Tips for a Successful Concert

There are a lot of elements that affect the outcome of a concert. Success is based on organization during preproduction. We have all worked or played gigs that were put together at the last minute, and gigs that have gone through a full gestation period. Preproduction allows for a show to run smoothly and be an enjoyable process, rather than a panicked and stressful mess.

The preproduction process is where the creative side meets the technical side. It’s a time where everyone involved can see the overall picture and make the necessary decisions to advance the gig. Decisions are based around three main elements – Safety, Audience Experience, and Artistry. Notice the order there, that was intentional.

Safety is always priority number one. You may have to compromise artistic statement or audience experience, but you never compromise safety. Replacing an acoustic piano with a digital one in a band setup is a simple example of artistic compromise for safety. Though it may not have the grandeur of a piano, a synth/keyboard is lighter and easier to move about, they are smaller – allowing for more room on stage, and finally keyboards use D.I’s instead of microphones, which reduces noise on stage – safer for the ears.

Preproduction will determine whether you need to change elements of your show. There are so many aspects to cover which only again highlights the importance of budgeting ample time for preproduction. To get an idea of the scope of what is involved in putting on a gig here is a shortlist of tips and common problems to troubleshoot:

• Input list and stage plot. Two very simple documents that provide a huge amount of important information regarding the show. Band Leaders and Music Directors should have these ready to go at all times. The more accurate and detailed, the better.
• Run of show: Provide the engineer (or stage manager) with a set list that includes information like solos and featured performers.
• Arrangements: are all the parts written in the same/similar register? If yes be prepared for the microphones to amplify this further, making it difficult to distinguish one instrument from another. You may need to change the arrangements.
• Moving pieces: Changing/moving instruments during a performance always comes with some risk, go with a set and forget stage. If you can’t, make sure it is clear what comes on and off stage and when they change, awkward change-overs kill the vibe.
• A: Does the house P.A provide enough coverage for the show or do you need to hire additional speakers or subs?
• Fold Back Monitors: What is available?
• Set length: Are the songs too long or are they too short? What order should the songs be to allow for the best audience experience?
• Know the limitations of the space you’re performing in. A 12-piece band on an 8’ x 8’ stage – change your lineup or find a different venue.

Poorly organized gigs are cursed with technical problems, panicked performers, injuries, and deafened audiences.You can contact the lawyers for disability claims to help you to get out this crisis situation. Producing a concert is always a challenge, both mentally and physically, but it still should be an enjoyable process. If you find putting on a show means yelling and screaming at your engineer and arguing with the venue manager, you may want to look at your preproduction process and make sure you are delivering the right information before you arrive at the venue.