Perform an encore for your audience
Plan and perform a short encore act after a show, choosing a favorite song, dance, or trick to delight your audience.
About this activity
Plan and perform a short encore act after a show, choosing a favorite song, dance, or trick to delight your audience.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose whether your encore will be a song dance or a trick.
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Step 2
Pick the exact song dance routine or trick you want to perform.
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Step 3
Choose a short favorite part to highlight that lasts about 30 to 60 seconds.
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Step 4
Gather your props or costume pieces and keep them ready near the stage.
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Step 5
Set up an open performance space where your audience can sit and see you.
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Step 6
Do one quick body stretch to wake up your muscles.
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Step 7
Do one quick vocal warm up by humming or making a sound if you will sing.
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Step 8
Practice the highlight slowly three times focusing on timing and moves.
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Step 9
Create a short intro gesture or line to start your encore.
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Step 10
Decide and practice a simple bow to end your encore.
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Step 11
Run the whole encore with music or counts two times at full speed.
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Step 12
Perform your encore confidently for your audience and have fun.
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Step 13
Share your finished encore performance on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I help my child plan and perform a short encore act after a show?
To plan and perform an encore, pick a favorite song, dance, or trick and keep it short (30–90 seconds). Help your child outline a clear start, highlight, and bow. Practice transitions and a single cue for the start. Rehearse once on the performance space, confirm props/costume, do a short warm-up, and run a full dress rehearsal with family as the audience. Encourage expressive faces, clear volume, and applause at the end.
What materials do we need to perform a simple encore?
For a simple encore you'll need a music source (phone or speaker), one or two easy props or costume pieces, a safe performance space, and a timer. Optional items include a toy microphone, slip-resistant mat, simple lighting (lamp), and a phone to record. Keep props lightweight and non-sharp, and store extra batteries or chargers. Minimal supplies help the child focus on performance rather than setup.
What ages is this encore performance activity suitable for?
This activity suits many ages when adjusted: toddlers (2–4) can do a very short song or movement with adult help; preschool/kindergarten (4–6) can learn a simple dance or trick; elementary (7–11) can plan a short solo with basic choreography; tweens/teens (12+) can design a polished 1–2 minute act. Always supervise younger children, simplify steps for little ones, and set a short encore time limit to keep attention.
What are the benefits of having my child perform an encore?
Encore performances build confidence, memory, planning, and stage presence while encouraging creativity and risk-taking in a low-pressure setting. Rehearsing aids focus, fine motor skills, and sequencing; performing in front of family teaches social cues and coping with nerves. Keep celebrations positive and give specific praise. For safety, choose non-slip footwear, clear the performance area, and avoid stunts beyond the child's skill level.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of special props, a costume, or a music player if those items are hard to find?
Use household items like a scarf, hat, or spoon as props, wear layered clothes as a costume, and play backing tracks from a phone or use counted claps instead of a music player when you 'gather your props or costume pieces' and 'run the whole encore with music or counts.'
My timing gets off when I try to 'practice the highlight slowly three times'—how can I fix that?
Fix messy timing by counting aloud or using a metronome app while you 'practice the highlight slowly three times,' then rehearse with the music at half speed before doing the two full-speed runs.
How should we change the encore for younger or older kids?
For younger kids shorten the 'short favorite part' to 15–30 seconds, simplify moves and the 'intro gesture' and 'simple bow,' and for older kids extend the highlight toward 60–90 seconds and add extra choreography and a vocal warm-up.
What are simple ways to make the encore more special or longer after the basic performance?
Make the encore more special by adding a quick costume change during the bow, teaching the audience a clap or call-and-response for the 30–60 second highlight, or recording the final performance to share on DIY.org.