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Are you wondering, “Should I Hire a Deck Manager/Backstage Manager for Our Next Event?”
You know it’s critical to have someone backstage, on deck, to cue presenters’ entrance and exit paths, to mark the stage for props and chairs, and coordinate furniture movements…but what else does a Deck Manager bring to the table?
Event Agencies know this role has a special combination of skills. They can easily work backstage to prioritize a speaker or performer’s experience and wellbeing; someone with enough emotional intelligence and tact to check teeth for spinach, provide emotional encouragement, and deliver a human connection that goes far beyond industry expectations.
A Deck Manager, also known as a Backstage Manager, is the designated role for just that reason – Deck Managers are there to take special care of your client.
The activities on deck during rehearsals, pre-doors, and backstage before your client or presenter takes stage can profoundly shape their experience with your event agency. Deck Managers are the last person your client or presenter sees before they go on stage and the first person they see when they return. They provide an essential boost of confidence and sense of calm, helping clients feel assured about their performance;
Without a doubt, your Deck Manager is a linchpin for your event, here is how they add value to your team:
Deck Managers During Rehearsal and Pre-Show
A smooth and efficient rehearsal can be accomplished with the right Deck Manager because they work hand-in-hand with the Stage Manager/Show Caller to execute a productive and efficient rehearsal for both the presenter/performer (your client) and the production team.
At this stage the role is focused on educating the presenter on where to enter and exit the stage, where to stand, where to walk and still be in the light and in the camera’s frame. Because they’ll be working so closely with the client, they can assess any resistance or discomfort early on and smooth out any possible setbacks for presenters.
They make sure the presenters know where to look for their slides or notes in the downstage monitor (DSMs), speaker timer, and teleprompter. They tell them where they will find their backup clicker, script, mic, and of course water.
The role is also an integral part of communicating to the production team about the presenter’s requests for prompter or graphic updates, video rolls, audience Q&A, updates for their VOG, music for their walk-on stinger, or technical needs if they have a demo. They facilitate any services needed from the rest of the production team, letting the presenter or performer know that the team is ready to make their time on stage look and sound amazing!
Deck Managers Pre-show
A smooth and efficient rehearsal can be accomplished with the right Deck Manager because they work hand-in-hand with the Stage Manager/Show Caller to execute a productive and successful rehearsal for both the presenter/performer (your client) and the production team.
- The audio team reaps rewards with a good Deck Manager. An A2 can rely on them to connect with presenters to get them mic’d, teach panelists how to speak properly into a hand-held mic, and make sure the mics are still in place and cables tucked away out of sight before the presenter hits the stage. The best Deck Managers make great A3s!
- The video department and LD rely on a Deck Manager to ensure presenters know where to stand in the best light or correct camera angle.
- Deck managers are able to facilitate requests for prompter or graphic updates, video rolls, and other technical needs if they have a demo. They can highlight any potential technical challenges early on.
Deck Managers work closely with the client allowing them to assess any resistance or discomfort early on and are trained to smooth out any possible setbacks before the event is live for presenters. They ensure presenters know where to look for their slides or notes in the downstage monitor (DSMs), speaker timer, and teleprompter. They guide them in finding their backup clicker, script, mic, and of course water.
An experienced Deck Manager is extremely detail-oriented. They will walk the stage pre-show to ensure all technology needed for presenters/performers is running, check the carpet for cleanliness (no confetti left from awards night), and keep safety top of mind (no bumps that might trip someone).
Is the drape lying flat? Are there items that should be preset on the deck before doors? This all falls on the Deck Manager’s to-do list.
Deck Manager’s During The Show
While managing all of these logistics, one of the main priorities of a Deck Manager is to gauge the preparedness and wellbeing of the client. Having a designated Deck Manager to solely support presenters at your next event is an investment in your client relations. Your client will remember the feeling of a successful show experience and the one-on-one support they received during their experience of working with your event agency.
Beyond the tactical support, this role acts as an anchor for your client during the emotional journey that accompanies live events. This is when a Deck Manager shines! Supporting a presenter when a need arises:
- Providing human support and emotional stability; taking deep breaths with nervous presenters before going on stage
- Offering tissue for tears after a presenter shares a moving story with an audience
- Cheering for a job well done
- Reassuring new talent with the right words and gestures
- Handling the burden of tracking details
- Double-checking last-minute lines or answering forgotten questions
- Providing cough drops, hot tea, shots of coffee, mirrors and lint rollers…
- Fixing bow ties, fly away hairs and tangled mic cables…
Hiring a Deck Manager can depend on the scale and complexity of an event – but remember, the human element a Deck Manager brings to an event crew and presenters is the glue that seamlessly holds everyone together.
So, if you want to hire a seasoned and proven Deck Manager, you’ve made the right decision for your company, client and event.
Finding the right people makes all the difference! Hire a vetted event professional ready to seamlessly support your team whenever and wherever they are needed.