Industry Jargon Explained

Accreditation

Accreditation is the process of officially recognizing an organization or institution as meeting certain standards of quality and competence.

Advance

Advance refers to moving forward or progressing in a particular direction. It can also refer to a payment made before a service or product is received.

Artist Schedule/Itinerary

An artist schedule/itinerary is a detailed plan outlining an artist's upcoming events, performances, and activities. It helps them stay organized and on track with their commitments.

AV Equipment

AV Equipment refers to "Audio-Visual" equipment used for presentations, events, and entertainment purposes, including projectors, screens, microphones, and speakers.

Backline

Backline refers to the equipment and instruments positioned at the back of the stage for use by musicians during a performance. This typically includes amplifiers, drum kits, and keyboards.

Booking

Booking refers to the process of reserving or securing a service, such as a hotel room, flight, or event ticket, for a specific date and time.

Changeover

Changeover: The process of switching from one system, method, or activity to another. It can refer to a change in equipment, personnel, or procedures.

Credentials

Credentials refer to qualifications, achievements, or personal attributes that make a person suitable for a particular job or position.

Cue Sheet

A cue sheet is a document used in the entertainment industry to list all the music and sound effects used in a production, along with their timing and placement.

Date Holds & TBC (To Be Confirmed)

Date Holds & TBC (To Be Confirmed) refers to a temporary reservation of a date or event, subject to final confirmation.

Dimmer Pack

A dimmer pack is a device used in lighting control to regulate the intensity of stage lights. It allows for smooth and gradual adjustments to the brightness of the lights.

Dressing Room

Dressing Room: A private area in a theater, store, or sports facility where individuals can change clothes and prepare for performances or events.

DI Box (Direct Input Box)

A DI Box, or Direct Input Box, transforms high-impedance, unbalanced signals from instruments like guitars or keyboards into low-impedance, balanced signals. This ensures a clean and noise-free connection to audio equipment such as mixers or audio interfaces.

dB (Decibel)

Decibel (dB) is a unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity or volume of sound

Event Rundown

An event rundown is a detailed schedule of activities, timings, and responsibilities for an event. It helps to ensure smooth coordination and execution.

Event Technical Director

An event technical director is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of an event, including sound, lighting, and audiovisual equipment.

Event Production Agency

Event production agencies are companies that specializes in planning, organizing, and executing events, including logistics, technical production, and creative design.

Event Organizer

An event organizer is a professional who plans, coordinates, and oversees the execution of various types of events, ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale public or corporate events.

Followspot

Followspot: A powerful lighting instrument used in live performances to track and illuminate a specific performer or object on stage.

Front of House (FOH)

Front of House (FOH): The area of a venue or restaurant that is accessible to the public, including the lobby, box office, and dining area.

Get In & Load In

Get In & Load In: The process of moving equipment and supplies into a venue or location for a performance or event. It involves unloading and setting up the necessary items for the event.

Green Room

Green Room: A room in a theater or studio where performers can relax before and after their performance. It is often painted green and provides a space for preparation and relaxation.

Guest List

A guest list is a list of people who have been invited to attend a specific event, such as a wedding, party, or conference.

Haze Machine

Haze Machine: A device that produces a thin, misty atmospheric effect by dispersing a fine mist of mineral oil or glycol into the air. Used in concerts, theaters, and events for dramatic lighting effects.

Headliner

Headliner: The main performer or act in a show or event, typically the most anticipated and heavily promoted.

Hospitality Rider

A hospitality rider is a list of requests made by a performer or speaker to ensure their comfort and needs are met while at an event or venue.

Lighting Engineer

A lighting engineer is a professional who designs and implements lighting systems for various applications, such as theaters, concerts, and architectural spaces. They are responsible for creating the desired atmosphere and ambiance through the use of lighting technology.

Line Array

Line Array: A speaker system consisting of multiple loudspeakers arranged in a line, typically used for large venues to provide even sound distribution.

Load-In and Load-Out Crew

Load-In and Load-Out Crew: The team responsible for setting up and dismantling equipment and materials for events, concerts, or productions.

Lighting Gel

A lighting gel, or simply "gel," is a thin, colored sheet of transparent material used in lighting fixtures to modify the color and quality of the light emitted.

Merch (Merchandising)

Merch, short for merchandising, refers to the sale of products associated with a particular brand, artist, or event, often sold to fans as a form of merchandise.

Mic Check

Mic Check: A method of testing a microphone's sound levels and quality by speaking into it to ensure it is working properly before an event or performance.

Monitor World

Monitor World refers to the area at a live concert where the sound engineer controls the monitor mix for the performers on stage.

Meal Tickets

Meal tickets are vouchers given to event staff or performers to redeem for meals as part of their compensation.

Opening Act

An opening act is a performance or act that precedes the main event or headliner at a concert, play, or other live entertainment event.

Patch List

A patch list is a document that details all the updates, fixes, and improvements made to a software or system, typically organized by version number.

Press Assets & Press Pack

Press assets & press pack are materials provided to media for promotional purposes. They typically include images, videos, press releases, and company information.

Production Rehearsal

Production Rehearsal is a full run-through of a performance with all technical elements in place. It allows for final adjustments before the show.

Programming

Programming is the process of creating a set of instructions for a computer to execute. It involves writing code in a specific programming language.

Pitch Fee

Pitch fees are charges that vendors, exhibitors, or concessionaires pay to event organizers for the right to operate a stall, booth, or concession at an event.

Production Director

A production director in live event production is responsible for overseeing all aspects of an event, from initial planning to execution.

Rider

A rider refers to a set of requests or requirements made by the performing artist or their team.

Rigging

Rigging refers to the system of ropes, cables, and chains used to support and control the movement of heavy objects, such as stage equipment or sailing vessels.

Roadie

Roadie: A person who travels with a music band or performance group, assisting with equipment setup, sound checks, and other logistical tasks.

Run Down Sheet

A run down sheet is a document used in healthcare settings to track and communicate patient care needs and tasks for each shift.

Run of Show

Run of Show (ROS): A detailed timeline of events for a production or event, outlining the order of activities, timing, and responsibilities.

Running Order

Running Order is the sequence in which acts or performances are scheduled to appear in a show or event. It helps to organize and plan the flow of the event.

Show Caller

Show Caller: The person responsible for cueing technical elements during a live performance or event, such as lighting, sound, and special effects.

Show Stop

An unplanned and immediate halt of an event due to an emergency, technical issue, or other significant interruption that prevents the event from continuing safely or as planned.

Sound Check

Sound Check: A pre-concert test to ensure audio equipment is working properly and sound levels are balanced for the performance.

Sound Engineer

A sound engineer is a professional responsible for the technical aspects of sound during live performances, recording sessions, or broadcasts.

Stage Manager

Stage Manager: The person responsible for coordinating all aspects of a theatrical production, including rehearsals, set changes, and cueing technical elements.

Stage Plot

A stage plot is a visual representation of how a band or performer's equipment and instruments will be set up on stage for a performance.

Stage Timer

A device used to track the time remaining for a performance or presentation on stage, helping to keep the event on schedule.

SPL (Sound Pressure Level)

SPL, or Sound Pressure Level, is a measure of the loudness of sound, determined by the pressure of sound waves in the air, it's commonly measured in decibels (dB).

Technical Rider

A technical rider is a document outlining the technical requirements for a performance or event, including sound, lighting, and stage setup.

Tour Bus

Tour Bus: A large, comfortable bus used to transport musicians, actors, or other performers and their equipment from one performance venue to another.

Tour Manager

Tour Manager: A professional responsible for coordinating all aspects of a concert tour, including logistics, scheduling, and managing the tour crew.

Two-way radio

Two-way radio refers to a type of communication device commonly used in live event production and the music industry.

Volunteer Acquisition

Volunteer acquisition refers to the process of recruiting and onboarding individuals who are willing to donate their time and skills for a cause.