Live Show Production Course

Lesson 1 • The Live Production Ecosystem

Maps the full chain from promoter to audience, defining each stakeholder's function. Establishes shared vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Production Budgeting Fundamentals

Introduces budget categories specific to live events and cost-control principles. Provides the financial literacy needed for all subsequent planning chapters.

Lesson 3 • Safety and Compliance Overview

Establishes non-negotiable safety standards and regulatory awareness for live events. Grounds students in risk-aware thinking before hands-on work begins.

Lesson 4 • Core Production Documents

Introduces the essential paperwork that drives every live show. Students practice reading and creating production schedules, riders, and advance sheets.

Lesson 1 • Signal Flow and System Architecture

Traces audio from source to speaker, defining every component in the chain. Provides the conceptual map required for troubleshooting and system design.

Lesson 2 • Monitor Systems and In-Ear Monitoring

Explains wedge and in-ear monitor workflows and the monitor engineer's role. Connects monitor mix quality to performer confidence and show safety.

Lesson 3 • PA System Design and Deployment

Covers speaker placement, coverage patterns, and delay alignment for various venue types. Students apply acoustic principles to real-world system configurations.

Lesson 4 • Audio Troubleshooting and Show Day Protocol

Prepares students to diagnose and resolve common audio failures under time pressure. Reinforces systematic thinking as a professional standard.

Lesson 1 • Rigging and Power for Lighting

Covers safe rigging practices, truss systems, and power distribution for lighting rigs. Connects structural and electrical knowledge to safe rig deployment.

Lesson 2 • Console Programming and Cueing

Teaches fixture patching, group creation, and cue-based programming on a lighting console. Students build a show file from scratch and execute it live.

Lesson 3 • Lighting Fundamentals and Fixture Types

Introduces light properties, colour theory, and the fixture categories used in live production. Builds the vocabulary for all subsequent design and programming work.

Lesson 4 • Lighting Show Day Execution

Covers focus sessions, colour calls, and real-time operation during a live performance. Reinforces communication between the lighting director and production team.

Lesson 1 • Advance Work and Production Meetings

Covers how to gather technical information, run production meetings, and distribute updates. Connects advance work quality to smooth show-day execution.

Lesson 2 • Show Calling Techniques

Develops the skill of calling cues accurately and confidently during a live performance. Students practice standby and go protocols across audio, lighting, and video.

Lesson 3 • Strike, Wrap, and Post-Show Duties

Covers safe and efficient strike procedures and post-show documentation. Reinforces professional wrap habits that protect crew, gear, and future productions.

Lesson 4 • The Stage Manager's Role and Toolkit

Defines the stage manager's authority, responsibilities, and essential tools. Establishes the central coordination function that connects all production departments.

Lesson 1 • Playback and Content Management

Teaches how to manage pre-produced video content, graphics, and playback systems. Connects content delivery to show calling and cue execution.

Lesson 2 • Broadcast and Streaming Workflows

Introduces the technical and logistical requirements of live broadcast and streaming. Students understand how broadcast needs affect production planning and crew roles.

Lesson 3 • Live Video Signal Flow

Maps the path from camera to screen and broadcast output, defining each component. Provides the technical foundation for all video design and operation work.

Lesson 4 • IMAG System Design

Covers screen placement, aspect ratios, and camera positioning for audience image magnification. Connects IMAG design decisions to audience experience and sightline planning.

Lesson 1 • Stage and Set Construction Basics

Covers materials, construction methods, and structural requirements for live stage sets. Connects design intent to buildable, safe, and tour-ready scenic elements.

Lesson 2 • Scenic Automation and Special Effects

Introduces motorised scenic elements, pyrotechnics, and atmospheric effects. Students learn to integrate effects safely within the production timeline.

Lesson 3 • Production Design Concepts and Process

Introduces the design brief, mood board, and concept development process. Establishes how visual storytelling drives all scenic and technical decisions.

Lesson 4 • Design Coordination Across Departments

Covers how the production designer collaborates with lighting, video, and audio teams. Reinforces integrated design thinking as a professional competency.

Lesson 1 • Tour Planning and Routing

Covers how to build a tour schedule, route efficiently, and anticipate logistical challenges. Connects routing decisions to budget, crew welfare, and production quality.

Lesson 2 • Production Accounting on the Road

Introduces cash flow management, expense reporting, and settlement procedures for touring. Students can track costs in real time and reconcile at each venue.

Lesson 3 • Vendor Selection and Contracting

Teaches how to evaluate, select, and contract audio, lighting, and video vendors. Connects vendor quality and contract clarity to production reliability.

Lesson 4 • Freight, Trucking, and Carnets

Introduces production freight options, trucking logistics, and international customs documentation. Students understand how gear moves from city to city and across borders.

Lesson 1 • Crisis Management and Contingency

Prepares students to lead a production team through technical failures, weather events, and emergencies. Builds decisive, calm leadership under high-pressure conditions.

Lesson 2 • Production Debrief and Continuous Improvement

Teaches structured debrief methods and how to translate lessons into better future shows. Reinforces a culture of professional growth and operational excellence.

Lesson 3 • Sustainability in Live Production

Introduces environmental impact reduction strategies for touring and event production. Connects sustainability goals to practical operational and procurement decisions.

Lesson 4 • Large-Scale Show Coordination

Covers the unique challenges of festival-scale and arena productions with multiple stages. Students practice coordinating simultaneous departments and overlapping schedules.