To Organize a Flash Event

1. Question the situation for the flash event.
   • Subject: What will you do for your flash event? How will you set it up? Where will you perform?
   • Purpose: Why are you choosing to do a flash event? How do you want it received?
   • Audience: Who will be involved? How will you recruit participants? Who will see it?
2. Plan the flash event by completing a planning sheet. (See page 361.)
   • Background: Study other flash events. Compare ideas. Find out how they recruited participants and set up rehearsals.
   • Location: Discover a place to carry out the event. Ideally, you will want it to occur in a public place where lots of people are gathered.
3. Research the flash event.
   • Obtain permission from property owners, the town board, and parents before moving forward with the event.
   • Arrange a rehearsal or create instructions for practicing the event so that participants know what to do, where to do it, and when to do it. Also, decide if any costumes and props are needed.
   • Publicize your event using digital resources to recruit participants. Use social media, text messages, and email chains to provide details and updates about the event.
4. Create the flash event.
   • Send clear instructions about what, where, when, and how your event will take place. Participants must know when the performance is to begin and end.
   • Begin the performance by gathering in the desired location, as if your group is just going about their day. Then, at the scheduled time, begin your performance.
   • Continue with the main part of the performance, until all of the performers have joined in.
   • Finish the event by walking away as if nothing happened.
5. Improve the flash event.
   • Evaluate the flash event. Did it fulfill its purpose? Did enough people participate? Was the audience’s reaction what you expected? What went right? What improvements could you make next time?
   • Improve your performance by taking notes of any changes you would make for the next time you want to organize a flash event.
6. Present a video of the event online, at your school, through social media, or perhaps on a local news station.