In early 2013 we published a compelling article on how to best recap and regroup after the holiday production flurry. In the article, computer programmer, writer and church sound engineer Chris Huff shared advice on how to:
1) Evaluate your time estimates.
Did you allocate enough time for certain tasks or phases of the production?
2) Revisit your staffing needs.
Were you over-staffed or under-staffed in certain areas, and were those staff/volunteers properly trained and prepared?
3) Appraise your gear inventory.
Was your technical infrastructure adequate for your production goals?
The article provides valuable insight based on years of experience doing numerous Christmas productions. The article is called “Christmas Production Work ... in January?” Here’s a link:
Some of us may be energized by Chris Huff’s article. We may find it fun and rewarding to revisit the recent Christmas production events in order to analyze what went well, what could be improved, and then setting our sights on planning for Christmas 2016.
For others, it may be too soon. You’re still too tired. You’re still paying the price for the long hours and high expectations of Christmas 2015. If that sounds like you, I’m pleased to assure you that you’re not alone. In fact, I invite you to read about one tech director’s plan for Christmas 2015. See page 80. Here’s a hint: The 2015 plan started very shortly after the previous year’s holiday production, and it involved using the word, “No.”
Best regards,
Brian Blackmore / Editor & Publisher / Church Production Magazine
bblackmore@churchproduction.com
