What is a Running Order?

A running order (also called set times or stage times) is the sequence and timing of the acts or segments in a show or event, showing who appears when, for how long and with what changeovers between them. Every stage at a festival has its own running order. Changes on the day are common, so it is often updated several times.

How a running order is built

A running order is usually built backwards from the finish:

  1. Fix the end: start from the curfew or finish time.
  2. Place the headliner: put the headliner last with their agreed set length.
  3. Add changeovers: leave enough changeover time between acts for each stage set-up.
  4. Fill the slots: place support acts and other segments, working back to doors.
  5. Confirm and share: agree times with every act during the advance and share the final version.

Changes to one set affect everything after it, so many venues and festivals manage a live running order in Crescat that updates for everyone at once.

Running order vs run of show

A running order lists who appears and when. A run of show adds every technical cue, script and instruction needed to deliver each segment. Concerts mostly use running orders; conferences and award shows rely on a run of show.

Example running order

  • 19:00 Doors
  • 19:45–20:15 Opening act
  • 20:15–20:45 Changeover
  • 20:45–21:30 Special guest
  • 21:30–22:00 Changeover
  • 22:00–23:30 Headliner
  • 23:30 Curfew

Frequently asked questions

Who decides the running order?

The promoter or festival programmer sets it, agreeing slots and set lengths with each act's agent. The headliner's team usually has a say in their own slot and the acts before them. Billing agreements in each act's contract also limit what can change.

What happens if a set overruns?

Every later slot is pushed back, risking the curfew. Stage managers usually shorten changeovers or ask later acts to cut their sets to get back on time. Repeated overruns can lead to fines or the power being cut at curfew.

What is the difference between a running order and a setlist?

A running order lists the acts in a show and their times. A setlist is the list of songs one act plays during its own set.

Related terms