Ever found yourself thinking, Do we really need a rehearsal?” It’s a fair question — especially when time’s tight and the venue’s already locked in. But here’s the truth: most events run smoother, feel tighter and deliver a more professional experience when the entertainment has had a proper run-through.

From Brisbane weddings and corporate awards nights to regional gala dinners and community festivals, rehearsals give performers, MCs and AV crews the chance to iron out the kinks before showtime. And trust us — that peace of mind is worth it.

What Is a Rehearsal — and Why Bother?

A rehearsal is more than just reading through the schedule or doing a quick mic check. It’s a hands-on run-through of the entertainment components of your event, usually held at the venue itself. Depending on the scale, it might involve the whole show from start to finish, or just key moments like entrances, transitions and audiovisual cues.

Rehearsals let everyone involved see how the flow works in real time. Performers get to hear the acoustics of the space, MCs can walk through their timing and lighting techs can practise cues. It’s where you discover that a spotlight hits the wrong corner or that a music track doesn’t fade out when it should — all the little things that can make a big difference to the feel of your event.

Do All Events Need a Run-Through?

Not necessarily — but most should. If you’re hosting a laid-back backyard party with a solo acoustic guitarist, you probably don’t need a full rehearsal. A quick soundcheck on the day might be plenty.

But for anything more involved — think corporate presentations, awards nights, hybrid conferences or weddings with live entertainment — a rehearsal is highly recommended. These events usually involve multiple moving parts. Even something as simple as walking on stage in the right order or knowing when to dim the lights can throw people if they haven’t seen it play out before.

If your event includes video content, live-streaming, multiple entertainers or guest speakers, a rehearsal is more than helpful — it’s essential.

When Should You Rehearse?

Ideally, a rehearsal should happen as close to the event as possible. That way, all the content is finalised and fresh in everyone’s mind. For many events, the morning of or the day before works well. Larger productions might benefit from an earlier technical run and then a full dress rehearsal closer to the event.

If you’re working with a new venue or crew, or introducing complex elements like remote speakers, pyrotechnics or large-scale AV, leave a little more time. Things often take longer than expected — especially when you’re coordinating multiple teams.

Who Should Be Involved?

A proper rehearsal includes everyone who’s contributing to the entertainment side of the event. That means performers, MCs, guest speakers, AV techs, lighting operators, stage managers and sometimes even venue staff.

If someone has a role in the show, they should be at the rehearsal. That includes the person hitting play on the video, the MC cueing the awards, and the DJ fading the house music at the right moment. If they’re not there, things can fall out of sync pretty quickly.

And it’s not just about showing up. Everyone should know what they’re doing, where they’re standing, how long they’ve got and what happens next.

What Actually Happens in a Rehearsal?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but most rehearsals follow a simple structure.

First, there’s a technical check. That means testing microphones, instruments, lighting, projectors and video playback. Even if something worked last week, test it again — venues can be unpredictable, especially if you’re dealing with patch panels, lighting boards or temporary AV setups.

Next comes the cue-to-cue run. This is where performers and crew move through the show’s key moments without necessarily performing in full. You’re checking transitions, timing, placement, and making sure everyone knows what comes next.

Finally, if time allows, a full dress rehearsal brings everything together. Lights, sound, performers, wardrobe, the works. This is especially useful if you’re recording the show or live-streaming it, as you’ll spot any visual or technical issues that need sorting.

Issues That Rehearsals Help Avoid

We’ve seen it all — and we know how avoidable most disasters are when there’s been a proper rehearsal.

One classic pitfall is assuming everyone understands the run sheet. They often don’t. What seems clear on paper can fall apart in person if the MC doesn’t know where to stand, or the sax player doesn’t know when to enter.

Another big one is timing. Segments that seem tight in theory can drag in practice, or get rushed if people aren’t sure how long they have. A rehearsal helps you adjust the flow before it’s too late.

Then there’s the tech. Mic batteries dying, videos skipping, lighting cues being missed — these things happen. But when they’re caught during a rehearsal, they can be fixed long before the guests arrive.

Can You Skip a Rehearsal?

You can, but ask yourself: Is it worth the risk? If your event is very small, the tech is simple, and everyone’s done it before, then sure — a short check-in might be enough.

But for most events with multiple people involved in the delivery, rehearsals aren’t just helpful, they’re a safety net. They reduce stress, smooth out transitions and make everything feel more polished — for you and your guests.

If you’re short on time or budget, consider doing a mini run-through of just the complicated bits. Even 30 minutes can save hours of chaos on event day.

So, do you need a rehearsal?

In most cases, absolutely. It’s one of the smartest ways to take an event from good to unforgettable. It gives your team the confidence they need, helps avoid embarrassing slip-ups and lets your entertainment shine the way it should.

At Onstage Entertainment, we’ve been part of hundreds of events across Brisbane and beyond. We know what works — and more importantly, what doesn’t. If you’re planning an event and want to make sure your entertainment runs like clockwork, we’d love to help.

Get in touch with Onstage Entertainment to chat about how a rehearsal can fit into your schedule, your venue and your budget.