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Production Handbook
Everything you need to know as part of the Production Team
Team Vision
Production is not just about running tech.
It is about shaping holy moments.
The Importance of Production
At Bright City, Production plays a vital role in the worship experience. Every lyric displayed, every mic unmuted, and every visual transition serves a greater purpose to remove distractions and make space for people to encounter God.
We believe:
- Excellence honors God and serves people.
- Clarity helps people connect to the message of Jesus.
- Our technical service is a form of spiritual worship and leadership.
You are not just pressing buttons or turning knobs. You are helping shape holy moments. Through sound, visuals, lighting, and timing, we help host the presence of God and create a space where faith can be stirred, questions can be asked, and lives can be changed.
Our Mission Field
Bright City is called to reach young families, who may feel skeptical toward church. Many who walk through our doors carry doubts or wounds from past church experiences.
That’s why we intentionally shape our worship services to be thoughtful, welcoming, and grounded in the gospel, designed to meet people where they are. While we desire all people to worship God, we are especially focused on creating a space where skeptical seekers and spiritually hungry families can encounter Jesus with clarity, authenticity, and hope.
General Expectations
We may serve behind the scenes,
but our work helps put God front and center.
Required Commitments
Before joining the team, all members are expected to:
- Read and sign Bright City’s: ✝️ Statement of Faith🙌 Serve Team Expectations
Serving with Excellence
Being on the Production Team means more than operating equipment. It means showing up with a spirit of excellence, humility, and readiness to serve. Each team member plays a key role in helping create an environment where people can encounter the presence of God with clarity and focus.
We expect Production Team members to:
- Arrive on time and be prepared for setup, rehearsal, and services.
- Stay focused and attentive throughout the entire morning
- Be proactive in problem-solving and willing to ask for help when needed
- Work as a team, offering support to other roles as needed
- Maintain a calm and helpful attitude, even when things don’t go as planned
- See your role as spiritual, not just technical—what you do makes worship possible
Roles & Responsibilities
Each role matters. Every action supports a greater encounter with God.
Team Positions
Production Team positions are organized into three areas: Setup, Operations, and Teardown. Each position gives team members clear ownership over a specific part of the Production Team's Sunday responsibilities.
Team members may be assigned to multiple positions throughout the morning. For example, someone may have a Setup responsibility before rehearsal, an Operations position during service, and a Teardown responsibility after service. Please check all of your assigned positions when reviewing your schedule.
đź‘· Production Lead
The Production Lead helps oversee the Production Team throughout the morning. Rather than being limited to one area, the Production Lead supports the entire team by troubleshooting problems, filling gaps, assisting team members, and making sure setup and teardown are progressing smoothly.
The Production Lead may jump into any area as needed, but team members should still take ownership of their individually assigned Setup, Operations, and Teardown positions.
🔨 Setup Positions
Setup positions are responsible for getting specific Production areas ready before rehearsal. Team members may be assigned to more than one setup position.
🔊 Audio Speakers — Setup ➔ Audio Speaker Setup Guide
This position is responsible for setting up the audio speakers and related equipment used throughout the service.
Setup Responsibilities:
• Mounting Speakers and Subs
• Connecting XLR & Power
💡 Stage Lights — Setup
This position is responsible for setting up the stage lighting equipment and preparing it for rehearsal and service.
Setup Responsibilities:
• Positioning Bar Lights evenly across the backdrop
• Daisy-chaining DMX and power between all bar lights
• Connecting DMX to Production Desk
🔦 Spotlights — Setup ➔ Spotlight Setup Guide
This position is responsible for setting up and preparing the spotlights used during the service.
Setup Responsibilities:
• Mounting Spotlight Bars
• Connecting DMX and Power
• Connecting DMX to Production Desk
🍼 Nursing Area — Setup (Camera Ops)
This position is responsible for preparing the Nursing Area before service. This position is typically assigned to Camera Ops during the pre-service portion of the morning.
Setup Responsibilities:
• Setting up the TV
• Folding out the nursing chairs and supplies
• Connecting the SDI cable to the Production Desk
• Placing directional signs to the nursing area
🎯 Focus Lights (Camera Ops + ProPresenter Ops)
This position is responsible for making sure stage lighting is properly positioned and focused before service. Camera Ops and ProPresenter Ops will typically work together to complete this during rehearsal.
Responsibilities:
• Positioning the House Lights toward the ceiling
• Positioning the Spotlights to illuminate stage area
🎛️ Operations Positions
Operations positions are responsible for running Production systems during rehearsal and service. Operators may also be assigned additional setup and teardown responsibilities.
🎚️ Sound Ops ➔ Sound Ops Guide
This position manages the front-of-house mix for the room, balancing vocals and instruments to ensure clarity and energy throughout the service. It includes troubleshooting technical issues during setup and live services, as well as working with the band during rehearsal to adjust monitors and P16s.
đź“ş ProPresenter Ops âž” ProPresenter Ops Guide
This position runs lyrics, Scripture, and other media content during the service, ensuring content is cued accurately and at the appropriate time. It works closely with worship leaders and pastors to follow the flow of the service and respond to transitions in real time.
🎥 Camera Ops ➔ Camera Ops Guide
This position captures the live video feed for the livestream and in-room visual support, framing shots for worship, teaching, and other key moments.
📦 Teardown Positions
After service, Production Team members are assigned an area to take ownership of during teardown. Once your assigned area is completely packed and put away, please help other team members who are still working.
🔊 Audio Speakers — Teardown (Sound Ops)
Sound Ops takes ownership of tearing down and storing the audio speaker equipment after service.
Teardown Responsibilities:
• Packing up the speakers and subs
• Wrapping XLR and Power Cables
• Storing speakers
💡 Stage Lights — Teardown (ProPresenter Ops)
ProPresenter Ops takes ownership of tearing down and storing the stage lighting equipment after service.
Teardown Responsibilities:
• Putting away the DMX and power cables
• Storing bar lights
🔦 Spotlights — Teardown (Production Lead)
The Production Lead takes ownership of tearing down and storing the spotlights after service.
Teardown Responsibilities:
• Dismounting spotlights
• Putting away DMX and power cables
• Storing spotlights
🍼 Nursing Area — Teardown (Camera Ops)
Camera Ops takes ownership of tearing down and storing the Production equipment used in the Nursing Area after service.
Teardown Responsibilities:
• Folding the chairs
• Rolling up the SDI cable
• Storing the TV, nursing chairs + supplies, and directional signs
Scheduling and Breaks
Clear communication keeps the team running smoothly.
Scheduling Timeline
We send out serve requests quarterly. You will receive an email one month before each new quarter begins, reminding you to set your blockout dates and letting you know when to expect your Planning Center scheduling requests.
Planning Center Online
We use Planning Center Online: Services to schedule Production Team members, organize service plans, and communicate important details. It’s essential that everyone uses Planning Center consistently and responsibly.
Note: We recommend everyone downloads PCO: Services on their mobile devices.
Confirming or Declining Requests
You are expected to confirm or decline your request as soon as possible. Delays in confirming affect the whole team’s preparation.
Note: If you decline, please include a short note if possible (e.g., out of town, sick, etc.).
Blockout Dates
Production Team members will be asked to communicate any blockout dates through Planning Center before scheduled requests are sent out for each quarter.
Finding a Replacement
If something comes up and you are within two weeks of your scheduled date, we ask that you follow these steps for finding a replacement:
- First, try to trade with someone from another scheduled date by reaching out to them and asking
- If trading is not optional, find a sub from another date to cover your date entirely
- Once confirmed, notify your Production Lead Include the name of the person covering for you and the date(s) being traded / covered. The Production Lead will follow up to confirm with you both.
Note: If trading and finding a sub is not possible, notify your Production Lead.
Sub Requests
Try to limit sub requests—as opposed to trade requests—to only when necessary. If you need frequent swaps, talk with your Production Lead. We’re happy to work with your schedule.
What To Do When You’re Sick
Let your leader know immediately if you’re sick or have an emergency. If it is possible, still find a sub or trade, but we understand that life happens. Just don’t wait and then ghost.
Taking a Break from the Production Team
You’re welcome to take a break from the Production Team at any point. We simply ask that you fulfill any serve requests you've accepted to the best of your ability.
Note: You are always welcome to step back onto the Production Team at any point.
Sunday Morning
Prepared and pointing people to Jesus.
Time & Location
⛪ Location: AMC Southpoint Theaters → 8030 Renaissance Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713
⏰ Setup Arrival (7:00 AM): This time is for Setup Crew only
⚙️ Operations Arrival (7:30 AM): This time is for the rest of the Production Team
Morning Schedule
🔊 Soundcheck Begins: 8:20 AM
All microphones, monitors, slides, lighting, and livestream systems should be online and tested before this time.
🎶 Band Run-Through: 8:40 AM
Full musical rehearsal with the worship team Production roles actively follow transitions, lighting cues, and slide timing Use this time to identify and fix any last-minute issues before the service
🗣️ Service Run-Through: 9:50 AM
Brief team meeting with the Service Speaker(s) to walk through the service flow Review any unique elements (videos, special transitions, ministry moments) Final time to ask questions or make small adjustments before attendees arrive
🙌 Sunday Services: 10:00 AM
Production remains fully engaged and alert throughout services After the final service, teardown begins promptly—every role helps reset the space
Expectations on Attending Services
The Production Team is expected to serve during all Sunday services. To ensure we are still participating in the worship service alongside the congregation, each team member is encouraged to fully engage in at least one service.
Dress Code
We want you to be comfortable and ready to move on Sundays. As a Production Team member, you’ll often be lifting, adjusting gear, crouching behind equipment, or walking between stations—so wear clothing that allows for easy movement and helps you stay focused on serving.
âś… Please wear:
Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing Closed-toe shoes (required for safety and mobility) Clothing appropriate for bending, lifting, and walking
đźš« Avoid:
Flip-flops or open-toe shoes Anything that might hinder movement or create a trip hazard
Timeliness Policy
We value grace and responsibility when it comes to timeliness.
- Arriving late can disrupt the entire Sunday setup process and put unnecessary pressure on the rest of the team.
- ⏰ Repeated lateness may result in you being asked to step down from serving in future rotations.
Tip: It is better to arrive earlier than late.
Additional Resources
Helpful tools, references, and documents to support your growth and service.
General Resources
Production Team Resources
How To Use The Personal In-Ear Mixers (P16)