PRODUCTION/ TECHNICAL

Production Considerations
Setting up before the event
The Technical Rider

Production Considerations

It is likely you already have some experience of producing an event or performance, and hence, have knoweldge of what is involved. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to maintain an awareness of what is involved from the presenter's side, as it will give you an idea of what may be required of you at various stages, in the lead up to an event. For more info see the ACCORD Touring Project Resources: Event Planning Schedule.

As (an) artist(s) working with a regional presenter, who may have not have as much experience as you from a technical standpoint, it will be even more important that you be methodical in outlining your production requirements in your technical rider (see below). When touring, consider scaling down your production needs so you can adapt to smaller or less technically sophisticated venues. As a general rule, the simpler the better! Stay in communication with the presenter, to ensure that they understand what is required and that you can assist in clarifying or offering support where necessary.

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Setting up before the event 

Make sure you provide all that has been requested / negotiated between the presenter and yourself as presenter, according to the technical rider. Give yourself plenty of time to set up any technical equipment, musical gear or set elements you will be using, as well as for your own personal preparation (such as warming up or getting into costume). Will you need a tech run or just a basic sound check in the space? How many hours (or days) you decide to allocate will depend the complexity of the show and your own technical experience (along with that of the presenter) as well as venue availibility. It is recommended that all this work be completed at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before doors open to the public, according to the presenter's guidelines.

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The Technical Rider  

The Technical Rider (tech rider) is a document provided to the presenter by the artist or tour manager, which specifies the technical production requirements (e.g. playing area, lighting equipment, audio mixers, cables, microphones, staging, etc.) for a given show. This should be provided before the contract is drawn up, so that both artist and presenter have a common understanding of the show requirements, as well as whose responsibility it is to provide what equipment and/or production crew. It is important that this information be upto date and show specific.

The tech rider will outline the staging, lighting, sound, projection and personnel requirements, along with other needs such as dressing rooms, water, etc. It may include basic set elements such as a table, chairs, etc. It should also outline company information such as the show's running time and any crew memebers and equipement that the company will be providing. Here is an example of a technical rider, from the Canada Arts Council Touring Handbook.

Since, you may not be performing in a professional venue with on site technical assistance, if you have special tech requirements for a particular show (such as a follow spot, a gunshot, use of a fog machine, video projections, etc.) you should expect to provide the specialized knowledge and/or a trained technician to handle the set up and operation of these elements.

As an artist, you are responsible for providing whatever technical elements have been agreed upon in the rider, as well as clarifying any technical needs with the presenter in a timely manner, in the lead up to a show.

Further reading:

Best practices & guidelines, from the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology.