Tech Reqs
The technical requirements for a Salsation show are relatively simple compared to many touring theatre programs, but they can make a large difference in helping us give your audience our best show. Below is a detailed version of the requirements outlined in our standard contract.
When not all of these are available, we can usually modify our show to accommodate (we are trained to improvise, after all). However, the timing, tempo, or look of the show will not be quite as good as either of us would like. We do ask that if you can not provide any of these items, let us know as early as possible so we can prepare our adjustments. If possible, provide your booking representative a description or drawing of the venue layout at least a week before the performance.
Front of Stage: A performance area at least 10 feet wide by 6 feet deep is the minimum requirement (about the site of a portable speaker’s dais), but 20 by 12 or greater is preferable. This may be a raised stage or a ground level area that the audience may see easily. If we can walk directly from the stage into the audience, that allows us to include a few classic scenes where actors incorporate the audience into the action.
On Stage: We ask is for you to provide four lightweight chairs, such as dining chairs, banquet hall chairs or folding chairs – often, it’s the same chairs the audience has for seating. With these – and the audience’s imagination – we can move chairs between scenes to create a wide variety of locations: courtrooms, boardrooms, highways, houses, parks, etc.
Backstage: Our sketch shows have many scenes with different casts and costumes. We need the wings or another off-stage area for quick costume changes. The tempo of the show is best if there are two access points between stage and backstage (so those entering the stage do not run into those exiting the stage). We also ask that you can provide chilled water (bottled or a pitcher and plastic cups) backstage so we sound our best.
Microphones: In smaller venues – under 150 capacity – with good acoustics, we often do not need microphones, but in larger auditoriums or rooms with “bad acoustics” it is recommended. Floor or ceiling based microphones work best, since the actors move around the stage, but multiple standard mikes at equal distances in front of the stage will often work. Wireless or lavaliere mikes are only recommended if the presenter has staff available who are familiar with how they work in that venue. A single standard microphone does not work.
Audio: We ask you to provide a CD player (preferably with the ability to change tracks while paused, and display the number of the track cued up), speakers audible to the audience, control of the volume and separate control of microphones if used. In some smaller venues, a good “bookshelf” stereo system has been sufficient.
Lights: Our only specific need is that we can turn lights in the audience off before and after the show and turn the stage lights on and off quickly between scenes. More complex lighting systems enhance the experience but are not required. If stage lights can not be controlled readily, they will stay on and the transitions will be audio only and not look quite as professional.
Personnel: Salsation will provide a stage manager to operate the lighting and sound systems. He or she should be able to control both at a single location with the ability to see and hear action on stage. If you need to provide additional technical staff (because of venue regulations, because light and sound are controlled at separate locations, etc.), they are at your expense, but will need to follow our stage manager’s instructions during the show. Lighting and sound systems should be available for testing at a time to be scheduled at least 45 minutes before prior to opening of the venue to the audience.
Recording/Filming: Still photos are permitted without flash as long as they do not detract from the performance or prevent the audience from viewing the performance. Otherwise, no performance shall be recorded, reproduced, or otherwise transmitted from the place of performance in any manner or by any means without the explicit permission of Salsation Theatre Company, NFP. Filming or videotaping is only permitted for a segment of 2 minutes or less and requires advance permission.
