Keyboard programming refers to the process of building the sounds, patch changes and controller mappings required for a specific musical.

A professionally programmed musical theatre MainStage rig may include:

• hundreds of individual patches

• layered orchestral sounds

• sampled percussion and effects

• split keyboard zones

• programmed pedal functions

• automated patch changes

The goal is to allow the keyboard player to focus on performance while the programming handles the technical complexity behind the scenes.

MainStage is Apple’s live performance software designed for musicians performing on stage. It allows a Mac computer to host virtual instruments, sampled sounds and audio effects in a performance-friendly environment.

In musical theatre, MainStage is commonly used to:

• recreate orchestral keyboard sounds

• switch patches automatically during songs

• trigger sampled instruments

• layer multiple sounds together

• simplify complex keyboard setups

• reduce the amount of hardware required for a production

A single laptop running MainStage can often replace several hardware keyboards and sound modules.

Why Do Musicals Use MainStage?

Modern musicals often require sounds that would be impossible to recreate using a single hardware keyboard alone.

MainStage allows productions to:

• reproduce the original orchestrations more accurately

• access specialist sampled instruments

• maintain consistent sounds across productions

• reduce equipment costs

• simplify touring and transport

• integrate with playback and click systems

Because MainStage is software-based, productions can also make updates and adjustments more easily than with older hardware rigs.

Our musical theatre programming packages include:

• Apple MainStage concert files

• sampled instruments

• patch libraries

• keyboard mappings

• routed channels for each instrument group

• setup instructions

Programming a musical from scratch can take many hundreds of hours. Amateur productions often benefit from using professionally prepared programming because it:

• dramatically reduces setup time

• improves reliability

• helps productions sound more professional

• avoids missing sounds or incorrect patches

• simplifies rehearsal preparation

Using existing licensed programming also allows smaller productions to achieve a sound much closer to the original orchestration.

For each keyboard part, you will need:

• a Mac computer (Macbook, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, or iMac)

• an 88-note MIDI controller keyboard

• an audio interface

• a USB cable to connect your keyboard to the Mac, or a MIDI interface if your keyboard doesn’t have a USB MIDI port
  (Most audio interfaces also have MIDI ports)

• a sustain pedal

• a footswitch for patch changes

• an expression pedal

• at least 100GB free disk space on the Mac (internal SSD recommended)

• DI boxes for your sound technician to connect to (if your interface has unbalanced outputs)

• a solid keyboard stand

• something to sit on!

Yes — when properly configured, MainStage is widely used in professional theatre environments including West End/Broadway productions, touring productions, and cruise entertainment around the world.

Absolutely. Many amateur productions successfully use MainStage, particularly when using professionally programmed files designed specifically for the show.

Whilst this is possible in some scenarios, most shows require the ability to change patches on each keyboard at different points, making this impractical. A separate Mac for each keyboard is required for our programming.

Keyspoke is a new company founded by musical director Joe Hood, who created the original keyboard programming for several musicals including:

• The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole

• The Great British Bake Off Musical

• The Little Big Things

• Clockwork Christmas

• Here You Come Again

• Glory Ride

• Exposure

• What’s New Pussycat?

• Hello Dolly! (London Palladium Revival)

• Burlesque

• Starter For Ten

More Info

We provide technical assistance for all our programming hire clients. We can answer emails within a few hours, or arrange a phone call or remote support session if needed at no extra cost.

This is rarely needed though, since we provide detailed setup instructions :)

Yes. If you understand MainStage, you’re free to make changes as you need in rehearsals. We do recommend keeping a backup of the original files, but if you get into difficulties, you can reach out to us and we’ll resend the originals.

Yes! We produce click tracks/backing tracks for professional theatre productions and TV performances.