Performance Essential Steps
To ensure a smooth, reliable, and stress-free performance, it’s important to complete a few key preparations before stepping onstage. These actions help prevent technical issues during your performance. By following these six performance-essential steps, you’re setting your production up for success for your opening night!
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Performance Essential Steps
- 1. Check and run operating system updates on Mac or Windows
- 2. Download the latest version of Stage|Tracks
- 3. Test your show in Stage|Tracks at least one week before opening night
- 4. Use a hard-wired audio output
- 5. Restart your computer before every performance
- 6. Disconnect from the internet/Wi-Fi during performances
Step 1. Check and run operating system updates on Mac or Windows
Operating system updates often include important components that Stage|Tracks relies on to function correctly. Updating your OS ensures your system has the latest frameworks, drivers, and security patches that the software depends on. Completing these updates well before your production window prevents unexpected behavior or compatibility issues and ensures Stage|Tracks can perform at peak reliability.
Step 2. Download the latest version of Stage|Tracks.
Keeping Stage|Tracks up to date ensures you’re running on the most stable, secure, and feature-ready version of the software. Updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhancements that directly impact playback reliability. Using the latest version gives you the highest level of confidence that your show will run smoothly without unexpected issues.
Step 3. Test your show in Stage|Tracks at least one week before opening night
Testing the full show in advance gives you time to identify and resolve any issues long before an audience is in the room. This early run-through helps you confirm that your cues, transitions, and customizations behave exactly as expected in a real sequence. Catching potential problems a week out means they can be addressed calmly, not during tech week panic or worse during a performance.
Step 4. Use a hard-wired audio output
A hard-wired audio connection eliminates the instability that can come with Bluetooth, AirPlay, or wireless devices. Wired outputs provide consistent signal quality, zero latency, and no risk of interference from nearby devices. This ensures your audio playback is clean, immediate, and dependable every time.
Step 5. Restart your computer before every performance
Restarting clears background processes, frees up system memory, and resets any lingering software states that could slow down your machine. This simple step ensures that Stage|Tracks has your computer’s full attention and resources, reducing the chances of glitches, lag, or audio dropouts during a show.
Step 6. Disconnect from the internet/Wi-Fi during performances
Staying offline during performances prevents background updates, notifications, and network activity from interrupting playback. Internet-related processes—such as syncing services, pop-ups, or auto-uploads—can strain system resources or cause unpredictable behavior. Disconnecting ensures your computer stays focused solely on running your show.
