Rider (theater)

In theater, dance, and live musical performances, a rider is a set of requests or demands that a performer sets as criteria for performance, which are typically fulfilled by the hosting venue. Types of riders include hospitality and technical. Since the 2010s, inclusion riders, which provide for certain levels of diversity in casting and production staff, are used in the film and television industry. The hospitality rider is a list of requests for the comfort of the artist on the day of the show. Common requests are: Specific foods and beverages (typically water, but sometimes alcoholic beverages) Fresh towels Transportation and hotels A runner (a person or persons hired to act as a personal shopper/driver for band and crew needs) A number of complimentary ("comp") tickets or guest lists (free tickets for friends and family) Security personnel and/or locking rooms Access to a private bathroom and/or shower Ice A document which specifies the types of equipment to be used, the staff to be provided, and other arrangements directly relating to the performance. For live music performances, technical riders usually include: An input list, which will highlight every single stage connection that the engineer is going to be making and it gives them an idea of how many channels are going to be required of them for the show. A stage plot, a rough block diagram that shows where each band member is going to be placed on the stage. Typical requests are: Orchestras will often specify a make of piano (e.g., Steinway) and a standard of tuning for the instrument, should their program require one. Sound reinforcement system, generally described in terms such as 'a professional quality 3 or 4 way active system', frequency response (e.g., 45 Hz-20 kHz) and power (either in wattage or dB SPL) are also common. Mixing consoles—it is normal for engineers to specify a list of preferred consoles and also minimum requirements (such as number of channels) from other consoles as a backup. Requests for recording equipment or feeds for recording are sometimes included here.