How do you work with sound and lighting to make events seamless?

Communication is a key part to any successful show, concert, or performance of any kind. A lot of the information above can all go into what’s call a tech rider. A tech rider lets a venue know all of your tech needs such as lighting, audio, AV, scenic and rehearsal/sound check time. This one document with a set list or script gives the tech team all the tools needed for success.

Your tech team has the experience and training to provide top notch work. They work with their equip-mentor year-round and knowing the space. They quickly can tell you what is possible and what will work. Give them your general vision and then let them create their magic. Most productions, a venue will do a cue-to-cue where everything can be fine tune. It’s best to wait until you see everything come together before giving notes or requesting changes. Technicians and designers are always open to conversation about their work. Everyone is on the same team with the common goal or producing the best production.

During a show, anything can happen. If a technical issue should pop up, the tech team will have plenty of experience on how to handle the situation. Most performance will have a highly train stage manager who will communicate with the tech team and to the performers. The stage manager will conduct a plan on how to best move forward. After the show, take the time to see what caused the issue, how can the issue be prevented, and a contingency plan. Prior to your performance, if you have any concerns, please bring them to the tech team. If something were to happen during a performance, NEVER throw your tech team under the bus. They want the show to be successful and the best presentation. We are all one team with a common goal.

One can always learn and improve from every production. Each production you run gives you experiences and lessons for how to go about the next project. Feedback from your team is a great way of understanding how to build off of the current production and improving the next. When asking the audience,it is important to remember each audience member have their own opinions and taste in any art. I suggest comment cards to get a general feedback from the audience but the live audience reactions will give the best audience feedback.

I do agree that anyone in entertainment should learn how to use various tech instruments. This will allow you to speak to your tech team more efficiently. Knowing the tech side allows you to understand and know how to ask for your vision. This will also give you an idea of limitations as well. I will caution, that is important not to speak to the tech team as if you know more about their equipment then they do. Lighting and audio people will appreciate your knowledge and knowing how to ask for what you want but claiming to know more will start things off on the wrong foot. By understanding how the equipment work can be helpful if you are ever in a position where you may have to program your show.