Dos and Dont's: The use of signs in performances
On selected Thursdays, ACB Production Manager Mike Scalise makes his recommendations on a cappella performance in a DO and DON’T format.
DON'T: Use signs in performances to attract attention or to create humor.
DO: Focus on choreography as a mechanism to draw attention and enhance the visual presentation of a song.
One of the biggest turn-offs for me when watching a competitive a cappella performance is the presence of signs and banners on stage. They add very little, if any, merit to a performance as a whole, and rather only demonstrate a group's ability to hold something up. Not to mention, it just looks a little tacky. Unique choreography, on the other hand, can turn a good performance into a great one. The mixture of hand motions, steps, and synchronization gives groups endless possibilities. In addition, visual cohesiveness, creativity of movement, and appropriateness of movement are all criteria that comprise the Visual Performance category on the ICCA and ICHSA judge form. Therefore, stage presence should be emphasized whenever possible. Good groups don't need to use signs in order to look great--they need solid choreography and an effective presentation.