kuilo Countdown to 200 - #3: Opening Acts and You - hotamboyan

We are up to (down to?) Number 3 in our 10 Week Look Back at some of our favorite posts here at Bandit Dimmer Beach. This week, we go back to post number 20 where I took a look at running lights for an opening act. Of course this post was picked for a few reasons:

Sharon really nailed the captions on the pictures.

I got to use a phrase I always enjoy, “Mash the Go button!”

I feel as though I had a really strong opinion about something. See if you can figure out what it was.

Opening Acts and You

Congratulations! You’re an opening act LD! But what does this mean for you?

What it means is you get to stand behind the console and mash the Go button!

Your new  home - but definitely not your rig.

AND it means you get to work while everyone else is enjoying catering or hanging out in the back lounge of the bus. That is the negative spin, which is no fun at all. I prefer, you mash the Go button! In this post we are talking about an opening act that does not carry an LD or gear and is using what the tour is providing. There are a few things to remember when running opening acts and I know it’s been awhile, but… In no particular order

Build a good punt page.

This is crucial. You may or may not know the music of the act you are running. Even if you know the music you WILL NOT have the time to program the show. Depending on the console, I would try to get two to three pages in the desk: one for slow songs, one for mid tempo, and one for up tempo. Normally you can get a set list from the PM of the act and at least get that information for each song.

What’s a punt page? 

It is a page of looks that is set up to be able to run the show on the fly. Every LD has their own tricks on how to set one up depending on the console they are on. Learning how to run a punt page is a vital skill for any LD.

Figure out payment up front. 

That is, if there is payment. I have been paid in cash, swag, alcohol, a hearty handshake and a thank you, and sometimes nothing at all. This is one of those super touchy grey areas. I normally would let the PM from my tour work it out with the PM from the opening act while I just stood by smiling and nodding. Some people will say if you aren’t getting paid, you should just give them one look and walk away. I do not believe that is a good idea. You never know who will break big (artist or PM) and it’s better to make a good impression than look like you don’t care.

Know what limitations you have with the rig.

You will not get use of the full lighting rig. You may get a downstage and midstage truss. You may get certain lights and not others. This is all worked out by management type people before the tour even starts, and it can be one extreme or another. I had full use of 60 fixtures on a Kenny Chesney rig and on another tour been told, “You can use the movers but you can’t have them move in the middle of a song.”  There was even one tour where I was told I wasn’t allowed to use the strobe effect anymore because the headliners thought my show was looking too good (Yes, I am bragging a bit, but it’s true). Just remind yourself: the more you’re restricted, the more it should push you to make a better show.

You won't get to use all of the lights in the rig. You'll get, like, the five fixtures in a corner. 

Build a good punt page.

See above.

Program as you have time.

After the first couple of shows are under your belt, start taking the time to program songs. Take care of the most popular songs first. You should also have a feel of the show. Be sure to take a few minutes to talk to the PM to find out any notes the artist may have. You will still be pressed for time, so just do basic cueing with a few bumps. Don’t re-invent the wheel; there is a reason the LDs use a slow fly-out in ballads, or they use blue and yellow together. It works.

Easy on the follow spots.

When I was new to an act, I would always let the spot ops know that during my talk (see Fun With Follow Spots). Don’t immediately get too fancy with them. Try to get the lead vocal and solos sorted out, then start playing with them after you really learn the set. Do not get upset with the spot ops during the first few shows. Just roll with things and learn as you go.

Build a good punt page.

Think I feel this is important?

Do not over correct.

You will miss cues those first few shows. It’s okay! Don’t try and get in the look you missed when it doesn’t fit right. Just wait for the next good place to slip it in and go. The more you try and fix a missed look the more it looks like you missed a look. Just go with it.

Build a good punt page.

Last time I’m going to tell you.

Learn, have some fun, and don’t get discouraged.

Use the time you have to learn the desk, how to call spots, and your individual show style. Have a laugh or two with the spot ops when you blow a call, as itwill happen (and then happen again). Don’t get down on yourself, and don’t worry if you miss a few cues here and there; just work on getting them right. Don’t get upset if you think you are in with a band and then they forget about you after the tour. It happens… a lot. There’s always next tour!

I just want to let all of you who take the time to read this blog know that a milestone was reached last week. We crossed the 50,000 page view threshold in just 19 posts. Thank you and I hope you keep enjoying the read and learn some stuff along the way.

Until next time: Don’t forget the Punt Page!

Mark

Learn more about Bandit Lites at www.BanditLites.com 

Until next time, “Looking back, I guess I’ve lived an unusual life.” Bob Weir

Mark