A successful first night starts before the first singer. Give one member of staff responsibility for the show, rehearse the whole journey and make the room welcoming. Future Karaoke can provide the songs and automated presenting; your team provides the hospitality.
A week ahead: decide who does what
Choose the date, start and finish times, and a staff lead who knows the setup. Decide where singers will stand, where lyrics will be visible and how microphones will reach them without trailing cables across walkways.
Promote the event with clear times, entry details and an invitation for listeners as well as singers. Ask a couple of willing regulars whether they would like to sing early. Use our quiet-night promotion guide for a simple local plan.
Prepare the computer and subscription
Install Future Karaoke on a compatible Windows PC or Mac, activate your venue subscription and allow the Sunfly catalogue to sync. Confirm that you can browse songs and play a test track before advertising the system as ready.
Classic Stage is the lightweight HTML option for everyday compatible computers. Choose Unreal Stage only when the computer meets its separate requirements and you have installed and checked it. See the current downloads and requirements before choosing your setup.
Use your actual venue screen, microphones, mixer, PA and internet connection for the rehearsal. Have power connected, check display and sleep settings, and allow time for any installation work before the event.
Before doors open: rehearse one complete turn
- Connect the lyrics screen and confirm that guests can read it from the singing position.
- Play a track through the venue sound system. Check the music, microphone and spoken announcement levels together.
- Scan the guest QR code from a phone on the network guests will actually use. Browse, request a song and confirm that it reaches the Host.
- Call up a test singer, start the song, stop it and move on. Show a second staff member how to control playback and manage the queue.
- Walk the room while listening. Adjust the sound so the performance is enjoyable and staff can still serve guests comfortably.
A guest network can restrict access to devices on other networks. If requests cannot reach the Host, resolve that before doors open. Keep a staff-assisted request option available for guests without a suitable phone.
Set up the Big Red Button, if you’re using it
The Windows PC or Mac runs the show. An iPad, compatible tablet or phone opens the Big Red Button page in its browser on the same local network, then pairs using the code from the Host.
Place it where the singer can reach it safely. With their song prepared, they press the button when ready to start. Holding it for three seconds stops playback. Rehearse both actions with staff and keep the Host controls available. The tablet is optional.
Opening time: explain it in one sentence
Scan the code to choose your song, and we’ll call you when it’s your turn. Duets and first-timers are welcome — and you’re just as welcome to sit back and enjoy the music.
Start with willing singers and keep the atmosphere friendly. Show newcomers how requests work. Check that the next singer is present before you prepare their turn, and explain any queue changes courteously.
During the show: stay involved in the room
Automated hosting handles introductions and the flow of the show, but a staff lead should still watch the queue and listen to the sound. Help anyone who misses their call, deal with requests fairly and use the Host controls when you need to intervene.
Keep microphones ready and the singing space clear. Watch for feedback and adjust levels promptly. Let the audience enjoy a mix of confident performances and first attempts; nobody needs to pass an audition.
If a device or connection fails, pause, tell guests what is happening and use the playback controls you rehearsed. Have your normal venue background-music arrangement ready while you sort it out. Avoid experimenting with updates or a new stage setup during service.
Finish clearly, then make the next night easier
Give notice before closing requests so the remaining queue fits your finishing time. Thank the singers, listeners and staff, then announce the next date. Let people know where to find future event details.
Afterwards, note attendance, sales, extra costs and any technical issues. Ask the staff lead what caused friction and what guests enjoyed. Choose one improvement for next time, then test it before the next show.
- Subscription active, catalogue available and test song played.
- Lyrics visible; music, microphones and announcements checked.
- A real guest phone can submit a request.
- Staff know the queue and start/stop controls.
- Optional tablet paired and rehearsed.
- Clear finishing time and next event date ready.