Getai set up like rock concert
Glitzy and high-tech. Gone are the days of rickety wooden stages with makeshift lighting and sound system.
The standard today is comparable to a pop or rock concert, says prolific getai organiser Aaron Tan, 39, who runs Lex(S) Entertainment.
Literally translated, "getai" means "song stage" in Chinese
The stage is essential to the hosts, singers and band, and it is where stars are made during the Hungry Ghost Festival. This year's festival ends on Sept 12.
10 HOURS
Preparation work starts as early as 10 hours ahead of showtime, Mr Tan says. "My day starts early in the morning, and my duties include liaising and coordinating with my partners and clients to make sure no one messes up."
He believes in being totally hands-on. That means personally monitoring the process of setting up - from helping the logistics crew move bulky props across the stage to deciding exactly where the speakers should be placed.
Mr Tan stresses: "A good stage design and visuals are very important.
"How a stage looks actually makes a big difference in the presentation of the performance."
And by 6pm, everything is ready to run like clockwork.
"Watching the audience of all ages and even different races enjoy the getai is what makes this job most satisfying and rewarding," he says.
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