Month: September 2016

Day of Show and Run of Show



Two of the most important reference guides for the production staff on show day are the day of show (or Day Sheet) and the show flow, or ROS (run of show). Normally, the day of show sheet will be posted in general places around the venue and the show flow sheet will be printed and distributed to the production staff to carry with them for the show.

Day Sheet

The day sheet can encompass many items and depending on the size of the tour, can have multiple versions for crew, talent, etc. Normal items covered would be:

  • Lobby Call
  • Crew Load In (could be separated into different departments depending in the size of the production, ie.  rigging, video and lighting, audio, staging, backline, etc.)
  • Crew Breaks/Meals
  • Line Check/Artist Load In/Soundcheck
  • Doors
  • Artist/Show Start Times and Duration
  • Meet and Greet
  • Load Out

As you can see, these are the items discussed in the advance process. The more detailed the advance, the more the entire staff involved can be on the same page.

Here is an example of a day sheet:

runofshow

Show Flow/Run of Show

While the Day sheet covers the entire day, The Run of Show sheet, covers the show itself. Depending on the complexity of the production, the showflow may not have to provide much more information that the day sheet, or could be detailed down to the min. by min. of the show’s progression. To give you examples, compare the performance of two rock bands to that of a sophisticated corporate events that has multiple keynote speakers, with powerpoint presentations, videos cues, and is being video recorded and broadcast live, while being streamed online.  For either type of show and all of the variations in between and beyond, ROS sheets could include, but are not limited to the following items:

  • Show Start time
  • Set lengths (for music performances)
  • Changeover times/Intermission (for multi act shows)
  • Audio/Lighting/Video/Special Effect Cues

Here is an example of a show flow:

run-sheet-1

As you can see, there are many details that go into what can seem like a simple performance and or presentation to the audience.

“All of our posts are put together by the staff at JR Sound Co. a small outfit from Las Vegas, NV. For more on us, visit our website at www.jrsoundcompany.com, cheers! ”


Show Consistencies

Like any well oiled machine, the process of steps, to successfully execute any show, are generally the same, from initial advance to load out and settlement. A touring show’s goal, is to carry out the same processes and put on the same show, no matter the venue, as was planned in pre-production and rehearsals.

The success rate of this, falls on everyone involved, but more globally, on the coordination of logistical planning and the communication between traveling and house staff.  Below we touch on points that will be carried out at every show.

  • Load In/Setup
  • Soundcheck
  • Doors Open
  • Showtime (duration)
  • Changeover (if applicable)
  • Load Out





In addition to the above bullet points that would typically be seen on a daysheet, the additional topics also apply to be sorted in the advance.

  • Hospitality ( Dressing/Green room location and rider, meals)
  • Runner/Transportation
  • Parking
  • Hotel rooms
  • Media Interviews (on/off site)
  • Meet and Greet
  • Merchandise Sales
  • Settlement
  • Photo/Video Recording/Broadcast
  • Guestlist

Each of the above points include input and involvement from all parties (client, house, vendor)  While the touring, and/or vendor staff may supply only the production staff and equipment, there are more positions for the house to consider:

Production

  • Technical Director
  • Stage manager and/or Producer
  • Head LD and Assists
  • Head Audio and Assists (or FOH, MON, and System Tech(s))
  • Stagehands
  • Spot Light Operators

Other Depts.

  • Security
  • Door Staff
  • Box Office
  • Transportation and/or Runner and Vehicles
  • Bar Staff (bar tenders waitors/waitresses/servers, runners, Porters, dishwashers, etc.)
  • Restaurant Staff?
  • Bathroom Staff (where applicable)
  • Custodians

As we have discussed in our other articles, our lists are not exhaustive and do not cover every situation. Especially in the technical realm, on smaller productions, you can often find individuals performing the tasks of multiple roles.  For a deeper look into the touring positions, please see our previous articles.

“All of our posts are put together by the staff at JR Sound Co. a small outfit from Las Vegas, NV. For more on us, visit our website at www.jrsoundcompany.com, cheers! ”