As a solo performer, I have learned to have backup cables and a plan if something goes awry. I also let the audience in, sharing with them that this is the beauty of a live performance and assuring them that I've got it covered. There was a time when I lost sound at the very end of the show. I finished a capella demonstrating that the show must go on! In small settings like that it allows one to connect through our humanity. I've found that my audiences appreciate that.

I'll let you in on a little secret: audiences love witnessing technical glitches so long as they are handled quickly, competently, and with good humor by the performers. The key is to let the audience know they are in good hands, that they can trust this team to take care of them. If you can do that, the audience feels like they've had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will glow when they tell the story of these amazing artists, performers and crew to all of their friends.

In my experience, the greatest thing about dealing with any issues is staying calm. Taking a breath and mentally preparing to deal with the concerns is what allows you to deal with the issues successfully or in a panicked state. Triaging what you need to fix and asking for help with smaller problems or ones outside your scope can allow you to be successful. Teamwork with people you trust, and communication are big factors in remaining calm.

Establishing communication at the earliest confirmation of an issue is imperative. Be it to your lead, the head of the stage, or management or all the above. Be calm and tell them what you need to attempt to fix the issue including estimated time to fix, number of people required, safety hazards that people need to be aware of, etc. If working on an issue have someone give regular updates again with an estimated time, additional resources needed, and any new safety hazards present. If you have communicated before this, you may already have a contingency set up that they want to implement so that the problem can be looked at during a safer time.

I deal with wearable tech in live production and problems are inevitable. Planning for contingencies is necessary. Having spares available, triaging breaks and knowing when you have to proceed with less than full compliments will happen. Communication between yourself and the management is crucial. If they are aware of the potential for issues, a delayed start or few minute vamp by host could buy you the time needed to temporarily fix any problems to allow for a full act. Getting all parties involved about what could happen before mishaps can occur, can allow for a desired outcome or contingency plan to be put in motion earlier when an error arises to avoid perceived problems by the audience.