From Stage to Screen – My First Days with Live TV

Recently, I’ve found myself taking baby steps into the world of live television, including shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Having worked in many concert venues and theaters, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was walking into. But the complexities and precision of live TV are truly something I’ve never experienced before. Navigating this high-stakes world as a newcomer to this career has been an eye-opening challenge.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that in live TV, everything must be done correctly, quickly, at the exact right moment, and with total confidence. As an A2 in a TV studio, your role is crucial in ensuring that everything happening on stage is communicated clearly to everyone in the house, including FOH, monitors, and broadcast. At first, I assumed that set changes, commercial breaks, and changeovers were the least of my worries, but soon I realized how intentional each move needs to be, and how crucial it is to be aware of your surroundings. I’ve been told by others that working in a live TV studio is “like a dance,” where everyone moves around each other in sync, anticipating needs and avoiding disruptions.

This part of the job—finding my space in the studio and learning the flow of TV—has been the most unexpected challenge. As a newbie, it felt strange being one of the people giving orders or running the deck, especially surrounded by experienced stagehands and engineers. I was told that the technicians in the room rely on senses that go beyond the natural five: you need telepathy and intuition. I saw this to be very true! Communication is the heart of any successful collaboration, and in live TV, it’s even more vital.

The more I observe, the more I realize how many moving parts go into the magic of live television. It’s been a challenge finding the balance between being an active part of the team and being respectful of everyone’s space and time. In my first few days, I struggled with just figuring out how to be helpful without getting in the way or stepping in front of a camera! I realized I didn’t have to worry much about the technical aspects of the job, but learning the flow of the show, understanding when to step in, and gauging how I could best support the team.

I’ve since learned that anticipating needs, reading the room, and offering support without disrupting the workflow are key to building confidence in a live television environment. Every individual on the production team plays a vital role, and working together in sync is what makes the end result so successful.

One of the biggest parts of the job is working with talent. You’re their point of contact, and they’ll see your face more than anyone else’s. Whether you’re working with musicians, actors, or hosts, fostering clear communication and a positive working relationship is essential. I’ve learned how important it is to introduce yourself early on, establish a respectful line of

communication, and be clear about what you need from them. This helps prevent confusion and makes everyone feel more confident going into the show.

When working with a guest’s crew, I’ve realized that it’s not just about giving instructions—it’s about listening, too. A positive attitude goes a long way. When the crew feels confident, they perform better, and when the talent feels heard and supported, the entire production runs smoother. A calm, confident demeanor from the crew can make a huge difference in the quality of the show.

Both live television and concerts come with unique challenges and rewards. The precision required for live TV is a stark contrast to the high-energy, improvisational nature of concerts. But at the end of the day, the goal remains the same: to enhance the experience and leave the audience with a memorable, seamless show—whether they’re watching at home or sitting in the stands.

As I continue to grow in this field, I’m realizing more and more that no matter your skill level, stepping into the unknown can be intimidating. But it’s important to let the nerves of a new experience drive you to be better. Growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones, and I’m grateful to be welcomed into these new environments with open arms.

Article by: Elizabeth (Liz) Wilder

SoundGirls

The mission of SoundGirls.org is to inspire and empower the next generation of women in audio. Our mission is to create a supportive community for women in audio and music production, providing the tools, knowledge, and support to further their careers. SoundGirls.Org was formed in 2013 by veteran live sound engineers Karrie Keyes and Michelle Sabolchick Pettinato and operates under the Fiscal Sponsorship of The California Women’s Music Festival, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 2012, Karrie and Michelle participated in the “Women of Professional Concert Sound” panel at the AES Conference in San Francisco. The panel was hosted by the Women’s Audio Mission (WAM) and moderated by WAM founder Terri Winston. Terri brought together five women working in live and broadcast audio. The groundbreaking panel (which also included Jeri Palumbo, Claudia Engelhart and Deanne Franklin), provided young women and men a glimpse into life on the road, tips and advice, and a Q & A with the panelists. More importantly though, was how incredibly powerful the experience was for the panelists. We had all been in the business for 20 years or more, yet most of us had never met before that day and within minutes we bonded like long-lost sisters. We were struck by how similar our experiences, work ethics, and passions were and wondered why our paths had never crossed and how our careers would have been different had we been there to support each other through the years. Each of us are strong on our own, but together we were even stronger and a powerful force. We were empowered. Each of us had been asked hundreds of times in our careers: Are there other women doing sound? How did you get into sound? How would a young woman go about getting into sound? Through creating SoundGirls.Org, we hope to establish a place for women working in professional audio to come for support and advice, to share our success and failures, our joys and frustrations, and for empowerment and inspiration.

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