Eurovision 2023 has now, in a way, started for the hundreds of workers, production teams, volunteers who are already in and around Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena. The final stretch before the three live TV shows in May includes three phases: Technical rehearsals, stand-in rehearsals and artists rehearsals. The first phase of the technical rehearsals has already started, since yesterday, Friday, April 21th! Everything must work like clockwork from day one – and especially next Wednesday when King Charles visits the arena . But what exactly is happening in Liverpool now?
The technical rehearsals (Friday 21/4 – Sunday 23/4)
Starting yesterday and throughout the weekend, technicians and production staff will work around the newly constructed stage to test lighting, props, camera tracks and sound for each of the competing songs. During these three days, the production team, together with a delegation from each country’s mission, will work tirelessly to perfect every detail. Key elements of technical testing include:
Staging set up: The stage is set up and each act’s unique set is rehearsed to ensure a seamless transition between songs.
Lighting and sound: Lighting and sound engineers work closely together to achieve the right atmosphere and desired sound balance.
Special Effects: From fireworks to smoke and fog machines, special effects add drama and excitement to every act. It is very important that technical rehearsals ensure that these effects are safe and well synchronized.
Video projections on LED screens: Almost all countries will use LED screens this year. The technical team must ensure that the visuals are sharp and well coordinated with the live action on stage.
The stand-in rehearsals (Monday 24/4 – Wednesday 26/4)
After the technical aspects of each performance are fine-tuned, it’s time for stand-in rehearsals. From Monday 24/4, artists from the host country will impersonate the competing artists as if in a theatrical role. In this way, the production team manages to perfect the camera angles, transitions, stage shots and other visual details of the show.
The rehearsals of the interval acts (Thursday 27/4 – Saturday 29/4)
Now the rehearsals include the artists we will actually see on the Eurovision stage during the two semi-finals and the final . The big names and eurostars who have been announced to participate in the three shows will have three days to perfect their acts. The next time they will take the stage will be, if there are no unforeseen circumstances and the need for extra rehearsals, in the dress rehearsals of the live shows, on May 8, 10 and 12.
The technical rehearsals of the competing countries (Sunday 30/4 – Saturday 6/5)
The rehearsal process for the Eurovision Song Contest is carefully orchestrated to ensure that each song has sufficient time to prepare. The typical schedule is as follows:
First technical rehearsal: Each country has a 30-minute technical rehearsal, which allows them to familiarize themselves with the stage, sound and lighting. In these rehearsals there will be no access for the journalists, contrary to what we were used to happen in previous years. The EBU has promised us short coverage on TikTok and possibly some photos.
Second technical rehearsal: Countries have another 20-minute technical rehearsal, during which they can make the necessary adjustments and improve their performance. Again these are closed to the media . It is still unclear whether there will be image transmission for Online Accredited Journalists. This new situation has not been clarified in every detail by the EBU. In any case, OGAE Greece is an accredited media and its representation both in the Press Center in Liverpool and in the Online Press Center will be vigilant to transmit all information in real time.
The dress rehearsals (Monday 8/5 – Saturday 13/5)
First Dress Rehearsal (noon of show’s eve) & Family Show (noon of live show): Contestants, as well as Interval acts, appear in full costume and the entire show is performed from start to finish, including the presenters’ texts, interval acts, breaks and voting sequence. The Family Show has a live audience, while the first dress rehearsal can only be attended by accredited journalists.
Jury Show: It is the second dress rehearsal, held at the same time as the live shows, but on the previous day (Monday-Wednesday-Friday). There is a live audience, and the jury members watch and vote. This show is not televised, but is crucial in determining 50% of the final score in the final. This year for the first time the jury scores will not count for the result of the semi-finals. Nevertheless, the juries will vote normally, in the event that due to unforeseen circumstances, the televoting of a country cannot be used.
The events will run daily in Liverpool and OGAE Greece will bring you all the action. Stay tuned!
[Source: OnEurope ]
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