Venue and Technical Management
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Music Tour Management course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Acoustic treatment #
** The use of materials and designs to improve the sound quality in a performance venue by reducing echo and background noise.
**Advance #
** The process of preparing for a concert or tour by communicating with the venue, production team, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth event.
**Backline #
** The equipment provided by the artist or tour, including drums, amplifiers, and keyboards, that is set up on stage for the performers to use.
**Box office #
** The location where tickets are sold for an event, either in-person or online.
**CAD (Computer #
Aided Design):** Software used to create detailed technical drawings and 3D models of stage designs, lighting, and other production elements.
**Catering #
** The provision of food and drink for the performers, crew, and staff during a concert or tour.
**Ceremony production #
** The planning and execution of ceremonial events, such as graduations, awards shows, and product launches.
**Concert promotion #
** The marketing and promotion of live music events, including concerts, festivals, and tours.
**Contingency plan #
** A plan for handling unexpected events or emergencies during a concert or tour, such as power outages, equipment failures, or medical emergencies.
**Crew #
** The team of technicians and support staff who work behind the scenes to set up, operate, and strike the equipment and production elements for a concert or tour.
**Decibel (dB) #
** A unit of measurement for sound level, with 0 dB representing the quietest sound that the average human ear can hear.
**Décor #
** The visual elements used to enhance the atmosphere and aesthetic of a performance venue or event, including lighting, props, and stage design.
**Dressing room #
** The private space provided for performers to prepare and relax before and after a performance.
**Duty of care #
** The legal and ethical responsibility of venue and technical managers to ensure the safety and well-being of performers, crew, and audience members.
**Event design #
** The process of creating the overall concept and visual identity for a performance or event, including the stage design, lighting, and décor.
**Event management #
** The planning, coordination, and execution of live events, including concerts, festivals, and corporate functions.
**Event planning #
** The process of researching, organizing, and coordinating the details of a live event, including venue selection, budgeting, and scheduling.
**Festival production #
** The planning and execution of music festivals, including site selection, stage design, and production management.
**Front #
of-house (FOH):** The area of a performance venue that is accessible to the audience, including the seating area, lobby, and restrooms.
**Front #
of-house engineer:** The audio engineer responsible for mixing the sound for the audience in a live performance setting.
**Health and safety #
** The policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of performers, crew, and audience members during a concert or tour.
**HO (House of Worship) #
** A venue used for religious services and events, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques.
**Hospitality #
** The provision of accommodations, transportation, and other services for performers and crew during a concert or tour.
**In #
ear monitors:** Custom-molded earplugs that allow performers to hear a personalized mix of their own instruments and vocals, as well as the overall sound of the performance.
**Lighting design #
** The process of creating a lighting plan for a performance or event, including the selection of lighting fixtures, colors, and cues.
**Load #
in:** The process of bringing equipment, production elements, and supplies into a performance venue and setting them up for a concert or tour.
**Load #
out:** The process of breaking down and removing equipment, production elements, and supplies from a performance venue after a concert or tour.
**Merchandising #
** The sale of branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, and CDs, at a concert or tour.
**Monitor engineer #
** The audio engineer responsible for mixing the sound for the performers on stage during a live performance.
**Monitor mix #
** The personalized mix of instruments and vocals that performers hear through their in-ear monitors or stage wedges during a live performance.
**Power distribution #
** The system for providing power to equipment and production elements in a performance venue, including generators, power cables, and outlets.
**Production manager #
** The person responsible for overseeing all aspects of the technical production for a concert or tour, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordination with the venue and other stakeholders.
**Production meeting #
** A meeting between the production manager, technical crew, and other stakeholders to review the details and logistics of a concert or tour.
**Professional audio equipment #
** High-quality sound equipment, such as microphones, amplifiers, and speakers, used in live performance settings.
**Pyrotechnics #
** The use of special effects, such as flames, fireworks, and smoke, in a live performance setting.
**Rider #
** A document outlining the technical and hospitality requirements of an artist or performer for a concert or tour.
**Run of show #
** The detailed schedule and script of a live performance, including the order of songs, stage cues, and lighting changes.
**Safety officer #
** The person responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance with health and safety regulations during a concert or tour.
**Scale model #
** A small, detailed model of a stage design, lighting plan, or production element used for planning and visualization purposes.
**Site plan #
** A detailed map or diagram of a performance venue or event site, including the location of stage, seating, production elements, and other features.
**Stage design #
** The visual and structural elements used to create the performance space for a concert or tour, including the stage, set pieces, and lighting.
**Stage manager #
** The person responsible for coordinating the activities of the performers, crew, and other stakeholders during a live performance, including cues, timing, and safety.
**Stage plot #
** A diagram showing the placement and configuration of equipment, instruments, and performers on stage for a concert or tour.
**Stage right #
** The right side of the stage from the perspective of the performers, facing the audience.
**Stage set #
** The physical elements used to create the performance space, including the stage, set pieces, and lighting.
**Stage sound #
** The sound system used to amplify the voices and instruments of the performers on stage during a live performance.
**Stage wedge #
** A speaker placed on the stage to provide sound for the performers during a live performance.
**Staging #
** The physical structure used to support the performers and production elements during a live performance, including the stage, risers, and platforms.
**Strike #
** The process of dismantling and removing equipment, production elements, and supplies from a performance venue after a concert or tour.
**Technical rider #
** A document outlining the technical requirements of an artist or performer for a concert or tour, including equipment, power, and staging.
**Ticket sales #
** The process of selling tickets for a concert or tour, either online or in-person at the box office.
**Time code #
** A digital signal used to synchronize the lighting, sound, and video elements of a live performance.
**Venue #
** A location used for live performances, events, and other gatherings, including theaters, arenas, and clubs.
**Venue manager #
** The person responsible for overseeing the operations and management of a performance venue, including scheduling, maintenance, and security.
**Video production #
** The planning, filming, and editing of video content for a concert or tour, including live feeds, projections, and promotional materials.
**Wardrobe #
** The clothing and costumes worn by performers during a concert or tour, including the design, fitting, and maintenance.
**Wireless microphone #
** A microphone that transmits the sound wirelessly to a receiver, allowing the performer to move freely on stage during a live performance.
**Work order #
** A document outlining the tasks and responsibilities of the technical crew for a concert or tour, including equipment setup, maintenance, and strike.