Using a B-stage

We wanted the singer to invite us in and lead everyone in worship, but there the vocalist stood motionless - eyes closed the entire time!

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I remember working production for an event a few years ago. The band started their set with a singer and keyboardist out on a B-stage in the middle of the room. They opened with a slow hymn that had four verses, which made for a very long song. The song wasn’t long because all four verses were sung or because nothing changed musically (even though no musical changes played a role in it), but rather because nothing changed at all VISUALLY! 

The keyboardist stood hunched over the keyboard a little awkwardly, never looking around or engaging with the singer or the congregation, and the lead singer stood absolutely motionless - eyes closed the entire time! My wife and I stood back, analyzing the worship team, simply because that’s our job when we work with artists and churches to enhance their audience connection. Beyond that, we wanted the singer to invite us in and lead the congregation in worship. I could sense the same feeling of everyone all around the room. Instead of standing still - eyes closed, in one’s own little world with the Lord, the singer should have moved around the 8x8 platform and engaged with the congregation from every angle. That vocalist had four verses and choruses to do so! Instead, it was a missed opportunity to connect with the congregation and draw them into worship. As it happened, it actually took another two songs before the congregation began to engage and participate in worship.

The entire purpose of using a B-stage is to connect with the audience in a new way and give the people in the back of the room a similar experience that those towards the front have.

If you ever find yourself using a B-stage, use your angles, and pivot around to connect and engage with the ones who are all around you. All of this also applies to any main stages that may be placed “In the Round” where there isn’t an actual back to the stage and the audience is seated on every side.

Don’t miss out on any opportunity to connect with the audience. Stay tuned for my next couple posts on other opportunities missed in live performances.

Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!

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