Now picture some hazy figures running around under the main stage or peering from the sidelines.

Yes, yes, the ones with headphones and mouth pieces; the ones who always look busy.

There you have your backstage coordinators!

Award functions are not the only ones that require backstage coordinators.

High profile corporate functions, road shows and definitely movie award shows and other events require the services of a backstage coordinator.

According to Navin Dsouza, owner of Touchstone Events and Advertising, event management is a relatively new concept in India. As a result, is no standard style of working.

Depending on the size of the event, coordinators are hired on an assignment basis. For example, in a fashion event, one coordinator is hired for every two models.

Get a Grip

As a backstage coordinator, your role is to oversee pre-production and production aspects for an event. Usually, an event lasts for a day. You will be called a couple of days in advance during the pre-production or planning stage where your responsibilities will be handed over to you.

In the pre-production stage, you will be given a cue sheet, which explains your responsibility and the area you have to oversee. Your job is to maintain this cue sheet like a check list and keep a record of all tasks that need to be done.

Your responsibility as a backstage coordinator could range from being a guest relations executive at a corporate event to overseeing to the needs of your assigned models for a fashion show. You could also have to oversee the lunch requirements of the team, if you are a coordinator for a road show.

Be prepared for hard work and a lot of sweat. The role of a backstage coordinator is a tiring (and often thankless) job and you need immense enthusiasm and energy to keep going.