Behind the Scenes at River Rock: Creativity, Chaos & Keynotes
There’s something electric about being backstage at a keynote event. The mix of creativity, chaos, anticipation, and sheer human energy turns an ordinary venue into a living, breathing organism. And at the River Rock Theater in Richmond, British Columbia, that energy hits you the moment you walk in.
This blog shares that exact moment a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens before the lights come up, the mic goes live, and the ideas hit the stage.
A Venue Built for Imagination
The River Rock Theater isn’t just a performance space; it’s a creative hub. As I walked through the venue, the massive scale of the casino and the buzzing atmosphere grabbed me instantly. You see people thinking, planning, building, solving problems all in real time.
You can feel the pulse of the place. Creativity doesn’t happen in silence. It happens in energy. And this venue has plenty of it.
Where Ideas and Playfulness Meet
At one point, I joked about placing a framed photo of myself onto the stage just to see if anyone noticed.
Was it silly? Yes.
But it also says something deeper.
Even when you’re the one on stage, you still think about presence, visibility, and those little human moments that make you wonder if people notice the subtle things.
That playfulness is part of my creative process. When the pressure builds, humor keeps the engine running.
The Venue Makes a Difference
The River Rock Theater isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience. The theater and casino create an atmosphere that elevates every speaker and attendee. The right environment matters; it shapes the mood, engagement, and even the energy you bring to the stage.
The Speaker With No Voice (Yes, Really)
Ironically and painfully I had completely lost my voice before the keynote. A speaker with no voice you can’t write that kind of plot twist.
But instead of panicking, I stayed focused. Losing my voice reminded me that speaking isn’t just about vocal cords. It’s about energy. Emotion. Connection.
Sometimes the show must go on even when your own body tries to stop you.
Backstage: Where the Real Work Happens
People often glamorize the moment on stage, but the real magic happens backstage. The backstage hustle, the teams setting up, the last-minute adjustments, the problem-solving, the intensity.
Before any “big idea” hits the audience, dozens of small ideas are moving in sync behind the scenes.
Technicians, producers, coordinators, creatives these are the people who make the keynote possible.
Backstage is where the story begins.
Anticipation Builds as Showtime Approaches
Ten minutes before the keynote, everything shifts.
The energy rises
My focus sharpens
The noise fades, and instinct takes over
Those final moments before stepping on stage are my favorite. They’re the breath before the leap, the perfect balance of tension and excitement that fuels everything that follows.
That exact energy, a team, a venue, and me coming alive right before showtime.
Final Takeaway: Creativity Thrives Behind the Curtain
This behind-the-scenes moment at the River Rock Theater was more than just a walkthrough — it was a reminder of what truly fuels great events:
Creative environments that spark imagination
Teams working relentlessly behind the scenes
Humor and playfulness that keep us grounded
Resilience when things (like my voice!) don’t go as planned
Electric anticipation that turns ideas into impact
Keynotes don’t start on the stage, they start backstage, in the chaos, creativity, and humanity that make the spotlight worth stepping into.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a keynote speech and why is it important?
A keynote speech sets the tone for an event, sharing vision, insights, or inspiration. It engages the audience, establishes credibility for the speaker, and provides a central theme that aligns all sessions or activities.
Q2. What goes into preparing for a live event?
Event preparation includes planning content, arranging technical equipment, rehearsing, coordinating teams, and ensuring logistics run smoothly. Preparation helps minimize errors and ensures a seamless audience experience.
Q3. How does backstage activity influence the success of an event?
Backstage work like managing timing, sound, lighting, and cues ensures the event runs without glitches. Effective coordination behind the scenes creates a polished experience for the audience and supports speaker confidence.
Q4. Why is creativity important in event management?
Creativity helps solve problems, design engaging experiences, and adapt to unexpected challenges. It allows teams to make events memorable, visually appealing, and emotionally impactful for attendees.
Q5. How do speakers handle nerves before going on stage?
Speakers manage nerves by rehearsing, focusing on breathing, visualizing success, and connecting with the audience’s energy. Mental preparation builds confidence and ensures a strong, engaging delivery.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.