Librarians around the country book programs, and each year they address the issue of show load-in with entertainers. I recently talked with Allison Blaetz from Niles Public Library, and I explained the paperwork emailed to her. The discussion came to the topic of load-in.
Being a library entertainer, I provided my Librarians a show rider outlining equipment or props required to make a show special. One of the line items deals with parking and load-in. If you had the pleasure of performing for a library in a major city, you’d quickly learn, parking is difficult, and the load-in can be tricky.
Usinging Techonolgy To Making the Load-in Easier
Blaetz told me she makes a quick video on her phone for the entertainer and sends them the video showing the load-in area. A small video of the load-in site is a brilliant way to communicate the library performer’s staging area, load-in, and unusual parking difficulties.
The load-in video can be a do-it-yourself with a cell phone video like Blaetz or a full production video created by the library media department. The media department can create a unique landing page on the library website for entertainers. On this page, you can post a video of the load-in area, parking, performance area, and a link to any restrictions/health policies.
Benefits of a Video
- A generic video can be used for all acts that preform at the library
- Shows the library performer exactly what the venue layout is, allowing them to plan accordingly.
- Improves commuinication and builds a better relationship between the buyer (Library) and entertainer
- Eliminates a step for the librarian talking about load-in and library policies.
Times Are Changing
COVID-19 has changed the way we communicate and how programs are presented. Cell phone videos, Zoom presentations, and social media are now part of the library communication process. The new librarians entering the industry embrace this technology and establish new tools to better communicate with their program producers making life easier for both parties.
I thought this was a great idea, and thank Allison Blaetz for sharing how she communicates with your program producers.