Backstage at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest!

19 November 2016 at 15:00 CET
Producing a large-scale international television production such as the Junior Eurovision Song Contest can be a challenging endeavour but it is a challenge that Maltese broadcaster PBS has risen to. Hundreds of people are working on Junior Eurovision 2016 which is a co-production between PBS and the European Broadcasting Union. 

The venue

The 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the Mediterranean Conference Centre, which was originally built in 1574. The large building eventually became a hospital before it was converted into a children's theatre and later an examination hall. It was restored in the 1970s and today it host major international events whilst still maintaining its historical character. 

The delegation area

During the week each delegation follows a set rehearsal schedule which includes in-ear monitoring, the full song rehearsals and meetings in the so-called viewing room where the delegations review the performances and request any necessary adjustments to the staging of each song. Backstage the delegations have a specific area to relax and unwind as well as rest during rehearsals. For many though, the delegation area is a place of fun!

The dressing rooms 

Participants obviously need an area where they can get ready before they go on stage. The dressing rooms are located as close to the stage in order to make things as easy and convenient as possible for the artists. Hair and make-up are an essential part of any television production and Junior Eurovision is no exception. Each delegation is given a professional hair and make-up artist to help their artists shine on the stage. 

The camera crew

The camera crew have been working hard to produce the best possible show on Sunday. Each delegation has had two full rounds of rehearsals and now the the final dress rehearsals are underway. Despite the smaller venue this year, the quality of the production remains world-class. 

The 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest takes place on Sunday 20th November 2016 at 16:00. You can watch the show live on the official YouTube channel.