To stage or not to stage that is this question?

[Andy P]

2 gigs this week got me thinking.

One was on a flat dance floor in the Cricket club so I was close to the crowd
Second was at a standard layout social club with a full size stage where I felt a little removed and access was only via the changing room as the buffet table was huge

This got me thinking. All of my favourite gigs have been where I set up on the dance floor and closer to the people. I feel quite removed and more visual when I'm up on a stage. I much prefer people just learning over to chat rather than having a trek to come see me. I also like that I can join in a bit on the floor and not look a plum.

What do you guys prefer?

[Shaun]

I prefer being setup on the floor. I'd take that over a stage every time.

[funkymook]

I prefer being at ground level too - but stages can be handy for putting lights on.

[Benny Smyth]

Stage, for the following reasons:

- People leaning on the LiteConsole like it's a bar.
- People trying to put stuff on my LiteConsole, like it's their own personal table.
- People thinking that my £1,100 subs are convenient tables for their drinks (even though they have signs saying 'Do not place drinks or empty glasses on here').
- Eliminates the 'leaner overs' and gives me a chance to have a proper chat with guests whilst they stand next to me (if what they have to say is so important, they'll make the short trek up three steps to where I am).
- Elevated view of the dancefloor and seated areas. Sometimes your view of those sitting is obscured by dancers.
- I know a lot of folk won't agree with me on this, but I get really annoyed by people feeling the need to be so close to the DJ. I'm not saying that I prefer people on the other side of the room, but why so close that you end up bumping into plinths/speakers/booths? There is a world of space on that flamin' dancefloor. I don't need you so close that I can smell your bad breath. Give me a foot of space, and that'll be much better.
- Adds gravitas. With the DJ higher up, it's a bit more of a feature to the room.

[Excalibur]

Take the high ground. Simples.

[surround sounds]

Stages from me, Same reasons as benny

[SC Events]

I prefer to work on a stage as it keeps me separate from the guests and like Benny said, keeps the drinks off my subs etc.

However, I tend to find I have better nights (more dancing, having a laugh with the guests etc) when i'm on the same level as the guests... strange??!


P.S. Darren, just updated my subscription too - didn't realise I wasn't a supporter still!

[musicology]

Looks like we're split down the middle. I would always try to persuade the client that I am best on the level. If it's a really big one and it is genuinely going to be crowded then the stage would be better. But otherwise the floor every time for me. More intimate, requesters can get to you easier, and it just makes it that much friendlier and you feel more a part of the party.

[ckpr2]

Reminds me of the record decks days.
I did a gig at a village hall and there was no stage.
I had to set up on the floor which was very bouncy.
Once people got up to dance it was clear I was wasting my time as the needles just skated off the records.
I had to ask everyone to dance away from the decks.
It wasn't a bad night in the end.

A stage does put a barrier between the disco and the dancers which is good for safety.
The last thing you need is a dancer moving backwards and falling over your gear.

A laptop with a none SSD hard drive might suffer too if the banging or vibration gets bad.

[Andy P]

Interesting comments folks,

[dicky]

Stage because I like the feeling of 'power' over the crowd lol


Years and years ago back in 1979 I first saw lasers used in a club in Wigan called the Wigan Pier - it was over three floors with the centre area open all the way down - I suppose like a ground floor and two balconies all round three sides. The DJ booth was a giant frog three stories high and the DJ booth was the frogs open mouth. The lasers were in the eyes. I dreamt of DJing from that mouth many times :muppet:

Rich

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I prefer being setup on the floor. I'd take that over a stage every time.


I prefer being at ground level too

Agreed.

I like to be part of the party.