How to Create and Organize a Complete Show

Mia Loha

Mia Loha

— 3 min read
How to Create and Organize a Complete Show
Photo by Martin Robles / Unsplash

This tutorial walks you through creating a fully-prepared show from start to finish. You'll learn to add various entry types, organize your content, and prepare for performance.

Time required: 15-20 minutes

What You'll Build

By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a complete show with:

  • Multiple songs with proper metadata
  • Section dividers for structure
  • Scripture readings (optional)
  • Custom design settings
  • Everything ready for presentation

Prerequisites

Part 1: Create the Show

Step 1: Start a New Show

  1. Navigate to Backstage
  2. Tap the + button
  3. Select New Show

Step 2: Configure Show Details

Fill in the show information:

Field Example Notes
Name "Sunday Service - January 14" Be specific for easy identification
Date Select the date Enables D-Day countdown
Description "Theme: New Beginnings" Optional notes about the service

Step 3: Add a Cover Image (Optional)

Make your show visually distinct:

  1. Tap the cover image area
  2. Choose an option:
    • Upload: Select from your device
    • Random: Generate a random cover
    • Skip: Use the default

Tap Create to finish.

Part 2: Add Songs

Step 4: Add Your First Song

  1. With your show open, tap Add Entry
  2. Select Song
  3. Search for your opening song
  4. Review the song details (key, BPM, lyrics)
  5. Tap Add to Show

Step 5: Verify Song Details

After adding, tap the song entry to check:

  • Key: Is this the key you'll perform in?
  • BPM: Does the tempo match your arrangement?
  • Lyrics: Are all verses correct?

If anything needs adjustment, you can edit the entry.

Step 6: Add Remaining Songs

Repeat the process for each song in your setlist. For this example, add:

  • Opening song (added above)
  • Second song
  • Third song (after sermon)
  • Closing song

Tip: You can add songs quickly by staying in the "Add Entry" flow and selecting multiple songs.

Part 3: Add Structure with Sections

Step 7: Add a Welcome Section

  1. Tap Add Entry
  2. Select Section
  3. Configure:
    • Title: "Welcome"
    • Content: "Greeting and announcements"
  4. Tap Add

Step 8: Add More Sections

Add sections for each structural element:

Section Title Content
Welcome Greeting and announcements
Prayer Opening prayer
Sermon Pastor's message
Offering Tithes and offerings
Closing Benediction

Step 9: Reorder Entries

Now organize everything in the correct sequence:

  1. Tap and hold an entry
  2. Drag it to the desired position
  3. Release to drop

Arrange in performance order:

  1. Welcome
  2. Opening Song
  3. Prayer
  4. Second Song
  5. Sermon
  6. Third Song
  7. Offering
  8. Closing Song
  9. Closing

Part 4: Add Scripture (Optional)

Step 10: Add a Scripture Reading

If your show includes Bible readings:

  1. Tap Add Entry
  2. Select Scripture (or search for the reference)
  3. Enter the reference: "Psalm 23:1-6"
  4. Select your preferred translation
  5. Tap Add

The scripture appears as an entry with properly formatted verses.

Step 11: Position the Scripture

Drag the scripture entry to its correct position in the service flow.

Part 5: Add Entry Notes

Step 12: Add Performance Notes

Each entry can have notes visible to collaborators:

  1. Tap on any entry
  2. Find the Notes field
  3. Add helpful information:
    • "Start softly, build on verse 2"
    • "Guitarist leads intro"
    • "Repeat chorus if Spirit leads"

These notes appear when viewing the entry but don't display during presentation.

Part 6: Customize Design

Step 13: Set Show-Wide Design

  1. Open show settings (gear icon or menu)
  2. Select Design
  3. Configure defaults:
    • Background: Color, image, or video
    • Font: Select typeface
    • Text Color: Ensure readability
    • Text Size: Appropriate for your display

These settings apply to all entries unless overridden.

Step 14: Override Entry Design (Optional)

Want one song to have a special background?

  1. Tap the entry
  2. Select Design or Customize
  3. Toggle Override show design
  4. Set entry-specific options
  5. Save

This entry now uses its own design while others use show defaults.

Part 7: Final Review

Step 15: Review Entry Order

Scroll through your complete show:

  1. Welcome
  2. Opening Song
  3. Prayer
  4. Scripture Reading
  5. Second Song
  6. Sermon
  7. Third Song
  8. Offering
  9. Closing Song
  10. Closing

Everything in place? Good.

Step 16: Test Presentation Mode

  1. Tap Present
  2. Navigate through each entry
  3. Verify:
    • Text is readable
    • Backgrounds look correct
    • Order matches expectations
  4. Exit presentation mode

Step 17: Check D-Day Countdown

Look at your show card. If you set a date, you should see the countdown (D-5, D-3, etc.).

Your Complete Show

You've built a professional, organized show with:

  • ✅ Clear, descriptive name and date
  • ✅ Multiple songs with verified details
  • ✅ Structural sections for flow
  • ✅ Scripture readings (optional)
  • ✅ Performance notes for the team
  • ✅ Customized visual design
  • ✅ Tested presentation mode

Tips for Better Shows

Naming Conventions

Use consistent naming: "Sunday Service - [Date]" or "[Event] - [Date]"

Song Order Considerations

  • Start with something accessible, build energy
  • Allow breathing room between high-energy songs
  • End with something memorable

Design Consistency

Stick to 2-3 background styles max for visual cohesion.

Notes as Communication

Use entry notes to reduce pre-service communication with your team.

Read more