How to Escape the Mariah Carey Nightmare
Much hubbub has been made about Mariah Carey's New Year's Eve performance debacle. Blame has been ping-ponged between the performer and the production company in an attempt to save face for at least someone.
I think this situation is a learning opportunity for all of us. Putting on a performance or presentation is not easy. Even though manufacturers are trying to make it easier and are marketing their products as easy to use in order that more people will use them, producing a show is still complex. There are still problems, no matter what resources you use. Below is a list I've compiled detailing ways to ensure stability in your presentation or performance:
- Never trust technology.
Technology will fail. Depend on that. Always prepare to present or perform without technology. If this means working on your acoustic speaking voice, coming up with a pantomime version of your performance, or being open to rescheduling options, do it.
2. Keep the system as simple as possible.
Bells and whistles are wonderful, but when the system fails, the fewer components you have, the faster you can trace and fix the problem. In ear monitors are great, until they're not. Then what?
3. Always have a backup plan.
I have told students for years, have a plan A, B, C, and C.5. This is 2 full back up options to your show with a half option at the end that lets you scrape by when everything else fails.
4. If possible, keep it wired.
Wireless technology is wonderfully versatile. However, it is more complex and delicate than wired technology. I make sure at least one of my back up plans is all wired. I can trace a line. I can see a break. If it's wireless, it's ultimately Voodoo - especially in a panic.
5. Do a sound check.
If you use it, you check it. It's your face that's out in front. No one has more to lose than you. Understand what you are using. Use your exact performance equipment before show time and make sure you are comfortable with it. Listen to the direction of the sound engineers. They hear what the audience will hear and they know the equipment. Also, be familiar with the back up plans.
6. Trust and support your team and the plan.
Everyone wants the show to succeed. No one works to fail. You have to believe that your team knows their job. Give them what they need to make your performance or presentation successful. Come to the work with knowledge and skill, but know your team also has the same. Second guessing your team can easily lead to failure. Stick to an agreed upon plan.
7. When on stage, work to connect with your audience.
Your audience came to see you. If you connect with them, they will be satisfied. Technical issues happen. If you focus on those issues, you ignore your audience. Remain supportive and positive. Fighting or throwing blame or anger only subverts your purpose. I was once at a concert where the building lost power. The audience and performers sang Christmas carols together in the dark. It was the best concert experience ever. Once on stage, never give up your human connection to your audience.
I hope these guidelines help you. I hope they empower you to give a great performance or presentation. Lastly, I wish Mariah Carey and Dick Clark Productions the best in 2017. They have been through a rough patch, and as an audience member, I just want them to succeed.