[NAGDU] Question For Musicians

[S L Johnson]

Hello:

In my 42 years of working with guide dogs, I have taken my dog on stage many 
times.  It does depend on the situation.  If you are a soloist or in a 
chorus the dog can guide you on stage and lay down at your feet.  If the 
show requires you to move around such as in a musical or opera I have had my 
dogs on stage at a down stay as part of the stage set.  They have always 
stayed quietly and did not move during the performances because I had given 
them lots of reminders both verbal and hand signals during rehearsals. 
Sometimes you can even sneak in a subtle hand signal in their direction 
during the performances as part of your movements on stage.  I have always 
enjoyed the pleasure of having my dogs with me on stage.  If you choose to 
leave her, putting her in her crate or leaving her with someone are both 
good suggestions.  Some dogs do not do well being left back stage where they 
cannot see you.  In that case have someone hold her and sit in the front row 
so she can see you.  If you do it this way be sure she is not the type of 
dog that will whine, bark or get too excited when she sees you.  It also 
helps if you are going to leave her with someone that you spend a a little 
time with her and that person so she knows it is alright for her to be with 
them and to listen to them when they tell her something.  It helps if you 
explain to that person what commands your dog has been taught so they can 
get her down and under the seat and to walk at a nice controlled heel 
position as they take her to their seat or place off stage where they are 
going to watch her.  Good luck with your performances and enjoy yourself. 
Being on stage is always lots of fun.

Sandra Johnson and her stage struck dogs

-----Original Message----- 
From: Rachel Grider via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2017 4:18 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Rachel Grider
Subject: [NAGDU] Question For Musicians

Hello, Friends:

I have a question for those of you who perform. I am going to be traveling 
next month to play a role in a show. This will take place over three 
weekends and in several different locations. In order to save money, I will 
be staying at friends' houses.

It would not be appropriate to have Demi on stage with me, but I definitely 
need to travel with her to and from the venues. I have already talked to the 
director of this show about leaving Demi in her portable kennel in the green 
room during the shows and dress rehearsals, or else having an usher watch 
her, and he says this would be all right. I am wondering, though, what 
others have done in this situation. Are there any other ways y'all have 
found to deal with performances like this?

Thank you,

Rachel
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