How to Form a Flash Mob

Flash mobs are often a happy surprise in public places.

In Hollywood musicals of the 1930s and 40s, people broke out into song no matter where they were. In some scenes, everyone standing around joined in, to the joy of all present. Flash mobs are a modernized twist on those kinds of scenes, with the goal being to surprise an unaware audience in a public place. One person begins a song and/or dance; suddenly (and seemingly spontaneously) many bystanders join in. A rapid dispersal of all involved follows, (usually) leaving smiles all around. Much like organizing any large event, you'll have to cover a few important details beforehand.

Things You'll Need

• Choreographer
• Location/site
• Rehearsal schedule
• Rehearsal space
• Music source and CD
• Printed copies of lyrics (optional)
• Sheet music (optional)
• Videographer (optional)
• Personal microphones (optional)
• Megaphone (optional for rehearsals)
• Assistants (optional)

Instructions

1. Determine the location where the flash mob will appear. Some mobs are formed more formally than others. The assistance of a venue or of musical performers already staging a gig can come in handy, but many mobs are done as a total surprise to everyone at the location.

2. Secure a rehearsal space. If you plan to do a flash mob with hundreds of people involved, you can probably rent a public rehearsal space for a few hours. If you prefer, meet at a park to choreograph the plan and discuss all pertinent details.

3. Schedule the date and time for the event. If you're going to do more than one in a day, be sure you allow time for everyone to commute between locations.

4. Get the word out. Post anonymously on Craigslist, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other social sites to let people know you're forming a flash mob. If you're doing a formal mob, write up an "info sheet" with your contact info and details. Send this to responders. Provide the date and time, but not the location of the event. Advertise wherever you can, including on bulletin boards and signposts.

5. Rehearse. Either early on the day of the event or a day or two beforehand, get everyone together. Welcome them, then give an overview of the plan. Turn on practice music or hand out copies of lyrics if people don't all know the words. If they're only going to dance, omit the handouts. Lead them, or have a separate choreographer lead them, through the steps of the dance the flash mob will perform.

6. Discuss the cues for when the first people will begin and when others will join in. You'll only need a couple to get things rolling.

7. Go separately to your location at least 20 minutes before the mob will begin. Set the cues in motion, and let the fun begin. Disperse immediately into the crowd when the routine is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• While being in musical theater can give you a significant leg up in creating a flash mob, almost any background in singing or dancing will help.

• Stairs and multiple entrances require advance planning. You may need to enlist the help of some public places to be sure they're clear ahead of time if you're going to bring 500 people down a staircase en masse.

• Keep a list of all participants' contact info in an Excel file or other database. You can use the list to email announcements of your next event.

• Some mobs use custom-made T-shirts, or costumes and props. If you want to do this, you can ask for everyone to pitch in for costs.

• If your mob isn't going to dance or sing, but do something more like a zombie mob, just have everyone show up, in costume, at a designated time and place. You can email participants about what to bring or wear. No rehearsal necessary.

References

• Flash Mob America