Why Have a Media Policy?

When EPAC runs a show which uses multiple different pre-recorded media for multiple performers, it becomes very complicated for the sound operator to be sure he or she plays the correct CD, and to play the correct track from said CD.  For that reason, we have formulated this Media Policy to help reduce errors and make everything go more smoothly.

In addition, after such a show, we usually end up with a number of CDs which were left behind. At least by following the procedures below, we’ll know who brought the CD.

Shows to Which This Applies

The quick answer is any show which has many performers each with their own pre-recorded music. For a standard EPAC production show, we’ll combine all the music and sound effects on one CD ahead of time.

Specific show types include:

• A talent show
• The EPAC Idol competition
• A cabaret type show such as the Devin Spears Memorial fund raiser
• Rentals of the theater for shows of this type if EPAC personnel will be handling the music

Requirements

OK, maybe ‘requirements’ is a tad too strict.  These are what we would really like to get.  We really would like to have you follow the rules.  If you really can’t conform, then contact the sound team at least a few days ahead and we will convert or edit your music so it does conform.  But please don’t leave it to the day of the show. Some of this work is not done at the theater, so show time is too late.

Specifics

CDs are highly preferred over tapes

CDs have one side (tapes have two).  CDs are easy to cue up. CDs don’t need to be rewound When we can, we’ll play CDs from on or near the stage. Usually we won’t set up a tape deck.

Be sure the CD is in a cover

We’ll do our best to take care of your CD, but one in a protective envelope is less prone to getting scratched than one that is not. 

A plastic jewel case is ok, either a normal one or a thin one. A clam-shell style case is OK. A paper envelope is ok.

Write Your Name and Phone Number on your CD

This seems pretty basic, but some folks don’t think of it. This will let us call  you if we find a problem with your CD, and will help us to be sure we will play the right CD when it’s your turn to sing or dance.

Put Only the Track of Interest on Your CD

If there is only one track on the CD, it will be tough to play the wrong one. 

If there will be multiple DIFFERENT shows (such as for Day 3 and Day 4 of EPAC Idol), it is acceptable to put both tracks on one CD. But please write on the CD that there are 2 tracks and which track is for which show (or we will assume that track 1 is for the first show and track 2 is for the second show).

The Required Music Should be the Whole Track

The one track on the CD should be all of the required music for your performance.  Please don’t ask us to ‘start this at xx seconds’ or ‘fade this after xx’.  When one song is being played, the operator is usually preparing the next song, so it is difficult  to start or end the music at specific places.

If you have this case, and can’t edit the track yourself, contact someone on the sound team at least a couple of days ahead with specifics.  We’ll edit your track so the whole track will be just what you need.

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Get Your CD Checked on Our CD Player

It is a fact of life that some CD players are more tolerant than others of errors or scratches or CDs which are built slightly out of spec. We think the CD players that we use for these shows will work for most CDs.  But the only way we can tell for sure is to try it out.

If we don’t post a specific time when you can bring in your CD, you can leave your CD and we’ll check it soon. If there is a problem with it, we’ll call you. Or contact someone on the sound team and we’ll find some time that we can meet with you and try it out.

Pick Up Your CD After the Show

We will make your CD available as soon as your performance is done.  If we can, we’ll play CDs from the stage so we’ll even be nearby.  When your performance is finished, please make the effort to find the sound person and pick up your CD. Unclaimed CDs may find their way to the ‘Lost and Found’ box, or may be discarded.

For Outside Organizations

If EPAC will be supplying the sound support for your show and you’d like to have a member of your organization run your own CDs, please do.  Just let us know as soon as you can so we won’t schedule someone from EPAC to do it.

Notes

If you have questions on this policy, please contact someone on the sound team and we’d be glad to work with you to resolve the problem. The office will know who the contact person is for a particular show.