ShowTiming
Getting started
From zero to a shared countdown — one quiet practice run.
ShowTiming has three everyday jobs: (1) write the show plan, (2) create screen links, (3) run the clock from Control. Stage screens only watch. You do not need to understand software jargon.
Words we use (keep this list nearby)
These five words appear everywhere in the app:
- Event = one show (or rehearsal) you are preparing.
- Rundown = the ordered list of timed parts (segments).
- Control Room = the operator page that starts and pauses the clock.
- Stage / Broadcast = read-only screens that follow that clock (no dangerous buttons).
First-run checklist (do this in order)
Sit at a computer with a good internet connection. Do not skip steps.
- Create a free account (email + password) and confirm your email if asked.
- Sign in. You land on Your events. Click Create an event. Give it a clear name (example: “Friday conference”). Save.
- Open the event. You are on Rundown. Click Add a segment. Add at least two short parts (example: Welcome 2 minutes, Talk 5 minutes). Save each one.
- Open the tab Stage & Broadcast. Create a Stage (give it a name like “Lectern”). Copy the URL immediately — it is shown once — then Open it on a second screen or phone.
- Open the tab Control Room. Choose the first segment. Press Start. Watch the Stage screen: the same time should move. Press Pause, then Resume. Try −1 s or +1 s.
- Type a short Cue message (example: “Wrap in 30 seconds”), click Save message, and check it on Stage.
Where each button lives (map of the event)
Inside an event you always see three tabs at the top:
- Rundown — edit the plan (segments, start time, event name).
- Stage & Broadcast — create and manage screen links (not inside Control).
- Control Room — run the live clock. Greyed out until you have at least one segment.
- Back to events (top left) — returns to your list of shows.
Safety rules (print these)
Simple rules that prevent show-day accidents:
- Only one person operates Control Room.
- Never put Control Room on a stage monitor.
- Stage links are for watching only — tell talent not to tap “to help”.
- Copy Stage/Broadcast URLs the moment they appear; they may be hidden after.
- After the show, revoke or delete links you no longer need.
What to read next
Next: Rundown (how to build segments), then Links (how to share screens), then Control Room (every button). Broadcast is optional — skip it unless you need a stream overlay.