Thread: Creating a successful workshop: where to start?

A few weeks ago I asked a lovely local dancer if she'd teach a veil workshop. She said if I'd set it up she'd do it. Now what? Would it be inappropriate to ask my teacher if we could rent her studio for the duration? How long of a session should this be? How much to charge? How much lead time should it have between advertising to the actual event? Is summer a bad time to hold workshops? Shall I request a 'lesson plan' from the dancer teaching at the workshop? If anyone has links to good threads or any advice I'd sooo appreciate it. I really want this to be successful; success to me being a great learning experience for new and experienced dancers alike. Most of all, I want it to be fun!

Start by thinking of workshops you've attended and model it after those. How long, how much to charge, etc. should be based on what's common in your region. Workshops with local teachers usually cost a little less than teachers who have to be flown in & given lodging, though, people do expect that savings to be passed on to them.

Summer can be a bad time, actually, fall and spring are best. You want at least enough lead time to get your flyers set out at one or two events prior to your event, so six months is often a good ballpark. I wouldn't request a 'lesson plan,' I'd trust my instructor to know what they're doing or I wouldn't hire her -- but a good idea of what will be covered so you can answer questions is a good idea.

Talking to your teacher about studio space is a good start. You'll need lots of room to work with veils, a large dance studio or even a small gymnasium.

As a workshop sponsor you can request certain topics (like two specific veil moves you've seen her do that you want to learn), which will help in writing up a flyer, etc. Book the space in advance - might be a good to call around and get rates to compare to your teacher's studio. Usually there will be some sort of split; the one we use is 70%/30% after studio fees (teacher/sponsor) but other arrangements can be made (65/35 is not uncommon, nor is a flat fee for instructor). Pricing could probably range from $15 - $50/hr depending on the skill/qualifications of the teacher, availablity in your area, whether she's local or not, and any other associated fees. Make flyers and market like crazy...and I like to think in terms of a successful event if you break even and help put on a nice workshop; bonus if you earn cash doing it. :)

Excellent info: I think fall would be the best time for this workshop after hearing how much lead time will be needed for marketing/advertising. I'll get together with Devi (who's teaching the veil workshop) to get a better idea of when she'll be available. I'm glad to have some time to work on this!

Be sure to write up a contract between you and the artist. It's important that you clarifiy everything in writing to avoid miscomunications and misunderstandings.

Ahh...contract. Thank you so much!

Oh! And a release of liability of some sort for you, the instructor and the venue. Some language at the top of a sign-in sheet for the event works well. :)