Concert Production Services Key Terms

Key terms for partnering with concert production services and hosting a show

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

When it's time to brainstorm a really big show for a really big act, concert production services can help. These firms help those hosting large shows in venues to coordinate all of the necessary aspects of a show, from physical setup to a lot of other related activities and functions needed to pull off the big event. Knowing about some of the main terms for dealing with a large concert in a venue will help managers and concert production services staff or those contracting for an event to understand what is needed and what production services can offer.

Sound reinforcement

Sound reinforcement includes several ways of providing support to concert sound by amplifying or promoting the audio that is coming off of the stage. Sound reinforcement is often part of what concert production services offer.
Try: See more on sound reinforcement and similar aspects of concert production at QSC.

Public address system

A P.A. or public address system is a setup for amplifying sound to reach a large audience. These installations are common, not just in concert halls, but in a wide range of facilities.
Try: Get more on PA systems from Night Heron Consulting.

Production manager

Someone in a concert production service may assume the role of production manager. The production manager is someone who manages a large variety of aspects of a show, often according to a detailed and specified contract.
Try: See more on what a production manager does, as well as details for a variety of other roles that a concert production service might provide, at this Google Books page.

Backline crew

When it comes to big concert events, the backline crew is another very important part of the process. A backline crew is a group of people who take care of setting up instruments and related gear for a band or artist. A large event may have a sizeable backline crew.
Try: See more on what backline crews do at this page from Roadie Jobs.

Concert programming

Concert production services may also help by arranging concert programming, or accommodating that programming in various ways. A concert program is a list of what is goes on in the show. This is a blueprint for all of the jobs that concert production support staff may undertake.
Try: Read up on concert programming for classical events at this New York Times story. Hear more on concert programming and the role that is plays from this Artists House Music page.

Concert promotions

When it comes to a full range of concert production services, there's another thing, beyond all of the physical tasks and considerations, that the production company should be mindful of, and that's concert promotion. Concert promotion is getting the word out about a particular show, and concert promoters should work closely with a concert production company to see that the needs of the crowd will be met, and that the concert promotion matches up well with the concert.
Try: See more on concert promotion at Creative Concert Promoters.