What Is a Run of Show? Definition, Example, and Template
A run of show is the minute by minute plan for a live event. It lists every segment in order, with start and end times, and the cues each segment needs: who is on, what plays, what the crew does. Producers, stage managers, and AV teams use it to keep a show on time and on cue.
What a run of show includes
Every run of show is built from the same parts: the segments of the event listed in show order, a start time and a duration for each one, and the cues that make each segment happen. Most shows add columns for who is on stage, what audio and video need to do, and the notes the crew reads on headset. The compact example below shows the shape.
| Segment | Start | Duration | Talent | AV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doors open | 6:00 PM | 30 min | House | Walk-in loop, lights up | Guests seated |
| Welcome | 6:30 PM | 5 min | Host | Mic 1, opening slide | Opening remarks |
| Keynote | 6:35 PM | 40 min | Speaker | Slides, spotlight | Q&A at end |
| Break | 7:15 PM | 15 min | House | House lights, music | Refreshments |
Run of show vs agenda vs rundown
The three terms overlap, and crews use them loosely. An agenda is the public schedule, the version attendees see, with session names and times but no cues. A rundown is the same idea as a run of show, and the term is most common in broadcast and streaming. The run of show is the production plan: every segment, its timing, and the cues the crew works from.
Who uses a run of show
Event producers build one for every corporate show and conference. Wedding and event coordinators use one to keep the venue, the DJ, and the photographer on the same timeline. Worship tech teams run Sunday services from one. Webinar and livestream producers script their shows with one. And stage managers and show callers read from one all night, because it is the document the whole production answers to.
A run of show you do not print
The old way is a spreadsheet you print and reprint. The better way is a live link everyone shares. Build your run of show in NextShow, send one link, and change it in real time.
Run of show example
| Segment | Start | Duration | Talent | AV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doors open | 6:00 PM | 30 min | House | Walk-in loop, lights up | Guests seated |
| Welcome | 6:30 PM | 5 min | Host | Mic 1, opening slide | Opening remarks |
| Keynote | 6:35 PM | 40 min | Speaker | Slides, spotlight | Q&A at end |
| Break | 7:15 PM | 15 min | House | House lights, music | Refreshments |
| Panel | 7:30 PM | 45 min | Moderator + 3 | 4 mics, lower thirds | Audience questions |
| Close | 8:15 PM | 10 min | Host | Outro slide, music | Thank you and exit |
Want to start from this layout? Grab the run of show template.
Questions
What does run of show mean?
A run of show is the minute by minute plan for a live event. It lists every segment in order, with start and end times, and the cues each segment needs: who is on, what plays, what the crew does.
How do you make a run of show?
List your segments in order, set a start time and a duration for each, add columns for the cues your show tracks, lock the segments that cannot move, and share it with your team.
What is the difference between a run of show and an agenda?
An agenda is the public schedule attendees see, with session names and times. A run of show is the working production plan behind it, with the timing detail and cues the crew needs to run the event.
