Industry Jargon Explained

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.

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.

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.

Date Holds & TBC (To Be Confirmed)

Date Holds & TBC (To Be Confirmed) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Upstage

Upstage refers to the area of the stage farthest to the audience.