Concert Team

The Front Of House Team's Role:

The Front of House Team is charged with helping performers and their guests get into the venue safely and ready to play. Your role is to create and facilitate great experiences outside of the performance in activities, encouragement, fun, good vibes, support etc. Performing live is a big deal so we do everything we can on the day to make the experience as care free and positive as possible. To do this you will be given resources and instructions to work with on the day.

Setting Up:

• Setup tickets and performer check in table.
• Tidy the hall.
• Do float sheet

Ticket Sales:

• Ask all groups if there is a performer amongst them, check them in if so.
• Process tickets for performers and guests.
• Seating is not allocated, first in first served.

Performer Check-In:

• Performers need to check in upon arrival.
• Mark these on a program as you go.
• Support, encourage and help performers feel good about the performance and talk through any aspect with them.
• Give them a program and explain that getting on stage will be explained to them at the start of the show.

Starting The Show:

• At the start of the show, head down to the MC and instruct them to start the show.
• After doing this, speak with the MC and stage crew and make sure they know which performers have and have not shown up, as well as any changes made to the timetable.

During Show:

• Bins – replace bin liners as required.
• Noise – make sure this is kept at a minimum.
• Late entrants – to enter hall between acts – not during acts.
• Show Transitions

Pack Down:

• After the shows have been completed for the entire day, pack down the table and stock.

Your Joblist:

Brief And Manage FOH And Welcome Team:

• These are your team members, direct them clearly and delegate appropriately.
• Be aware of shift changeovers, brief newcomers quickly.
• Communicate emergency exits, bathroom locations etc with all members.

Manage Gear Bump-In:

• Check list off as bringing all gear in.

Setup Area:

• Booths as per layout map
• Direct any food vans/coffee trucks
• Door ticket check area
• Welcoming area
• Signs
• Any pre-show activities (red carpet, media wall, etc)

Facilitate Stormer Booths:

• Ticket sales
• Merchandise
• Pre-Show activities

Welcome And Direct Students And Parents:

• Be welcoming and supportive of all performers, students and parents.
• Direct performers to the Green Room to Check-In. Younger students may be accompanied by one parent, but the Green Room is special for performers. Runners to help and supervise students as they find their way.
• Direct audience members to the pre-show area, make sure they know where they’re going and where to buy tickets if they haven’t already.

Open Doors:

• Open the doors and check tickets once the Stage Manager (Name, Mob) has confirmed they are ready.
• Manage doors during concert - only allow people to enter between acts, police noise levels.

Bins:

• Manage rubbish, replace bin liners etc as needed throughout the event.

Manage Bump-Out:

• Pack up booths and FOH gear
• Check gear list off again as gear is put back in the truck.
• Liaise with the event manager for when it is appropriate to begin this process, it will differ for different concerts and may be possible to start while the final concert is happening.

Performer Check In:

Setup Booth:

• Make sure you have the stage runsheet(s) for all shows, and pens ready to go.
• Setup table and attach sign in clear and readable location at entrance of Green Room.
• Clipboard provided in GreenRoomKit if standing makes more sense at venue.

Check-In:

• Check performers off as they arrive against all acts they’re a part of. Be aware of people in multiple acts.
• A parent may accompany younger students in the green room, but make sure they’re aware that they’ll need to purchase a ticket before entering the concert.
• Give instructions to performers, introduce them to relevant crew members. (who might help tune their guitar, or who to tell if they need a chair).
• Talk through tech requirements with performers, note any differences from runsheet. (gear needed, backing tracks, etc) This is the easiest time to catch unsubmitted backing tracks and get them to the sound crew.
• Close off normal check-in (time prescribed in production schedule) before the concert start time so you can communicate any changes to the runsheet and discrepancies in gear requirements with the Stage Manager.
• Leave instructions for late check-in if you leave the booth, add latecomers to the end of the runsheet if possible, work with the Stage Manager to work out what there is time for, explain to performers that you will do your best, but there may not be time.

Run Green Room Brief And Manage Green Room Team:

• These are our most student engaged team members, direct them to make students feel welcome, help them relax and give them a great Pre-Show experience during initial check-in.

Manage Gear Bump-In And Setup Of Green Room:

• Setup a relaxing and welcoming space for students, with the snacks, tables and activities provided in the Green Room Kit.
• Prepare for performer Check-In as per the Performer Check-In Instructions.

Work Directly With The Stage Manager:

• This is one of the most important communication channels in the whole organisation of concerts. The Stage Manager needs to know if anyone hasn’t shown up and needs prompt updates so they can keep the stage runsheet up-to-date.
• Prioritise getting updates to the Stage Manager with plenty of notice.
• Stick strictly to Check-In deadlines and follow Late Check-In protocols otherwise.
• The Stage Manager has the final call on who goes on stage and when.
• Meet with stage manager 20 mins before each concert starts to finalise runsheet.

Manage Traffic:

• This is a special place for performers. Some guardians may be necessary for younger performers, but keep it student focused and police any unwanted people.
• Consider guest artists/performers; they may need a private section, riders arranged, meet and greet or signing facilitation. If unsure, talk to the FOH Manager or Event Manager. They also may have their own management or security. Facilitate this, but respectfully keep the area student focused.

Organise Food/Meals For Staff And Volunteers:

• Organise appropriate food/meals at times prescribed in production schedule.
• Time this so food arrives and is ready to be eaten.
• Remove this section if local Vendor options are locked in.

Coordinate Pack-Down And Bump-Out Of Gear:

• Check off gear as packed up.
• Liaise with the event manager to determine when the green room is no longer needed and pack-down can begin.

• Instrument mic's for solo acoustic instruments.
• Microphone near side of stage for exclusive MC use.
• DI's for electric instruments supporting up to two acoustic guitars, two electric pianos and an electric drum kit.
• Mic's, stands and cabling for up to five singers at once.
• Acoustic drum mic's (basic configuration is ok).

• 2 Guitar Amps (40w-60w)
• Bass amp (60w)
• Stage Piano (line out)
• Electric drum kit (line out)
• Acoustic drum kit

• Have full PA setup and running.
• Have background music running (please bring family friendly mix on a device). We would like this music running before and after shows and during in longer setups during the show - keeping the vibe up.
• Work with stage crew to get levels and instruments correct and to mark out the stage so instruments don't get shuffled around.
• Designate MC Mic.
• Have backing tracks ready and setup - these will be provided to you via google drive link prior to the show, you need to bring these on a device with the capacity to run live sound.
• Have programs ready to monitor what is going on. These will be sent to you via a share drive also.

• Keyboard: Piano/Keyboard performing students as mentioned have minimal setup requirements, though for young performers you may need to assist them to move the piano stool closer or further away from the piano, or to help them set up their music on the stand. For several of the items involving keyboard, there will be a tutor and a student playing at the same piano. For this, please provide an extra chair by the piano stool.
• Drums: Drummers will have minimal need for you to assist in their setup, and any adjustments to the kit or gear will be handled by our drum tech. Please ensure there is a set of headphones or great foldback for backing tracks.
• Unamplified Classical Guitar: These will mostly be a young performer playing a short melody, often along with sheet music. The student will usually sit down, and will need a microphone trained at the sound-hole of the guitar. If the student is reading from music they will need a music stand, and if the student is short in stature, they may require a footstool under the foot in which they are supporting their guitar.
• Unamplified Brass/Woodwind/Strings: The same as unamplified classical guitar just using a directional instrument mic for them.
• Amplified Guitar/Bass Guitar: This setup is as above, however the student is performing on either an electric guitar/bass which should be run through the amplifier, or a steel string guitar with a pickup, which should be run through a DI.
• Singers: Positioned in front of the microphone closest to the centre of the stage and assisted in adjusting the mic’s height and position if required.
• Singing/Playing: There are several items where a performer will be singing and playing or being accompanied by someone else. We still deem this a type of solo in terms of the setup. Remember to consider both elements (for example the piano and the microphone when setting up for such items).

• Be Quick: Work quickly and efficiently and prepare for larger items before they happen. The day will drag big time if we aren't doing quick changes and short sharp performances. 
• Backing Tracks Check: Students will come and speak with you to make sure you have their correct backing track before the show, be ready for this. 
• Stage Watching: Make sure you are watching what is going on on-stage in case something happens (think drooping microphones etc.) you and the stage crew are the first point of call on this and should act straight away. 
• Missing Performers: If the student doesn’t show up be ready for program changes. 
• Worst Case Scenario: During the show please be ready to handle technical difficulties that may occur with our musicians on stage (instrument not working, breaking a string etc.) and while it is impossible to be prepared for every scenario, but just be ready to help if the occasion requires it.

• Gear And Staging: Set up gear as required for each performance.
• People Management: help people backstage, encourage performers and make sure everyone is where they need to be.
• Troubleshooting: If something is going wrong on stage soundwise, address it.
• Between Shows: Reset/clean backstage.
• Performer Check-In

• Chairs: Place these as required and return them to their place after use.
• Music Stands: Place these as required and return them to their place after use. When placing the stand try not to block the performer off completely from the audience.
• Microphones: Singers and some instrumentalists will require microphones. Most of the microphones will be on stands and should remain on the stage for the duration of the concert. Direct performer’s to their correct microphones and assist where necessary in adjusting the mic-stand to the performer’s specifications.
• Piano: The stage piano will remain on the stage and in the same place for the duration of the performance, you may need to lead a student there during the performance.
• Amps/Leads: There are two amplifiers – one for bass guitar, the other for electric guitar. The settings will be setup during sound check and you should only adjust the sound as instructed during training. 

• Keyboard: Piano/Keyboard performing students as mentioned have minimal setup requirements, though for young performers you may need to assist them to move the piano stool closer or further away from the piano, or to help them set up their music on the stand. For several of the items involving keyboard, there will be a tutor and a student playing at the same piano. For this, please provide an extra chair by the piano stool.
• Drums: Drummers will have minimal need for you to assist in their setup, and any adjustments to the kit or gear will be handled by our drum tech.
• Unamplified Classical Guitar: These will mostly be a young performer playing a short melody, often along with sheet music. The student will usually sit down, and will need a microphone trained at the sound-hole of the guitar. If the student is reading from music they will need a music stand, and if the student is short in stature, they may require a footstool under the foot in which they are supporting their guitar.
• Amplified Guitar/Bass Guitar: This setup is as above, however the student is performing on either an electric guitar/bass which should be run through the amplifier, or a steel string guitar with a pickup, which should be run through a DI.
• Singers: Positioned in front of the microphone closest to the centre of the stage and assisted in adjusting the mic’s height and position if required.
• Singing/Playing: There are several items where a performer will be singing and playing or being accompanied by someone else. We still deem this a type of solo in terms of the setup. Remember to consider both elements (for example the piano and the microphone when setting up for such items).
• Horn Section: Will set themselves up, if there is a student performing in this section ensure their instrument has a mic.

• Meet Your Team: Get to know your team, you’ll be counting on each other for the next few hours.
• Get Familiar With Your Job: Go through the information below and try and plan who will handle what during the show.
• Get Familiar With The Setup: Have a look at the setup both on stage and off stage. Locate the key pieces of gear and equipment:
• Get Familiar With The Program: Go through the program and plan out what you will need for each act.

• It is your responsibility to decide when to open the doors for the next show. To start this process check with the sound crew that everything is ready and then head to door and open.
• Check the tickets of the performers as they come in.

• If there is a performer who has shown up but has not been put on the program, add them into the program and confirm when they will be.
• If someone has NOT shown up make sure MC and Sound Desk are aware.

• Close the doors and get everyone out of auditorium.
• Reset stage in terms of gear, leads, mic’s, amps etc.
• Troubleshoot issues.
• Rest a moment.

• At the end of the final performance begin packing down the stage immediately. Bump out to the van will begin once audience and performers have cleared the space.

• Parents: Parents/guardians of younger students are welcome backstage with their children if they wish to.
• Stage Left/Right: For clarification “stage left” means your left as you stand on the stage and look into the audience (and vice versa for “stage right”).
• Stage Watching: Make sure you guys are watching what is going on on-stage in case something happens (think drooping microphones etc.) you are the first point of call on this and should act straight away.
• Entering And Exiting The Stage: All student performers must enter stage left and exit stage right.
• Program And Arrival Times: During the show students will arrive three songs before their own.
• Performers As Part Of Your Team: Some of your team may have to leave at a certain point to perform on stage plan the timing of these together.
• Police: Only crew, performers and their guardians are allowed backstage. If someone is backstage and they shouldn’t be - you should ask them to leave.
• Be Quick: Work quickly and efficiently and prepare for larger items before they happen.
• Noise Backstage: During the show please keep backstage noise to an absolute minimum.
• Backstage Management: Keep the area clutter free.
• Missing Performers: If the student doesn’t show up, notify the stage manager.
• Gear Care: Please show care for our gear, chairs should be stacked neatly and instrument leads should be coiled correctly and placed safely in their place etc.
• Worst Case Scenario: During the show please be ready to handle technical difficulties that may occur with our musicians on stage (instrument not working, breaking a string etc.) and while it is impossible to be prepared for every scenario, but just be ready to help if the occasion requires it.

• Clean lens and camera shutter before starting.
• Make sure all batteries are fully charged.
• Make sure memory cards have been formatted and are empty.
• Make sure gimbal is tuned and ready.
• Make sure all charger chords are available for recharging during the event.
• Find power outlet before concert for charging equipment.

• Use appropriate lens (35mm, 50mm, 85mm).
• Check Iso (do not go above 2000, do not use a flash to compensate for low light, the flash will distract the performer and the audience).
• Set a fast shutter speed to avoid blurring of moving performer.
• Use a wide aperture to allow more light and allow separation between performer and background (1.4f - 2.8f).
• Find 3 locations that give an unobstructed view of the performer (left side, right side, front view).
• Set exposure on the performers face (not clothes, backdrop or instrument).
• Side angle photos should include at least part of the face and instrument.
• Front side photos should include the performers entire face and instrument.
• We can take a rear view shot of the audience from over the performers shoulder however do not distract the performer whilst doing this (do not let the performer know you are behind them and do not get close to the performer).
• Do not include rest of stage when shooting, each photo should give an illusion that the performer is on a small stage setup directly for that performer (we do not want the performer to be small on a giant stage).

• Import image into Camera Raw for colour and tone adjustment.
• Correct exposure if necessary.
• Correct white balance if necessary.
• Increase clarity by 10.
• Decrease Texture by 20.
• Raise whites by 10.
• Drop blacks by 10.
• Drop highlights by 20.
• Raise shadows by 20.
• Import into Photoshop.
• Clone background layer (never edit background layer).
• Remove any distracting details from image.
• Add S curve adjustment layer (use blending mode luminosity).
• Add a slight fade adjustment layer to add a matte finish.
• Add a black radial gradient filter (inverted) at 30$ - 40% opacity.
• Save as high res JPEG (incase the parents would like the image).
• Save alternative mid level JPEG for socials.