What is a Changeover?

A changeover is the period between two acts on the same stage, when the crew removes one act's equipment, sets up the next and checks everything works before they play. Changeovers are built into every running order, and keeping them short is what keeps a show on time.

How a changeover works

A typical changeover runs like this:

  1. Strike: the outgoing act's backline, mics and cables come off stage, often on wheeled risers.
  2. Set: the incoming act's gear goes into place, following their stage plot.
  3. Patch: the stage crew plug everything in to match the act's patch list.
  4. Line check: each channel is tested quickly through the desk in a line check.
  5. Clear: the stage manager confirms the stage is ready and calls the act on.

Festivals show the countdown to each set on screens beside the stage so the crew and artists can see how much time is left. Many festivals run stage displays in Crescat for this.

Changeover vs turnaround

A changeover is the gap between acts during one show. A turnaround is the time a venue has between two separate events, such as clearing a conference to set up a concert the same evening.

Example festival stage changeovers

  • Opening act 13:00–13:30, changeover 20 minutes
  • Second act 13:50–14:30, changeover 20 minutes
  • Main support 18:00–19:00, changeover 30 minutes
  • Co-headliner 19:30–20:45, changeover 45 minutes
  • Headliner 21:30–23:00, finishing before curfew

Frequently asked questions

How long does a changeover take?

At festivals, changeovers between smaller acts are often 15–30 minutes. Headliners with large productions usually need 45–60 minutes. At club shows with shared backline, a changeover can be as short as 10–15 minutes.

What are rolling risers?

Rolling risers are wheeled platforms that hold an act's drum kit or keyboards. The crew set them up and line check them off stage, then roll them into place during the changeover, which saves a lot of time.

What happens on stage during a changeover?

The audience usually hears a DJ or recorded music, and screens may show sponsor content or the next act's start time. Meanwhile the stage crew, backline techs and sound engineers work to the stage manager's timings.

Related terms