[Live/Stage Terminology] What does “itaduki” (on-stage preset) mean?

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• Festival-loving girlImae Mizuki
  I got totally hooked on BUMP OF CHICKEN after my best friend introduced them to me in junior high, and that’s when I woke up to music. In high school, a senior led me into the world of melodic hardcore, and I fell for it completely. Heavily influenced by the boyfriend I was dating back then, I’ve been a huge fan of 10-FEET from then until now. After graduating from my days as a hairstylist—spent staring down wigs every day—I now work staff for studios, live houses, and wedding sound, spending my days hunting for new bands. Despite being out at festivals and shows all year round, I’m still a hopeless kid who can’t even do a two-step.

What does “Itatsuki” mean?

In live houses and on stage, the term “itazuki” mainly refers toHaving the band and actors already on stage when the curtain risesI will say it.

In the case of a bandSEThey sometimes make their entrance accompanied by music called SE, but if SE isn’t used, the performance begins with what’s called itamitsuki (being on stage when the curtain rises).

I think it’s best to discuss as a band policy whether to enter with SE (sound effects) or to start already on stage.

Benefits of entering with the curtain already open (actors on stage at the start)

Entering with performers already on stage can be used as one of the staging techniques.

While an SE entrance gradually builds excitement, a pre-set (onstage) start makes the contrast between slow and fast pacing more apparent.You can deliver a perfectly snappy presentation。

Also, starting with the performer already on stage (itachuki) helps save time, even when the schedule is running late.

One characteristic of itamitsuki (starting on stage) is that the performance begins abruptly, as in the video below.

Onstage and shadow board

Being already on stage at the start is called 'itazuke,' while a person standing by in the wings is called 'kageita.'

In events with multiple bands, it refers to the band that’s scheduled to go on next.

You don’t hear it much in the music industry, but it’s a term used in fields like theater and television.

Lastly

Once you start performing live at a venue, staff may ask you about it, and when you draw up a stage plot there’s often an option to choose “onstage at the top (Itatsuki)” or “intro SE.”

In times like that, you’ll want to firmly grasp the meaning so you don’t panic.

I'm very glad if I could be of help.