ROOM SETUP
These are the most common styles of room setups.
Theater, Banquet, and Classroom will work for a stage/platform performance in front of the group.
Horseshoe, Columns, Boardroom, and Hollow Square will not work for a stage/platform performance in front of the group. Consider mingling close-up entertainment instead.
This is the ideal Banquet-Style Room Setup.
The following notes refer to the images above,
but also apply to theater and classroom set ups.
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Having a stage is crucial.
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Every seat should be a good seat, and a stage makes that happen. A stage makes a HUGE difference in visibility, so even people far in the back can see.
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Stage is against the short wall.​
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​People like sitting closer to the center.​​
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Side views feel like bad seats no matter how close they are to the front.
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You only need two light trees (instead of 3 or 4) to properly light short wall.
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It's better to have many rows with a great view than a few very wide rows
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There are two sets of steps
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Allows for quick, easy transitions between presenters, no "dead" time.
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No handrail on the front steps - interferes with visibility.
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Handrail on side steps encouraged for anyone who needs it.
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If you only have one set of steps, have them on the side.
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All chairs are facing the front, even at round tables.
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This one change makes a HUGE difference.
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They can see the entertainment on stage AND see their friends' reactions at the same time, which enhances enjoyment of the show.
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Otherwise, HALF the audience has a "bad seat"
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Simply "turning their chairs" is often way more uncomfortable than it sounds.
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No dance floor between seats and stage.
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This makes people feel disconnected from performance.
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People don't need to be close to the music speakers to dance
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People do need to be close to the stage enjoy the presentation.
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If you must have a dance floor, there are ways to do it depending on the venue. But placing it in front of the stage is NEVER a good idea.​
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Note positions of Lights and Speakers
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Details are covered on next page of notes.​
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