Industry Jargon Explained
We've compiled a comprehensive glossary of terms and concepts in common use in the live event production industry.
Accreditation
Accreditation in the live event production and music industry refers to the process of granting official access or permissions to individuals or organizations that meet certain criteria.
Advance
Advance in the live event production/music industry refers to the process of coordinating logistics and details with the artist or performer, the venue and promoter.
Artist Schedule/Itinerary
An artist schedule/itinerary is a detailed plan outlining an artist's upcoming events, performances, and activities. It helps them stay organized and on track with their commitments.
AV Equipment
AV Equipment refers to "Audio-Visual" equipment used for presentations, events, and entertainment purposes, including projectors, screens, microphones, and speakers.
Avails
In the live music industry, "avails" (short for "availabilities") refer to the open dates that a venue has available for booking.
Artist Agent
An artist agent, also known as a talent agent or booking agent, is a professional who represents and promotes the interests of musicians, bands, and other performers in the live event production and music industry.
Artist Liaison
Artist Liaison is a crucial role in live event production, especially in the music industry. The primary responsibility of an Artist Liaison is to act as a bridge between the event organizers and the performing artists.
Artist Manager
An artist manager is a professional who oversees the business affairs of a musician or band. They work closely with the artist to help them achieve their career goals and manage their day-to-day activities.
Backline
Backline refers to the equipment and instruments positioned at the back of the stage for use by musicians during a performance. This typically includes amplifiers, drum kits, and keyboards.
Booking
Booking in the live event production and music industry refers to the process of securing a performance or appearance by an artist, band, or other entertainment act.
Backing Track
A backing track is a prerecorded musical accompaniment that a performer can play or sing along to during a live performance or recording.
Backstage
Backstage refers to the area behind the stage at a live event or concert, where performers, crew members, and staff can prepare, relax, and store equipment.
Changeover
Changeover refers to the process of transitioning from one act or performance to another on stage.
Credentials
Credentials refer to the official documents or passes that grant individuals access to specific areas or activities within an event.
Cue Sheet
A cue sheet is a document used in the entertainment industry to list all the music and sound effects used in a production, along with their timing and placement.
Crowd Control
Crowd control (or crowd management) in the live event industry refers to the measures taken to manage and maintain order within a live event setting.
Curfew
Curfew in the live event production and music industry refers to the time at which a performance or event must end.
Crew Call
A crew call in the live event industry refers to the scheduled time when crew members are required to arrive at a venue or event to begin work.
Conference
A conference is a gathering of professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to discuss, learn, and network about various aspects of a particular industry or sector. These conferences can cover a wide range of topics including technology, trends, best practices, and business strategies.
Conference Manager
A conference manager is a professional responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of a conference or event. This role involves overseeing the logistics, planning, and execution of the event to ensure it runs smoothly and successfully.
Date Holds
Date Holds refers to a temporary reservation of a date or event, subject to final confirmation.
Dimmer Pack
A dimmer pack is a device used in lighting control to regulate the intensity of stage lights. It allows for smooth and gradual adjustments to the brightness of the lights.
Dressing Room
Dressing Room: A private area backstage where performers can prepare for their performance.
DI Box (Direct Input Box)
A DI Box, or Direct Input Box, transforms high-impedance, unbalanced signals from instruments like guitars or keyboards into low-impedance, balanced signals. This ensures a clean and noise-free connection to audio equipment such as mixers or audio interfaces.
dB (Decibel)
Decibel (dB) is a unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity or volume of sound.
Day Sheet
A day sheet is a document used in live event production, particularly in the music industry, to outline the schedule and logistics for a specific event or performance. It serves as a detailed itinerary for everyone involved in the production, including artists, crew members, and venue staff.
Event Rundown
An event rundown is a detailed schedule of activities, timings, and responsibilities for an event. It helps to ensure smooth coordination and execution.
Event Technical Director
An event technical director is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of an event, including sound, lighting, and audiovisual equipment.
Event Production Agency
Event production agencies are companies that specializes in planning, organizing, and executing events, including logistics, technical production, and creative design.
Event Organizer
An event organizer is a professional who plans, coordinates, and oversees the execution of various types of events, ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale public or corporate events.
Equalizer (EQ)
An EQ, short for Equalizer, is a tool used in audio production to adjust the balance of different frequencies within a sound. By boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges, an EQ can enhance the clarity and quality of audio recordings.
Event Management
Event management is all about planning and running events like conferences, festivals, weddings, and concerts. It involves sorting out logistics, budgeting, marketing, ticketing, and making sure everyone has a great time.
Event Itinerary
An event itinerary is a detailed schedule or timeline that outlines the sequence of activities planned for an event.
Followspot
Followspot: A powerful lighting instrument used in live performances to track and illuminate a specific performer or object on stage.
Front of House (FOH)
The term "Front of House" (FOH) refers to the area of a venue where the sound engineer and equipment are located to control and mix the audio for the audience.
Festival Production
Festival production is the process of planning, organizing, and executing live events, including music festivals, cultural celebrations, food festivals, and more.
Festival Programme
A festival programme is a schedule of events, performances, and activities taking place during a festival. It provides details on timings, venues, and performers or participants.
Festival Timeline
A festival timeline is a schedule of activities involved in planning and producing a festival or large event.
Festival Rider
While both festival riders and standard artist riders outline the requirements and requests of a performer or band for a live event, there are some key differences between the two.
Festival
A festival is a large-scale, multi-day event that features a diverse lineup of performances, as well as other forms of entertainment such as art installations, food vendors, and interactive activities.
Festival Manager
A festival manager is a key player in the live event production and music industry. They are responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a music festival, from planning and logistics to execution and post-event wrap-up.
Get In & Load In
Get In & Load In: The process of moving equipment and supplies into a venue or location for a performance or event. It involves unloading and setting up the necessary items for the event.
Green Room
The term "green room" refers to a backstage area where performers, artists, and VIPs can relax and prepare before going on stage.
Guest List
A guest list is a list of people who have been invited to attend a specific event, such as a wedding, party, conference or concert.
Guarantee
In the live music industry, a guarantee refers to the minimum amount of money that a performer or band is promised to receive for their performance at a specific event or venue. This ensures that the artists are compensated fairly for their time and talent, regardless of ticket sales or attendance numbers.
Haze Machine
Haze Machine: A device that produces a thin, misty atmospheric effect by dispersing a fine mist of mineral oil or glycol into the air. Used in concerts, theaters, and events for dramatic lighting effects.
Headliner
Headliner: The main performer or act in a show or event, typically the most anticipated and heavily promoted.
Hospitality Rider
A hospitality rider is a list of requests made by a performer or speaker to ensure their comfort and needs are met while at an event or venue.
Holds
In live events, a "hold" is generally used to describe an event that has been tentatively added to the diary, awaiting confirmation from both parties, in this case, the venue and the event organizer.
Hospitality
When it comes to live event production and the music industry, hospitality refers to the care and treatment of artists and performers.
Lighting Engineer
A lighting engineer is a professional who designs and implements lighting systems for various applications, such as theaters, concerts, and architectural spaces. They are responsible for creating the desired atmosphere and ambiance through the use of lighting technology.
Line Array
Line Array: A speaker system consisting of multiple loudspeakers arranged in a line, typically used for large venues to provide even sound distribution.
Load-In and Load-Out Crew
Load-In and Load-Out Crew: The team responsible for setting up and dismantling equipment and materials for events, concerts, or productions.
Lighting Gel
A lighting gel, or simply "gel," is a thin, colored sheet of transparent material used in lighting fixtures to modify the color and quality of the light emitted.
Light Plot
A light plot is a diagram that shows the placement and focus of lighting instruments for a theatrical or live event production. It helps the lighting designer and crew execute the desired lighting design.
Load Out
In the live event industry, "load out" refers to the process of dismantling, packing, and removing all equipment, staging, and materials from a venue after an event has concluded.
Line Check
A line check is the process where the audio engineer checks each channel of the sound system to ensure that all the equipment is functioning properly and that the sound levels are balanced.
Merch (Merchandise)
Merch, short for "merchandise," refers to the sale of products associated with a live event or music artist.
Mic Check
Mic Check: A method of testing a microphone's sound levels and quality by speaking into it to ensure it is working properly before an event or performance.
Monitor World
Monitor World refers to the area at a live concert where the sound engineer controls the monitor mix for the performers on stage.
Meal Tickets
Meal tickets are vouchers given to event staff or performers to redeem for meals as part of their compensation.
Mains (Sound System)
Mains (Sound System): The main speakers in a sound system, typically used for projecting the primary audio output to the audience.
Manager
A manager is a professional who guides and oversees an artist's career, handling everything from bookings and contracts to marketing and strategic planning.
Opening Act
An opening act is a performance or act that precedes the main event or headliner at a concert, play, or other live entertainment event.
Patch List
A patch list is a document that outlines the signal flow and connections for all the audio and visual equipment used in a performance or event.
Press Assets & Press Pack
Press assets & press pack are materials provided to media for promotional purposes. They typically include images, videos, press releases, and company information.
Production Rehearsal
Production Rehearsal is a full run-through of a performance with all technical elements in place. It allows for final adjustments before the show.
Programming
Programming in the live event production/music industry refers to the process of creating a schedule or lineup of performances for an event, such as a music festival, concert, or other live entertainment production.
Pitch Fee
Pitch fees are charges that vendors, exhibitors, or concessionaires pay to event organizers for the right to operate a stall, booth, or concession at an event.
Production Director
A production director in live event production is responsible for overseeing all aspects of an event, from initial planning to execution.
Production Manager
A production manager is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process and ensuring that production runs smoothly and efficiently. They are also in charge of managing the production team and resources.
Pencils
In live events, a "pencil" is generally used to describe an event that has been pencilled in to the diary, awaiting confirmation from both parties, in this case, the venue and the event organizer.
Permits
Permits in the live event production refer to the legal authorization required to hold an event in a specific location. These permits are necessary to ensure that the event complies with local regulations and safety standards.
Rider
A rider refers to a set of requests or requirements made by the performing artist or their team.
Rigging
Rigging refers to the process of setting up and securing equipment, such as lighting, sound, and video, in a venue.
Roadie
A roadie is a person who travels with a music band or performance group, assisting with equipment setup, sound checks, and other logistical tasks.
Run Down Sheet
A run down sheet is a document used in live event production, particularly in the music industry, to outline the schedule and logistics of an event.
Run of Show
Run of Show (ROS): A detailed timeline of events for a production or event, outlining the order of activities, timing, and responsibilities.
Running Order
Running Order is the sequence in which acts or performances are scheduled to appear in a show or event. It helps to organize and plan the flow of the event.
Rota management
Also known as schedule management or staff scheduling, Rota Management refers to the crucial process of scheduling and organizing the staff and crew members who are involved in staging a show or concert.
Runner
A runner in the live event world is basically the go-to person for all kinds of important tasks. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes problem solver, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Risk Assessment
When it comes to live event production, a risk assessment is a crucial process that helps identify potential hazards and assess the level of risk associated with them.
Show Caller
Show Caller: The person responsible for cueing technical elements during a live performance or event, such as lighting, sound, and special effects.
Show Stop
An unplanned and immediate halt of an event due to an emergency, technical issue, or other significant interruption that prevents the event from continuing safely or as planned.
Sound Check
Sound Check: A pre-concert test to ensure audio equipment is working properly and sound levels are balanced for the performance.
Sound Engineer
A sound engineer is a professional responsible for the technical aspects of sound during live performances, recording sessions, or broadcasts.
Stage Manager
Stage Manager: The person responsible for coordinating all aspects of a theatrical production, including rehearsals, set changes, and cueing technical elements.
Stage Plot
A stage plot is a visual representation of how a band or performer's equipment and instruments will be set up on stage for a performance.
Stage Timer
A device used to track the time remaining for a performance or presentation on stage, helping to keep the event on schedule.
SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
SPL, or Sound Pressure Level, is a measure of the loudness of sound, determined by the pressure of sound waves in the air, it's commonly measured in decibels (dB).
Stage Left
Stage Left: The left side of the stage from the performer's perspective. It is used to indicate the left side of the stage when facing the audience.
Stage Right
Stage Right: The right side of the stage from the performer's point of view. It is the left side of the stage from the audience's perspective.
Stage Crew
Stage crew, also known as stagehands, event crew or run crew, are essential workers in the live event industry responsible for setting up, running, and dismantling productions.
Site Map
A site map in live event production refers to a visual representation or layout of the event venue or site. It is a detailed plan that outlines the various areas and components of the venue, including stage locations, seating arrangements, entrances and exits, restrooms, concession stands, and other important features.
Sponsorship
When it comes to festivals or events, sponsorship refers to the financial support and partnership between a company or brand and the event.
Security & Event Control
Security and Event Control refers to the measures put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in an event, including performers, crew, and attendees. This includes protecting against potential threats such as theft, violence, and unauthorized access.
Technical Rider
A technical rider is a document outlining the technical requirements for a performance or event, including sound, lighting, and stage setup.
Tour Bus
Tour Bus: A large, comfortable bus used to transport musicians, actors, or other performers and their equipment from one performance venue to another.
Tour Manager
Tour Manager: A professional responsible for coordinating all aspects of a concert tour, including logistics, scheduling, and managing the tour crew.
Two-way radio
Two-way radio refers to a type of communication device commonly used in live event production and the music industry.
To Be Announced (TBA)
To be announced (TBA) refers to an event or information that has not yet been determined or made public. It is often used in schedules or agendas.
TBC
When a date is listed as TBC, it means that the event or performance is not yet officially confirmed for that date.
Ticketing
When it comes to live events, ticketing refers to the process of selling and distributing tickets for concerts, festivals, and other performances. It is a crucial aspect of event planning and management, as it directly impacts the revenue and attendance of the event.
Volunteer Acquisition
Volunteer acquisition refers to the process of recruiting and onboarding individuals who are willing to help with various tasks related to putting on a successful event.
Venue Management
Venue management refers to the operation, administration, and oversight of a music venue, concert hall, theater, conference center, nightclub, wedding venue or any event space, to ensure smooth and successful events
Vendors/Suppliers
With regards to live events, vendors and suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring the success of an event. Vendors are individuals or companies that provide goods or services to support the production of a live event, such as concerts, music festivals, or other performances.
VIP
As in most other instances, VIP stands for "Very Important Person" in a live event context. VIPs are individuals who are given special treatment and access at events, typically due to their status, influence, or relationship with the event organizers or performers.
Venue Manager
A venue manager is a key player in the live event production and music industry. They are responsible for overseeing the operations and management of a specific event venue, such as a concert hall, theater, or music club.
Volunteer Manager
A volunteer manager is responsible for recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers to assist with various tasks related to the event or production.
Wedge
A wedge speaker, also known as a monitor speaker, is a type of speaker designed to project sound towards a specific area, typically used on stage by musicians to hear themselves play live. The wedge shape allows the speaker to be angled upwards towards the performer, providing clear and accurate sound monitoring during performances.
Walkthrough
A walkthrough in live event production refers to the process of physically walking through the venue and production setup to ensure everything is in place and ready for the event. This is a crucial step in the preparation for any live event, including music concerts, festivals, and other performances.
Upstage
Upstage refers to the area of the stage farthest to the audience.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure in the context of live event production refers to the essential physical and organizational structures and facilities needed to support the production and execution of live events.