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Emceeing A Concert For The First Time ...
September 10, 2019
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It's always fun to emcee at a live concert. However, that first time walking out on stage to bring on an act can feel like a baby being thrown into the water to learn survival skills. It can be nerve racking. According to several air talents I spoke with, your instructions could be as broad as "adlib and get the audience hyped."
Not My First Time...But the Most Memorable ...
There was one emcee job I'll never forget. It was at the Holiday Star (demolished in 2018) in Merryville, IN, just outside of Chicago. I was working at a Country station WUSN (US99) in Chicago and had emceed a lot of shows at the resort's theater. I don't remember the name of the act, but I do remember what happened.
I knew the stagehands at the theater and whenever I was scheduled to emcee, I would go to the venue early for a free meal and joke around with them. Only this night they had fun with me. The booth announcer signaled to head out on stage and greet the audience. The venue seated about 2,500 and it was packed.
What the Hell ...
Normally crowds would go crazy when the announcer would say US99, but not that night. I said my name, welcomed the audience, made a couple of stage announcements, and mentioned our latest on-air contest. I was trying to get the crowd to make some noise when I asked, "What's your favorite radio station," I heard crickets -- nothing. I was trying to see past the bright lights to determine what was going on. Meanwhile out of the corner of my eye, I could see some of the stagehands laughing.
The Joke Was On Me ....
I was only on stage for a couple of minutes, but it seemed like an eternity. The lack of response had me stumbling over the introduction of the act, but the audience did cheer as the curtain lifted revealing the featured artist. Meanwhile I came off stage with a serious case of flop-sweats and the backstage crew was laughing loudly. They finally told me the deal; most of the audience had come in on buses from outside the Chicago area and had never heard of me or US99.
What You're Supposed To Do ...
Your job is to get the audience applauding and introduce the act to kick off their performance. The most important things to remember are -- smile, don't shout into the mic, tell the audience what station you're from, say your name, read the stage announcements, get the crowd clapping loudly, say the name of record company the act is currently on, and pronounce the performer's name correctly. The clapping and bringing on the act are a timing thing; it all comes together with more experience.
It Will Become Instinct ...
It's easy to get an audience excited; they came to have a good time. The more you emcee; you'll develop your own style. If you don't already, start paying attention to emcees of other shows for some guidance. I should warn you, a lot of times you will be bringing on an unknown or barely known opening act and the crowd will only be politely enthusiastic.
Why Only Opening Acts ...
Many established performers have personal emcees on the payroll or have someone in their crew to do the job. Too many local emcees are unpredictable with introductions. Besides that, having the same person emcee every show ensures the performer will know exactly when it's time to come out on stage. It's like the baseball pitcher who always wants the same catcher every time he starts a game. There is a level of comfort.
Hopefully This helps ...
If your PD wants you to bring an act on stage, don't be afraid to ask what your're supposed to say. Earlier I mentioned a few things you should do -- but just in case, I've put together a longer list.
MC Tips ...
- To reiterate, make sure you pronounce the name of the act or acts correctly
- If there are stage announcements, take them with you to read from onstage. If the venue just verbalizes some things to announce, always have something to write on so you can jot it down -don't rely on your memory.
- Whether the audience reacts or not, keep whatever you say short and get the act on stage to perform.
- Try and get attendees into a clapping frenzy when it's time to bring on the act. For example, say something simple like: "As soon as you start clapping, ___will come out, so put your hands together for____.
- Don't squint from the bright stage lights, try and find one place to look at in the crowd --- that way you give the appearance of looking the audience in the eye.
- Don't shout into the mic, the speakers will carry your voice.
- Ask a stagehand which mic to go to before you get out on stage.
- Smile and have a good time.
- Watch other air personalities emcee shows and take notes.
- Most important, never forget your first time and make sure you help others in the future with their first emcee experience.
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