I have a small dance program with a few classes here and there. I have done end-of-the-year shows at the individual locations with costume-piece add ons that they wear with their leos and tights. The parents have started asking about having real costumes, and a real recital, and I think it might be nice to bring my classes together, but I know the costs involved with a big recital...Also, we are just too small to do a huge auditorium recital--the recital fees and/or ticket prices would have to be astronomical. I just want a stage for them to stand on and places for the audience to sit. It doesn't even really need any sort of theatrical lighting, although it would be nice to have the stage lit and the audience dark (but we could live without it).

I can't think of anything, but you guys are awesome, and have helped lots in the past...so, any ideas?

call different school districts and ask about the stages they have available. In my area some of the schools have a stage/eating area that can be used for recitals.
Also check with libraries, one around here has a stage, but, not much seating for parents.
churches? not using the mail sanctuary, but, many churches have a "hall, gym, auditorium with a stage".

Haven't heard from you in a while faerydust, glad you're back.

Thanks for the great ideas! I'm glad to be back...we bought a house and moved, so that took up a lot of my summertime...hopefully I'll have more time for DDN now!

You'd be surprised at how many of the newly built churches have beautiful auditoriums. Definitely give them a call. And if you wait for nicer weather, there may be some outside places you could try (parks sometimes have something you can work with). Try elementary schools instead of Highschools, they tend to be cheaper and also maybe your local YMCA? I hope this helps. Best of luck

I'm going to repeat the chruch idea. That's where I started at when I started my studio and they are usually very nice and very flexible about payment and payment terms.
Also if their are any private schools in your area - they usually have auditoriums they rent out - often for less then the public schools.

Thanks! I will definitely check with schools and churches...One of the issues that I am dealing with is that I teach in a very rural area, so pickings are slim! Also, some of my classes are at a Y, and no stage...or else all of my problems would be solved!!

I used to run a rural studio with classes in several different villages.
I used to bring everyone together once a year and book a community hall that had a small stage, we used to do two performances either a Friday and a Saturday or a Saturday and a Sunday depending on what dates where available and a rehearsal the week before. I only had a collection at the door as people came in, rather than tickets and that covered my cost of the hall.
It was basic, but they had costumes and it was on a 'proper' stage which meant more to them than anything else.

Also I dont know if you want to charge or now but the schools we have if you dont sale tickets and do it as a donation only they will give you a better price. Here I think its at least half the price or more because you dont have ticket sells. Also I dont know if you have a costume place picked yet but Revolution Dancewear has AMAZING costumes and for great prices that your parents will love.
Hope this helps a little
(also try muesuems or movie theatre we have the journey muesuem and they have a stage and our old movie theatre has a nice one too in front of the screen worth a shot)