Program Production

PROGRAM PRODUCTION

It's showtime! The production of your event (the third component of successful programming) will result in the perception of the success of the event (by the campus community). Cover your bases, and you could dramatically increase your club's visibility on campus. Overlook small details, and your event could tarnish your club's image. There's a fine line between success and failure; produce your events with your best effort, and you will reap the many rewards of campus programming.

While the production of the event is what the audience experiences (i.e. they will not see all the hard work and details you must take into consideration before the event), there are some important details you will want to review in advance. Here are some topics for discussion (for committee members/club officers/advisors) before the event date.

FACILITY

Has the facility been reserved? (this should be done once you decide when to hold the event--don't wait until you have planned the details of the event!)
Do we have a rain location (if your event will be held outside)?
Have we communicated our facility setup needs to the building manager in advance?
Is the facility setup as needed?
Do we have any special facility rules which we need to keep in mind?
Have accomodations been made for individuals with special needs?

FINANCIAL

Have we reviewed our budget lately?

If we are overspending, where can we cut back?
If we are underbudget, where can we improve the event with additional finances?

Have we requested a check for the entertainment?
Do we have a cash box and startup cash?
Where will money be deposited after the event?

VOLUNTEERS

Who is in charge of what on the day of the event?
Do we have stage crew for setup/teardown?
Do we have enough ticket sellers/takers?
Are ushers needed? Do we have enough?
Have we arranged for appropriate security? (If necessary, have we contacted NDSP?)

ENTERTAINMENT

What is the travel itinerary of the entertainer(s)?
What time will the entertainment arrive?
Will there be a soundcheck? When?
Who will introduce the entertainment?
Have we contacted the entertainment for verification?

TIMES TO CONFIRM

Facility access time (When can you get into the facility?)
Setup time (Who is setting up?)
Sound check time (Who needs to be at the sound check?)
Doors open (Who will sell/take tickets? Who will be ushers/security?)
Event begins
Event ends
Clean up (Who will cleanup?)
Facility shutdown

For additional assistance with event planning, read the Programming Checklist found in The Source Online or contact the Student Activities Office.

4 P - The Four Components of Successful Programming
I. Planning | II. Publicity | III. Production | IV. Post-Event Evaluation