Meet JP - Production Manager Q&A
Welcome to our Q&A with Capital One Hall produciton manager JP. Read below to get to know more about his role in putting on shows at our venue!
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Q: Favorite piece of equipment at the Hall?
A: I’m a big fan of our d&b V12 PA – in tandem with the motorized rigging, it makes flying away out PA quick and seamless.
Q: Most technically challenging show you remember?
A: So far at Capital One Hall, the most technically challenging show was Omnium Circus. That production brought several challenging scenarios to the venue, but in the end, with teamwork from both the Omnium crew and our production staff, both shows ran without a major issue and It was a pleasure to be a part of their debut at our venue.
Q: When you go to shows at other venues, are you preoccupied by evaluating their production?
A: When I attend a show as a patron, I am 100% dedicated to the energy the artists put into that performance. I find it easy to tune out the production manager part of my brain and just be present for a performance, it’s not often I get to be on the other side, so I savor the opportunity every time.
Q: Most peculiar rider request that you’ve advanced.
A: Early in my production career, I worked at a Festival on a mountain top in Utah where Big Boi was one of the headlining acts. This isn’t exactly a rider request, but he brought his iconic throne along to the gig and it was fun getting to pull that off the truck and marvel in all its glory. I cannot confirm if I sat in it or not….
Q: Most rewarding part of your job?
A: Shows like what we put on at Capital One Hall cannot be taken for granted, especially after our industry disappeared during the pandemic. I find it most rewarding that all the work I and my colleagues put in day to day goes toward creating those meaningful moments that are shared by performers, audience, and venue staff alike. When a magical moment during a performance causes your jaw to drop, just remember it’s a shared experience amongst everyone in that venue, even if you are operating a sound console or running a spotlight up in the catwalks. I will continue to work for those moments to be shared no matter where this industry takes me, it’s pure magic.
Q: Favorite color?
A: Purple, love love love purple, especially when used on stage, or on our cyclorama. If you don’t know what a cyclorama is google it. It’s also referred to as a bounce sometimes…. Might be the next Jeopardy question so you're welcome.
Q: How can someone get started in this field?
A: Reach out to your area’s production companies/theatres/venues and see what work they have available in your particular skill set. Just put yourself out there, be humble, and be willing to do what it takes to make the show a success. If you show effort and dedication, you will get a call back for more gigs in the future no doubt.
Q: Thoughts on the Following Mics: DPA, Sennheiser, Neumann, Shure
A: As nice as the DPA, Neumann microphones we have available at Capital One Hall are… I will always stand by the reliability of the Shure SM 57! It can take a beating and still sound, well, like a 57.
Q: Any other interesting tidbits about your role people should know?
A: I walk well above 20,000 steps if not more on show days, comfortable shoes are a must. I’m able to run up 7 flights of stairs to the catwalks surprisingly easily without running out of breath, I can load weight for our line sets like a champ… suffice to say working in a theatre is actually a decent workout plan. I call it production CrossFit… join the Capital One Hall Production crew today for your free membership today…. Haha.