence of pedestrian and automotive traffic on property, or obstructions during load-in and load-out, etc. The times below will vary depending on your school's unique situations.

Load-in & Setup - 75 minutes
Performance Run Time - 55 minutes
Reset (if back-to-back performance) - 15 minutes
Strike & Load-out - 45 minutes

How many actors are present for the performance(s)?

There are four (4) actors and one (1) stage manager present for the day of the performance.

Can my school get proof of insurance form the Alley?

Yes! Please contact Cathy Bencivenga to process your request.

Is the Alley an approved vendor for my district?

The Alley is an approved vendor for most districts. If you need us to be an approved vendor, please let us know as soon as possible. The Alley will complete the remaining steps to become vendor. If you have any other required district forms, please send those to us promptly to Elena Valladolid-Rivera.

What additional resources do you offer for booking THE BRAINSTORMERS?

Your performance includes access to our digital online resource called Alley Re-Sourced. Use it before and after your Brainstormers shows to extend the learning experience and encourage classroom discussion. Download Brainstormers directly to your SMART Board, and continue the lessons he learns with Alley Re-Sourced! Online you will find:

A sequencing map of the play
Special worksheets and activities for grades K-5
Links to resources for teaching students about bullying and empathy
Stage Craft page with videos of the actors explaining the show and how it was created

Want to know more about Alley Transported's history and impact?

Learn more about Alley Transported's history, past shows and its impact - click here!

Pricing

School Type

Single Performance

Back-to-Back Performances

Before Alley actors/staff arrive:

Before the show begins:

After the show ends:

Frquently Asked Questions