Okay. Evening time here, so I'm back.
Now...6th graders? I'm guessing, what...11, 12 years old? So no
serious school romances, and no need to allow the chance. (I've got
a daughter, and I don't turn my back very long.)
I assume the children are allowed to wear costumes? Surely they will
identify their self BEFORE entering the school. Dances at my daughters
school are "closed". No outside students allowed. Once you enter the
dance, you remain inside AT ALL TIMES. Picked up by parents only after
the dance AT THE DOOR. I don't mean to sound like a pain in the rear parent
but safety of the children is a prime issue. No exceptions.
That being said, our school has an a abundance of chaparones. Both in the building
and in the parking lot. (for escapees)
First, what kind of budget are you working with? School function, I assume low-buck?
You will do the drinks and snacks? Surely the school will furnish tables as needed?
Both as snack tables and seating?
How big do you guess the gym to be? Don't want to big, and don't want too small.
You need to be able to see the entire area at a glance. Can you use props to section
it into various areas, functions while still leaving an acceptable dance area?
At that age I would think children are more concerned with simply being there than
with actually dancing. So I'm thinking props and pictures are prime.
Can you bring the cemetery out into the floor, a nice visional prop? A few easy columns,
some simple plastic fencing (or rope) to keep the headstones safe ? All easy to do.
If you need to get a lifesize to stand, your patio table umbrella stand and pvc will work.
PVC and a few cross boards will work.
Other lifesize can be placed sitting on the floor against the wall.
Some sort of large prop that they can get their pictures taken with.
I have a few "lightpoles" made from simple PVC, with an empty plastic
mayo jar as the globe. Uses battery string lights and a women's knee-high
hose for a globe cover. (different hose, gets a different color.)
And to use the walls...respect the school and don't attack to the walls.
Any chance of a nice projector that would throw the kids shadows on the
walls? They can watch theirself.
Of course, strobes, glitterballs and such. Of course, you could do a simple
PVC stand for any of them as needed. (you can tell I keep a stock of PVC)
Will the school allow a haybale / pumpkin display? You can use a good bunch
of wall on that.
Same with a display of corn stalks? You can free-stand those on the floor.
A banner...kids like banners.
A full legenth mirror for them to "check" their costumes?
