About Houston
Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and has become a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area full of opportunities for all. Located in southeastern Texas on Galveston Bay, Houston combines the best of big-city amenities with small-town charm. It is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, serving as a hub for immigrants from around the world who bring their own unique flavors to this incredible city.
The city is renowned for its world-class dining scene, diverse culture, passionate sports fans, and most significantly, its bustling art scene. Home to some of the greatest arts venues in the nation, Houston showcases performances from renowned artists of all genres—from classical music to hip-hop, from modern dance to traditional theater—uniting people from all walks of life in celebration. Besides the large venues, smaller spaces like local theaters and churches also offer great show opportunities. These places often have historic architecture and scenic views of the city skyline, making events more memorable for audiences.
With its iconic skyline reflecting off Buffalo Bayou's waters and sprawling commercial complexes bringing together shopping malls, entertainment, hospitality, and living spaces under one roof, Houston offers beauty and creative opportunities for all.
Performance Options in Houston
- Production Companies
Production companies specialize in audio-visual and technical aspects, such as sound and lighting systems, staging solutions like risers or platforms for performers, video production, and other visual elements like LED screens or projectors. Their services can complement any type of performance, creating an immersive experience for the audience and providing support to the performers.
- Lighting Technicians
With lighting technicians, you can take your show up a notch by creating unique visuals or playing with different scenes during the performance. Lighting technicians understand how lights work in conjunction with other elements such as music or visuals to create an immersive experience for audiences, which helps make performances more memorable.
- Promoters
Promoters are specialized professionals who promote upcoming events through various marketing channels, such as print media outlets, online networks, or radio stations. They are also responsible for booking talent at fair terms that will attract customers to attend the event, resulting in increased revenue per show. This helps ensure that performances successfully reach their target audience due to greater exposure before taking place.
Performance Vendors in Houston
- Turn To Productions
With years of experience under their belt, Turn To Productions is a well-established event production and promotions company based in Houston. Their expertise lies in managing concerts, festivals, and special events, making them a go-to choice for those looking to put together a successful show. Known for their honesty and impressive results, Turn To Productions has produced a range of fun and safe events, including the Pearland Crawfish Festival and the Houston St. Patrick's Festival. From event planning and production to branding and talent buying, they handle every aspect of the occasion to ensure its success.
- Audio Visual Resource Group, Inc.
AVG is the go-to provider for audio-visual, lighting, staging, and content creation for clients looking to host an exceptional performance. For over two decades, Audio Visual Resource Group, Inc. has been providing top-notch event production services throughout Houston and beyond. Its team of professionals is highly skilled in audio/visual implementation, consultation, and technical execution. With their state-of-the-art technology, clients can rest assured that AVRG is equipped to deliver the best quality in HD or 4K webcasts. Plus, their talented lighting designers elevate any live event with their best-in-class LED stage lighting.
- XPressGuards
When it comes to professional security solutions, XPressGuards is the company to trust. Whether you're looking to protect an event, business, or merchandise, their fully trained and licensed guards are available 24/7 and ready to deploy in all 50 states. In Houston, TX, they are known as the best event security company, offering both armed and unarmed guards to keep you, your staff, and your guests safe. With a comprehensive security strategy that covers everything from crowd control to CPR and AED training, XPressGuards is dedicated to providing the highest level of security for its clients.
Pros and Cons of Performance Spaces in Houston
Houston is one of the most vibrant cities in Texas, boasting a variety of performance venues for musicians, actors, and other performing artists. When considering hosting an event or performance in Houston, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key points to consider:
Advantages
- The city offers a wide array of performance spaces, from small clubs to large amphitheaters. This allows performers to customize their shows according to budget and audience size.
- Transportation options make it easy for performers and audiences alike to get around town with minimal hassle.
- Houston is centrally located near major cities such as Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Galveston Island; this makes it easy for performers to access potential audiences from all over Texas.
Disadvantages
- The city has high crime rates which could potentially be dangerous for performers traveling alone at night or during late-night showings.
- Due to its size and population density, Houston tends to experience traffic congestion on major highways during peak hours; this could lead to delays if traveling by car from one venue to another.
- The high number of entertainment options within the city limits can make it challenging for some performers or shows to stand out and compete against big-name acts or popular productions.
Tips on How to Organize Performances in Houston
To ensure a successful performance, it is crucial to organize the space properly and create a pleasant atmosphere for everyone involved. Here are some tips on how to make the most of the performance space in Houston and ensure a successful event.
- Choose the Right Space: Firstly, it is important to choose a performance space that meets your needs. Consider the size of your audience, the type of event, and the budget when selecting a venue. Make sure the space has adequate room for both performers and viewers so that everyone feels comfortable.
- Research the Necessary Permits: Before using any space, make sure to research if there are any special permits or licenses required by the City of Houston. This will help you avoid fines from the city and also ensure that your performance is legal.
- Sound Check: Before hosting an event, check to make sure all audio equipment is working properly so that sound levels can be adjusted during the show if needed. It's also important to conduct a soundcheck prior to each performance or rehearsal, as equipment may have been moved or changed since the last time it was used.
- Provide Adequate Lighting: Whether it is natural light from nearby windows or additional lighting brought in from outside sources, such as stage lights or spotlights, providing proper illumination is essential for creating a pleasant atmosphere during performances.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Buffalo Bayou Park in Houston has a unique feature that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past. The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, which covers an area of 87,500 square feet, was constructed in 1926 to serve as an underground water reservoir. It was used to hold 15 million gallons of drinking water for the people of Houston. Although it was decommissioned due to an irreparable leak, it was saved from demolition by the developers behind Buffalo Bayou Park. Today, visitors can admire the concrete roof and pillars that stretch into the distance, creating an industrial kind of tranquility. The park added an entrance tunnel, making it an appealing space for all who visit.
- James Turrell's "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace
James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace is a mesmerizing installation that pays homage to the transitioning light of dawn and dusk. Located on the serene campus of Rice University, this Skyspace is designed to allow visitors to observe and contemplate the subtle yet kinetic changes in a space that is both meditative and peaceful. The installation is characterized by a grassy pyramidal mound topped with an elevated square roof featuring a square hole in the middle and two viewing areas below. Every day, except Tuesdays, visitors can witness a light sequence projected onto the ceiling as the view of the sky continues to change.
- David Adickes Studio
Houston-based sculptor David Adickes is widely recognized for his larger-than-life works, particularly his colossal statues. From the 67-foot tall Sam Houston figure in Huntsville, Texas, to the 43 busts of American presidents in an educational museum in South Dakota, Adickes' sculptures are hard to miss. For those in Houston, his workshop offers an opportunity to view many of his most notable works while also experiencing the unexpected in an industrial setting. Although not originally intended as a destination, Adickes Studio has become just that. Visitors may even catch a glimpse of Adickes and his six employees working in the shop, diligently bringing ever more extravagant works to life.