Behind The Show
Live Production, Explained.
The audience sees the show.We explain
what makes it happen.
Practical knowledge about the equipment, systems, people and decisions behind professional live events.
Start learningBehind a live show
Performance
- Artists
- Backline
- Instruments
Technical
- Sound
- Lighting
- Video
- Staging
- Power
Operations
- Crew
- Logistics
- Transport
- Scheduling
- Inventory
Start here
New to Live Production?
Start Here.
Follow a live production from the first brief through technical planning, equipment, load-in, soundcheck, show, load-out and return.
Start HereKnowledge fields
Learning path
Learn Backline
What Is Backline?
Learn what backline means in live production, what equipment it includes, how it differs from PA and sound, and how riders, substitutions, festivals and touring affect backline planning.
Backline vs Sound: What's the Difference?
Understand the difference between backline and sound equipment, where the two systems meet, what each usually includes and how production responsibilities should be divided.
How to Read Backline Requirements in a Technical Rider
A practical method for turning an artist's backline rider into an approved equipment plan, covering specification review, hidden requirements, inventory checks, substitutions, stage plots, input lists, preparation and QC.
Search knowledge
What are you trying to understand?
For event planners
Planning an event?
You don't need to know every piece of equipment. You need to know what questions to ask.
Understand the production decisions behind sound, video, lighting, staging, backline, power, schedules and technical requirements before speaking to suppliers.
Start with the production basics26 Years Behind Live Events
Much of live-production knowledge is learned backstage, during load-ins, soundchecks, changeovers and shows.
Behind The Show exists to document that knowledge, explain it clearly and make it useful to the next person who needs it.
Created by Vinay SharmaAbout Behind The Show