Introduction
Imagine being in the audience at a cultural festival, excited for the next performance. The stage lights dim, and an MC steps forward. What they say in the next minute will set the tone: will the audience feel curious and connected to the act’s heritage, or will they tune out? A great festival introduction can make all the difference. It provides context that draws the crowd in – who the artists are, where their art comes from, why it matters – all delivered succinctly and respectfully. In cultural festivals across the globe, from small community gatherings to massive international events, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) or host plays a pivotal role in framing each performance for the audience.
Seasoned festival producers know that every announcement and intro is an opportunity. It’s a chance to educate and excite the crowd, to honour the performers’ backgrounds, and to ensure everyone stays safe and engaged. Done right, an MC’s script adds richness to the show without stealing the spotlight. Done poorly – think mumbled names, endless sponsor lists, or spoilers about the act – and the magic can deflate quickly. The following guide shares expert practices for creating intros and MC scripts that truly add context and elevate every set, drawn from real festival experiences around the world.
Mastering Pronunciations & Honouring Lineage
Nothing snaps an audience out of the moment like a mispronounced name or a botched introduction of a cultural art form. Preparing pronunciations in advance is an absolute must for any festival MC, especially at cultural festivals where artists often come from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Do your homework on every name of performers, troupes, and even song or piece titles if they’re foreign or uncommon. Reach out to the artists or their managers beforehand to confirm how names are said.
For example, at global music festivals like WOMAD in the UK or Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia, the organisers provide MCs with phonetic spellings of artist names and even the names of traditional instruments. This ensures that when the Zimbabwean mbira ensemble or the Balinese gamelan troupe is introduced, their heritage is respected with correct pronunciation. As one stage manager wisely put it, “nobody enjoys a public butchering of their name,” so take the time to get it right.
Beyond names, lineage notes add depth to your intro by highlighting the cultural or historical background of a performance. In many traditions, an artist’s lineage – their mentors, the school or style they trained in, or the region their art originates from – is a source of pride. Mentioning this can both honour the tradition and educate the audience. For instance, if a classical Odissi dance from India is about to begin, noting that the dancer is a disciple of Guru So-and-So or that the dance comes from an ancient temple ritual in Odisha adds meaningful context.
At Mexico’s famed Guelaguetza festival, hosts introduce each community dance by sharing which Oaxacan region it’s from and the significance behind the costumes and movements. Similarly, the producers of Auckland’s Pasifika Festival in New Zealand invite community elders as co-MCs to introduce performances from Samoan, M?ori, Tongan, and other Pacific Island cultures – ensuring that pronunciations of local language words are spot-on and that a snippet of each performance’s cultural lineage is shared. These details spark the audience’s curiosity and respect: spectators aren’t just clapping for a “cool dance” or “pretty song,” they understand a bit of why it’s important.
When preparing lineage notes, work closely with the artists or cultural consultants. Ask what key context they’d love the audience to know. It might be a one-sentence origin story of a folktale being performed, the fact that a music ensemble’s style was passed down from a grandparent, or that a ritual song is traditionally sung to celebrate the harvest. Keep it brief but significant – you’re adding flavour, not delivering a history lecture. And always be accurate: double-check facts if you’re citing history or tradition. Misrepresenting a culture, even by accident, can cause offence. A good practice is to run cultural descriptions by someone from that community when possible.
Weaving in Safety and Etiquette Cues
While context elevates the experience, safety and basic etiquette keep the experience running smoothly. Including a few well-chosen safety cues and housekeeping announcements in your script is essential, but it’s important to integrate them without killing the vibe. At the very start of a festival programme or a long show, an MC should quickly cover the critical points: where the emergency exits are, any important safety protocols, and event ground rules. For example, Glastonbury Festival (UK) and Fuji Rock Festival (Japan) both have MCs or voice-overs reminding attendees to stay hydrated, note first-aid tent locations, and be mindful of others. In a smaller indoor cultural event – say a traditional theatre performance in a community centre – the MC might remind the audience to silence mobile phones, refrain from flash photography if it could disturb performers, and perhaps not to enter or leave during a piece out of respect.
The key is to deliver these announcements succinctly and with a friendly tone. You can even inject a touch of cultural flair or relevance. For instance, if the next performance involves a ceremonial fire dance, the MC can advise, “For your safety, please remain behind the marked lines during the performance,” while expressing excitement for the dramatic display.
At some festivals, certain etiquette cues are culturally specific: before a Japanese Noh theater act or a Balinese kecak dance, audiences may be told not to applaud until the end, or an MC may mention, “This ritual piece is traditionally observed in silence until it concludes.” By sharing this, you prepare the audience to behave appropriately and show respect in a way that insiders already know.
Remember that safety includes emotional safety too. If an act contains potentially sensitive content (for example, a theatrical piece depicting historical trauma or a strobe lighting effect), it’s wise to provide a gentle content warning. The skill is to warn without spoiling (we’ll talk more about spoilers soon). Phrase it like, “Note: this next story addresses war-time memories and may have some loud sounds,” which alerts those who need to mentally prepare or step out, without giving away the narrative arc.
To keep the flow, many experienced festival producers recommend combining safety and thanks with context where possible so it doesn’t feel like a checklist.
For example, “Before this next set — a high-energy M?ori kapa haka performance — we’d like to remind everyone to keep aisles clear for the performers’ entrance. This dance involves rapid movements, so for everyone’s safety please remain behind the line. Get ready, because this haka carries the power of generations of warriors!” In a few sentences, you’ve mixed context, a safety request, and built anticipation.
Timing Is Everything: Respect Attention and Translation
Even the most eloquent introduction can flop if it’s too long or poorly timed. Great MCs know how to read the room and keep intros sharp and engaging. In a festival setting, audiences typically have a limited attention span between acts — they’re eager for the show. For a small folk music gig, a 30-second intro might suffice, while a larger cultural showcase might allow a 1-2 minute intro to set up a complex piece. Time your intros during rehearsals or run-throughs so you know they fit nicely into the programme schedule and the performers are comfortable with their length.
One vital consideration is translation. Cultural festivals often serve multilingual communities or international audiences. That means your carefully crafted intro might need to be delivered in two languages, or include an interpreter echoing your words. Always factor this into your timing. At Festival Internacional Cervantino in Mexico, for instance, it’s common for an introduction to a French circus troupe or a Chinese opera to be given in Spanish first, then in English for global guests. The festival’s MC team coordinates their scripts to cover the essentials efficiently in both languages – often by keeping sentences short and pausing to let the interpreter speak. If you have a co-host translating, practice together. Maintain a natural pace; don’t rush, but don’t draw it out with unnecessary fluff either. Audiences appreciate brevity, especially if they have to listen to everything twice.
The need for translation isn’t only about spoken language. Sign language interpretation is increasingly present at large festivals (for example, music festivals like Lollapalooza and Glastonbury have sign interpreters on stage). When working with sign interpreters, speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and allow appropriate pauses for the interpreter to catch up. This ensures Deaf or hard-of-hearing audience members receive the full message. It’s a sign of respect and inclusivity that reflects well on your festival.
Also, consider when to deliver each type of information. A common rookie mistake is trying to cram every detail into one intro. Instead, prioritize: if the crowd has been standing through multiple sets and energy is waning, keep the next intro snappy and upbeat. If the next act requires a bit more framing (say, a rare classical dance in a mostly pop-music lineup), you might preface it with a slightly longer intro – but perhaps this is best at a natural intermission or a transition where the audience is seated and ready to listen.
Always be mindful of the audience’s attention cycle. In outdoor festivals under the hot sun, attention spans shorten, so afternoon MC patter might be shorter and more high-energy. In an evening gala with a seated attentive crowd, you might have a little more leeway to tell a brief story.
One trick used by veteran festival organisers is to watch the audience’s body language. If people are shuffling, checking their phones, or chatting, it’s a sign the intro needs wrapping up. Some festivals even use an “intro timer” as part of stage management – for example, giving MCs a guideline like “no more than 90 seconds per intro” except for special welcomes. By respecting the audience’s time and keeping the momentum, you ensure everyone stays focused on the performances, which is exactly where you want their attention.
Provide Context, Avoid Spoilers for Narrative Acts
When the festival lineup includes narrative performances – such as plays, dance dramas, or spoken word pieces with a storyline – the MC’s job gets a bit delicate. You want to provide enough context so that the audience isn’t bewildered, but avoid spoilers that would ruin the journey of the piece. It’s a fine balance between enticing and over-explaining.
Start by identifying what kind of context will help viewers appreciate the performance. This could be a one-liner about the setting or theme: “This next piece is set in a small village, and follows a brother and sister during the Lantern Festival.” Or perhaps a note on format: “You’ll notice there’s no musical accompaniment – this is a traditional a capella storytelling art.” Such details can be crucial, especially if the narrative comes from a culture or artform the audience might not be familiar with.
At the Singapore International Festival of Arts, for example, emcees introducing a short experimental theatre piece might say, “Up next is a contemporary retelling of a classic Malay folk tale. Watch for how the dancers use shadow puppets – it’s a clue to a story about unseen cultural heritage.” This kind of intro gives the audience a frame of reference without giving away outcomes.
What to strictly avoid is revealing any twists, climactic outcomes, or punchlines. Think of yourself like a movie trailer creator rather than a summary writer. If a dance or play has a surprise ending, do not hint at the nature of that surprise. Unfortunately, history has its share of MC blunders. Many festival producers can recount a cringe-worthy moment when an overenthusiastic host “gave away the ending.” One cautionary tale: at a fringe theatre festival in Canada, an MC was so moved by a play’s ending that in his introduction for the next show, he blurted out, “I won’t spoil it, but get your tissues – it ends in a heartbreaking family reunion.” In doing so, he essentially did spoil it. The audience went in expecting that reunion, diminishing the emotional payoff. The lesson: share the setup, not the resolution.
If you’re uncertain what constitutes a spoiler for a particular performance, talk to the creators. Ask them what they’d like mentioned and what they prefer the audience discover on their own. Some might be fine with you outlining Act I’s context (“She’s searching for her lost child amid a storm…”) as long as you don’t touch Act II’s revelations. Others might want only the bare minimum said. Always err on the side of caution and respect for the artist’s storytelling.
Another facet of context without spoilers is handling content warnings or cues. As noted earlier, if a piece has potentially disturbing elements (like a simulated explosion, or a moment of utter darkness in the theatre), you should warn the audience for safety. This can be done in a way that doesn’t spoil plot. For example, “This performance contains sudden loud noises. Those with sensitive hearing may wish to be aware,” is sufficient and doesn’t explain why the noises happen. Or, “The next story addresses mature themes and authentic historical violence,” which flags the tone without describing the fate of characters. The audience gets the heads-up, and the performers get to deliver their narrative punch as intended.
Thanking Funders and Communities – Respectfully
For many cultural festivals, especially non-profit or community-driven ones, the MC is also the voice that gives thanks – to sponsors, funders, partners, and the community that hosts the event. Doing this gracefully is an art in itself. Audiences understand that sponsors and supporters need recognition (often their contributions are what made the event possible), but no one enjoys a long, droning list of names during an otherwise engaging festival show. The goal is to thank meaningfully and efficiently, and always in a tone that is genuine.
Firstly, plan when to thank. The opening and closing of a festival day or show block are prime times for acknowledgments. Some festivals sprinkle brief thanks in between acts, but be cautious – too many interruptions can frustrate the crowd. One effective approach is to bundle the thank-yous with other housekeeping at the start or save a heartfelt round of thanks for the end when people are feeling good about what they’ve experienced. For example, at the end of each night of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in Canada, the host takes two minutes to thank the key sponsors (such as the city council, arts funding bodies, and major donors) and the audience and volunteers, tying it together by saying something like, “None of this magic tonight would be possible without the support of [Sponsor] and [Partner], and the heart of this community – you, the audience, and our amazing volunteers. Give yourselves a hand.” This earns applause rather than eye-rolls, because it feels inclusive.
When acknowledging specific groups or communities, be mindful and respectful of how you address them. If your festival is on indigenous land or involves First Nations communities, it’s often appropriate (and nowadays expected) to include a land acknowledgement or welcome. For instance, at many events in Australia and New Zealand, the MC will say a few words to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land. How this is done matters – make sure to consult with community representatives for the correct wording and tone. At the Woodford Folk Festival in Australia, organisers invite an Aboriginal elder to join the MC on stage for a Welcome to Country ceremony, properly honouring the local Indigenous community at the festival’s start. Similarly, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana) in Canada has hosts who not only thank the city and tourism board, but also the Caribbean diaspora community for keeping the tradition alive. These touches ground the festival in a sense of place and community.
Sponsors, donors, and funders usually appreciate a thank-you that feels sincere and personal. Instead of sounding like an advertisement (“This festival brought to you by XYZ Company, the best in banking!”), frame it as gratitude: “We’d like to sincerely thank XYZ Company for their generous support of our cultural arts program – it’s thanks to partners like them that we can bring performers from 10 countries this year.” If there are many sponsors, don’t read a phonebook of logos. Pick the top few to mention by name (depending on obligations), and group the rest: “and a big thank-you to all our local business supporters and media partners who helped make today free and open to all – we appreciate you.” Keep your voice upbeat and thankful, and then transition back to the fun stuff.
Don’t forget to credit the unsung heroes too – sometimes a quick nod to the tech crew, volunteers, or the venue can be nice at the end of the night. It fosters goodwill. However, avoid self-congratulation on stage; an MC who keeps thanking their own team excessively or themselves (“…and thank you to our amazing producer [Name] who booked all these acts!”) can come off as disingenuous or ego-driven. Focus on those who contributed behind the scenes and the community at large.
Good Scripts Elevate Every Performance
When all these elements come together – the correct pronunciations, the insightful lineage notes, the right safety reminders, the tight timing, spoiler-free context, and gracious thanks – you get an MC script that truly elevates every set. Performers feel valued and properly set up, audiences feel informed and excited (never lost or bored), and the whole festival benefits from a sense of cohesion and professionalism.
Think of your festival’s narrative as a thread that the MC is weaving through the event. Each introduction is a stitch in that tapestry, connecting one performance to the next and to the broader context of the festival’s cultural theme or mission. A well-prepared MC keeps that thread strong and unbroken. On the other hand, if intros are sloppy or absent, the event can feel like a bunch of disjointed acts.
As an experienced festival producer will attest, when an MC nails the introduction, the ensuing performance often lands with greater impact. Audiences are more attentive because they know why this act is special; artists perform with confidence knowing the crowd has been primed for their work.
Importantly, good scripts are also adaptable. Live events have surprises – a delay backstage, a sudden rain pause, an impromptu change in schedule. A prepared festival MC has extra material and contingency announcements ready. This might be an interesting cultural fact to share if there’s a tech delay, or a participatory moment (“While we wait for the next band to set up, turn to someone next to you and share your favourite moment so far”). These keep the audience engaged even when hiccups occur.
Veteran festival producers from large-scale events like Edinburgh International Festival or Austin City Limits have noted that a confident, well-briefed MC can save a show from faltering during unexpected moments, by keeping everyone informed and calm.
In essence, taking the time to craft thoughtful intros and MC scripts is an investment in your event’s success. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes ingredients of festival production that, when done expertly, might not be explicitly noticed by the audience – instead, they just feel the event was well-run and meaningful. But when it’s done poorly, everyone notices the awkwardness. As the cultural festival scene becomes ever more globally connected and diverse, the role of the MC as context-giver, bridge-builder, and cheerleader is more important than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Do your homework on pronunciations and facts: Always learn the correct pronunciation of artist names, pieces, and cultural terms. A respectful intro starts with saying things right and acknowledging the artist’s cultural background or lineage.
- Provide cultural context in intros: Share brief lineage notes or background stories to help the audience appreciate the significance of a performance. Explain what the audience is about to see and why it’s special, without overloading on detail.
- Include safety and etiquette reminders: Seamlessly work in essential announcements (exits, no flash photography, phone silence, etc.) and any cultural etiquette tips so the audience knows how to safely and respectfully enjoy the show.
- Keep intros concise and time-aware: Tailor the length of your introductions to the audience’s attention span and the flow of the event. If translation or interpretation is needed, plan for it and practice with your co-hosts to keep things smooth and engaging in multiple languages.
- No spoilers for story performances: When introducing narrative works, give enough setup to intrigue the audience, but never reveal twists or endings. Let the performers deliver the story while you set the stage.
- Acknowledge sponsors and communities with sincerity: Thank your funders, partners, and the local community genuinely but succinctly. Ensure required thank-yous are covered, including any traditional land acknowledgements, without derailing the show’s momentum.
- Rehearse and adapt: Practice your scripts, double-check names and facts, and be ready to adapt on the fly. A great MC maintains energy and connection even if plans change, always keeping the audience informed and entertained.
- Elevate the experience: Remember that as an MC or festival organiser, your words can elevate each performance. A good intro hypes up the crowd, builds respect for the artist, and ties the festival’s story together – making the whole event more memorable for everyone.
17th September 2025