Backstage to Showtime: How MMP Preps for Festival Season

Festival season does not begin when the gates open. At Music Matters Productions, our prep work starts weeks in advance. From the first call to the final load out, every step is mapped with intention. We have built our approach around precision, efficiency, and experience. Here is how we get it done.

Step 1: Early Collaboration

We begin by understanding the festival’s creative vision, technical needs, and site logistics. Our project managers meet directly with festival teams to review layouts, set times, artist needs, and anticipated site challenges. We also coordinate with other vendors on power, security, and artist logistics to eliminate surprises later on.

Step 2: Gear Prep and Testing

Once specs are confirmed, we begin pulling gear for audio, lighting, video, staging, rigging, and power. Every item is tested, addressed, labeled, and packed with purpose. Our gear is built for real-world environments, from IP-rated fixtures and LED walls to control systems that perform under pressure. We prep with the venue and show in mind, ensuring fast setups and smooth execution.

Step 3: Crew Coordination

We match every crew member to their role based on expertise, site familiarity, and project needs. Crews are assigned by department and given defined zones and timing windows. We also build in crew support systems, with rotating shifts and onsite rest areas to keep the team sharp throughout the show.

Step 4: Load In with Intention

Our trucks roll in with gear loaded in show order. Staging comes first, then rigging, lighting, video, and audio. Power is tied in early so testing can begin fast. We organize the space with staging lanes, clean cable paths, and intentional placement to keep things moving. Every piece has a place and a purpose.

Step 5: Onsite Flexibility

No matter how well you plan, something always shifts. A truck runs late. A headline artist changes the set. A weather delay pops up. Our crew is trained to adapt. We bring backups, alternate signal paths, and time buffers for rehearsals or changeovers. If a show needs to move, we move with it.

Step 6: Show Support and Strike

When the show starts, our work continues. We monitor systems in real time, handle transitions between acts, and keep everything running from the first note to the last. After the final set, strike is fast and organized. We reverse the load in process and ensure the gear is ready for the next show.

Why It Works

Festivals are complex. They require strong systems, reliable gear, and a team that knows how to execute. At MMP, we bring years of experience across major festivals and multi-stage events. Our gear is built to perform and our people know how to deliver.

If you are planning a festival and need a trusted partner in live event production, we are ready.

Contact Music Matters Productions to get started.