Platinum Road

07/17/2026

Advancing is the process of confirming every detail before anyone sets foot in a venue. Production requirements, security, staffing, scheduling, catering, credentials, settlement procedures and more.

Strong advancing doesn’t guarantee a perfect show. It eliminates most of the problems that shouldn’t happen in the first place.

Read the full article: https://www.platinumroad.com/post/show-advancing-comedy-tours-before-load-in

07/06/2026

New article is live on Platinum Road taking a deep dive into how show advancing works in theatres and arenas, with a focus on comedy tours.

It covers the show build before the on-sale, production, security, hospitality, merchandise, settlement, DOS schedules and the many details that need to be handled before anyone walks into the venue.

When the advance is done right, everyone has a better chance of walking into show day prepared. The venue knows what's coming in, the promoter understands the needs of the tour, the crew has a plan, and the goals are laid out clearly to avoid as many surprises as possible.

A confirmed date is only the beginning. Before a tour or show loads in, the details need to be reviewed, questions need to be answered, and the plan needs to be built. This article walks through how show advancing helps connect the many moving pieces before show day with a focus on comedy touring.

06/11/2026

One topic that frequently generates questions within the live entertainment industry is show settlement.

Some questions come from those who are new to the business and looking to learn. Others come from experienced industry professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the process or looking to expand their knowledge.

Platinum Road recently put together an article that provides an overview of show settlement, along with a deeper dive into many of the components that ultimately determine the final outcome.

Whether you're an agent, manager, tour manager, promoter, comedian, performer of any kind, or simply interested in learning more about the business side of live entertainment, we hope you find it informative.

For many comedians, agents and managers, settlement is where financial reality of a show becomes clear. This article breaks down the fundamentals of show settlement, including GBOR, NBOR, walkaway, deal sheets, pre-settlements, ticket audits and the questions worth asking before signing off on the n...

06/09/2026

Experience often reveals itself in ways that aren't immediately obvious.

A few years ago, a newer promoter representative scheduled a 4:00 PM load-in for what appeared to be a very simple comedy show in a theater that had sound & lights in-house. On the surface, it seemed like a reasonable decision. However, based on the venue's CBA with the union, that call time was likely going to trigger unnecessary meal penalties.

After reviewing the advance, it became apparent that a small adjustment to the schedule could avoid those additional costs. By moving the load-in earlier, the show still met the contractual minimums, the hands received a 1hr walkaway for dinner, and the promoter avoided expenses that could have impacted the show's profitability.

It's a simple example, but it highlights an important reality: experience often reveals details that aren't immediately obvious.

From advancing shows and coordinating travel to conducting settlements, managing logistics, and identifying potential issues before they become problems, the role of a comedy tour manager often extends far beyond logistics.

Our latest article explores 10 qualities every comedian, agent, and manager should consider when hiring a comedy tour manager.

When hiring a tour manager in the world of comedy, here are some key items to look for.