Working Behind the Scenes at a Concert
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a concert? Whether you spend a lot of time at shows, have been able to get backstage passes to meet your favorite artists or just love live performances, you’ve probably spent some time thinking about what’s involved in making sure that everything goes smoothly. As it turns out, there are quite a few people working backstage to ensure that those pieces end up perfectly in place and that an unforgettable concert ensues.
What really goes on behind the scenes? Want to know what those “unseen” people actually do? Here’s a quick sneak peek behind the curtain.
Support Teams
The support teams working for concert venues have a very important job. They make sure that everything is where it needs to be, such as the correct instruments, amplifiers and other equipment that goes on the stage, right on time. They also keep track of the performers, letting them know when it’s their turn to be on stage. Without them, a simple concert could devolve into chaos.
Audiovisual Personnel
Concerts aren’t as simple as plugging microphones and guitars into amplifiers and playing music. Someone needs to operate the soundboard, making sure that the mix (the combination of all of the instruments plus the singer) is good and also ensuring that the audience gets the best sound. Plus, there are plenty of lights to consider, in addition to video packages, that add to the performance. The audiovisual personnel are in charge of those as well.
Managers
Managers often represent the band, helping them get gigs in various places. Some managers work for the venue, ensuring that all of the different people that go into planning and running the show know their jobs and can get everything done smoothly. A band manager is responsible for more than just booking shows. They also make sure that the merchandise booths and other things are ready to go.
Producers
A producer is the person who is in charge of putting the concerts together. Whether they work with the band’s management to put together a concert schedule or work for the venue, coordinating with many bands, they play a crucial role in putting all of the show’s pieces together. They work with the other people employed by the venue to pull off every show.
Publicity Teams
Someone needs to spread the word about the upcoming concert. This job falls to the publicity teams. Some, called Street Teams, head out to similar concerts, providing attendees with fliers that list other upcoming shows and events. Others take a more traditional approach and make sure that news of the concert appears in the media in the form of commercials, articles, social media and more. Needless to say, these publicity teams have a very important job.
Do You Want to Work Behind the Scenes?
If you answered “yes” to that question, then a career in arts and entertainment management might just be your best option. Getting a degree in this field, like one from the program offered here at Dean, can start you off on the right path. After all, sometimes what happens behind the scenes is just as entertaining as the concert itself. Ready to take the first step? , today!