How’s the first proper stretch into the new year feeling?
Is your inbox back to being… your inbox?
I feel like my admin mountain returned in full force this week.
And that was a bit of a shock.
What I learned last week…
It doesn’t matter how good your running order looks on paper.
What really matters is how information flows in the room.
And who’s in control of that flow.
- Clients don’t always know what the Showcaller needs.
- Showcallers don’t have the headspace to field every client wobble.
- Crew need clear, calm, prioritised instructions.
That’s why events don’t run on documents alone.
They run on people who translate pressure into clarity.
People like… Show Producers. Which gives me a lovely in to talk about Show Producers
When the emails start stacking up, the client starts wobbling, the agenda feels never-ending, and rehearsals are looming… it’s the Show Producer who steps in onsite.
They take: “This is what we think we want to do…”
and turn it into: “Here’s the plan. Here’s the running order. This is how we’ll make it work.”
Three things Show Producers do…
#1: They act as a filter.
A great Show Producer doesn’t pass every thought straight through to the Showcaller.
They:
- listen to the client
- assess what actually matters
- decide what’s urgent vs what can wait
- and only pass on what’s relevant, when it’s relevant
That filtering protects the Showcaller’s focus and keeps the comms channel clear.
#2: They make the Showcaller’s job more straightforward.
When a Producer is doing their job properly:
- decisions are already made
- information is clear and concise
- last-minute changes are framed properly
- crew aren’t pulled in multiple directions
Which means the Showcaller can do what they do best:
run the show, keep timings tight, and keep everything moving smoothly.
#3: They absorb client nerves.
Clients are invested.
They care deeply.
And sometimes… they panic. Which can cause flapping.
A brilliant Show Producer:
- reassures the client
- explains consequences calmly
- manages expectations
- and stops that flapping reaching the crew
They create a buffer that allows the entire team to stay steady.
And when that buffer exists?
The show feels calmer. Because it is calmer.
Reflection
This week was a reminder for me that within a few weeks, it could all kick off again.
This rollercoaster industry we love will come screaming back at us by March.
It always does.
We love it. We have to. Or we wouldn’t survive it.
My promise to myself for 2026 was to protect my weekends – working at 100mph during the week, but not carrying that through to the weekend.
Protecting my downtime. And my peace.
Blinkin’ Puppies! FFS!
My little angel really outdid his fluffy self this week.
Some time ago, I gave him a pair of my old trainers, thinking that would stop him eating any others.
It worked quite well.
Lots of walking in the rain this week meant soggy shoes.
Soggy shoes went on the radiator.
STUPIDLY, that radiator was within reach of THE DOG.
You know where this is going.
I’m sitting on the sofa, minding my own business, watching The Traitors.
Dougal’s on the floor chewing my old trainers.
Until I realised…
No.
He wasn’t.
He was chewing, one of, my only current pair of trainers, stolen from the radiator, and had destroyed the heel.
I screamed. I swore.
The dog ran for the hills.
FFS!
Maverick Magic Moment!
A Show Producer pinged me, saying, “Jill, my client wants the impossible.”
That old chestnut, eh!
So, we found the perfect team, filled all the gaps, and guess what?
Impossible chestnuts NAILED!
Maverick Magic innit.
Need a Show Producer?
Ping me a message.
I’ve got the right people, waiting to help.
Freelancers. Found. Fast.
Call or WhatsApp: 07764 460008
Email: jill@maverickesc.com
