

Inform agents about stage sizes in the booking the process to avoid any surprises on show-day. The stage needs to be big enough for the production at hand.In addition to issues with enough space on either side, it can often lead to problems with artist’s sound on stage. It is not ideal to have the stage in a corner.The number of audience with a clear view of the stage should not deviate too much from the total capacity of the venue.The stage should be placed so that most of the audience is situated in front it.The nature and location of the stage is important for both the experience of the audience and the artist’s working conditions. Lights will most of the time be the biggest consumer, but amplifiers and backline also draw a substantial amount. It is therefore a prerequisite that the venue has sufficient power supply. Ensure the appropriate size of the storage area and that it is not impeding any emergency exits or the audience in any way.Ĭoncert PA´s and lights demand a lot of electrical power. There should also be a separate area where the artist can store empty flight cases and equipment that is not being used during the concert. There should ideally be a lockable storage space next to the stage, for safe storing and easy access to backline, cables, stands, flight cases, etc. Try to have a well-lit parking area for late night load-outs, and reflective vests available if there is traffic nearby. If this is not possible, make sure to always book extra stagehands to help loading. Ideally, a truck should be able to back up to a stage door so that gear can be loaded directly onto it. Staircases and narrow hallways are less than ideal for loading gear in and out of a venue, and will demand a lot of extra labour. If that does not help, contact your local PA company or other industry professionals. In some cases, you can mend the acoustics yourself by covering hard surfaces with curtains. Ensure that the venue is well ventilated for a sold out show on a hot summer day.Ī concert venue should be as “dry” as possible, meaning it should have the smallest amount of reverberation and reflective surfaces. The entire audience should be able to both see and hear what is happening on stage, to avoid complaints, but also to avoid pressure from the crowd towards the stage.Ĭonsider the layout of the venue to avoid cues and bottleneck areas such as security checkpoints, ticket sales, wardrobes, bars, toilets etc.Ī concert venue will quickly heat up, and without appropriate ventilation the quality of the air can quickly deteriorate. Here is a list of things to keep in mind while making such an evaluation. However, you will often have to find compromises between the two. The layout of a venue should be optimised to give both the audience the best possible experience, as well as good working conditions for the house staff and artists.

This chapter focuses on the technical aspects of a concert production. Always seek help from seasoned professionals. The same goes for organising larger outdoor festivals. However, if you are planning to open your own venue you will need a lot more information than what you will find here. It can often be easier to rent venues per show than to run your own. The only important thing is that it suits what you want to do. It can be indoor or outdoor, in your own facilities or at a rented venue, at a pub or a concert hall. Disposing of a venue or arena suited for concerts is an obvious prerequisite to being a concert promoter.
