Stage Managing - no XP required!
This role involves working closely with our crew’s Lead Stage Manager in order to make things run more smoothly for our performers, their equipment, and our audience participants, both on and around the stage. The only prep required is to a) bring a watch, b) be on time, and c) help everyone enjoy the process!
Tasks can include:
Coordinating Performer arrivals/departures - help them get their equipment into the hands of our Gear Wranglers, and quickly loaded on/off of the stage (instruments, amplifiers, etc)
Being a line of communication between the Performers, the Sound Techs, and the Gear Wranglers - each Performer will have different tech needs!
Keeping the stage on-schedule - this means getting the Performers on/off the stage on time & frequently helping with load-in/load-out
Scheduling walk-up performances to fill gaps in the schedule or to cover “no shows” - also can include doing a sweep around the Center Camp to seek out new Performers if the Stage is empty
Introducing acts - or, if you are mic shy, coordinating with a scheduled MC or the Sound Tech to introduce acts from the sound booth
Assisting with our Speaker Series programming, including being in charge of the mic during the audience Q&A session
Maintaining crowd control, particularly during large events (ex: Marching Band March Off) or groups performing in the Center of the Center
Answering general questions from participants who wander by (or directing them to Playa Info)
MOOPing around the Stage (in the audience section & backstage)
"Hurry up + wait"-ing - things bounce back & forth between utter chaos + periods of downtime, so come prepared with that mindset
Helping out with any other odd job that might come up & require your helpful assistance!
All volunteer shifts are 4 hours long, starting at midnight and running around-the-clock through event week. As our Performance Stage is open 24/7, we have shifts to fit every personality, from early bird to night owl. There are typically 6-10 acts per shift, that range from acoustic singer/songwriters to metal bands, and from puppet-themed sing-a-longs to Marching Band March Offs...the magic of our open stage is that we see a little bit of everything the participants have to offer!
If you are interested in volunteering with Center Camp Sound, please fill out our Center Camp Sound & Performance Volunteer Questionnaire, then email SoundByte (cricket@burningman.org).