Run-of-show template

A timed outline for a two-hour class. Adjust the segments to fit your craft and your session.

This is a framework for a two-hour hands-on class. The times are approximate. Your craft and your room will tell you when to move and when to stay. The goal is not to follow the clock exactly but to have a map so you are never lost.

Copy this, fill in the brackets, and keep it somewhere visible during class, not in your hand but nearby.

[Your class name] Date: [date] Session time: [start] to [end] Number of guests: [n]

Before guests arrive (30 minutes before start)

[ ] Complete materials setup. Every workstation set identically.
[ ] Safety walkthrough. Clear paths, identify hazards.
[ ] Drinks ready and poured (if serving).
[ ] Demo materials separate from guest materials and staged.
[ ] Run-of-show in view.
[ ] Personal items (phone, bag, keys) out of the class space.

Arrival (start time to +15 minutes)

Goal: Every guest feels expected and welcome before instruction begins.

Greet each guest by name as they arrive.
Direct them clearly to their workstation.
Have something on the table they can touch or examine.
Light background music while people settle.

At [start + 15 min]: Call the group to attention warmly.

Opening (15 minutes)

Goal: Name who is in the room, establish the guide relationship, put something in hands.

Welcome and brief self-introduction (2 min). One specific story from inside the craft.
Guest first names only, optional why-they-came (3 min).
Brief framing: what today is and what it is not. "You don't need to leave an expert. You need to leave having touched [the craft]." (1 min)
First hands-on moment (9 min). Something simple, immediate, and tactile. Get them working before you explain more.

First technique (30–35 minutes)

Goal: Demonstrate, guide through together, let them work independently.

Silent demonstration at full speed (2 min).
Slow demonstration with narration. Show the mistake. Show the correction. (5 min).
Guided practice: walk them through it together, step by step (8 min).
Independent work time. Move through the room. Observe and offer. (15–20 min).

Transition signal: "Let's pause here and look at where everyone is."

Mid-class check-in (5 minutes)

A natural breath. Not a break, but a pause.

Brief group check-in: "How is it feeling? What is the hardest part so far?"
One story or observation from your own experience with this technique.
Introduce the next materials or tools.

Second technique or refinement (25–30 minutes)

Goal: Build on what they have done. Go deeper.

Brief demonstration of the next step or refinement (3–5 min).
Independent or semi-guided work. More autonomy than the first phase. (20–25 min).
This is the heart of the session. Protect the working time. Let people be absorbed.

[Note your planned dip move here: ________________________]

Finishing and personalization (10–15 minutes)

Goal: Guest completes their piece. Give them a creative choice.

"Now this part is yours. [Describe the open choice: color, shape, finishing detail.]"
Move through the room with genuine attention, not correction.
Let the room find its natural pace here.

Closing (15 minutes)

Do not let this get cut. Protect it.

Pause all work (even if not quite finished). "Let's take a moment to look at what we all made."
Show-and-share: walk around, hold up pieces, one host observation.
What you noticed in the room today: one specific, generous thing.
What is available next: upcoming sessions, next level, materials to take home.
One thing to try at home.
Hand out packaging and takeaway materials.
Thank them at the door, by name.

After class

Write one note per guest within 24 hours: name, what they made, one observation.
Send feedback request within 24 hours.
Complete your own session notes: what worked, what to change, what surprised you.