Operator walkthrough

Organize your show files and launch them from one place.

Build each presenter’s DSM, distribute decks to Main and Backup, and rehearse the displays and network the show will use.

See how it works Request beta access
macOSApple Silicon + IntelNative deck playback
The actual Downstage Controller view showing presentation queue, timer, script, show-machine status, and output controls
Downstage Controller · shown with neutral demonstration content
Core job

Keep the deck native. Control the DSM.

Downstage queues and launches presentations, then controls the information shown on each presenter monitor.

  • Use the original deck. Queue Keynote, PowerPoint, and PDF presentations without rebuilding them.
  • Build each DSM. Choose the slides, notes, scripts, clocks, messages, and confidence feeds each presenter sees.
  • Give directors a multiview. Combine Program, Presenter, Light Table, TRT, timing, and DSM messages.
The workflow

Prepare the deck, configure the DSM, and test it on the show displays.

01Check

Run System Check

Check permissions, presentation apps, displays, speech input, and optional NDI before rehearsal.

PermissionsAppsDisplays
02Build

Queue the decks

Add Keynote, PowerPoint, and PDF decks, choose their destinations, and attach notes or scripts.

DecksRoutesScripts
03Shape

Build each DSM

Arrange presenter tiles, save the layout as a preset, and assign it to the correct display.

SlidesNotesTiming
04Rehearse & run

Rehearse Main and Backup

Test the real displays and network, confirm native fallback, distribute the decks, and launch them from Control.

RehearseFallbackBackup
The features

Downstage controls what presenters see.

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DSM control

Presenter presets

Arrange presenter tiles, save the layout, and cue preset changes from a deck or slide.

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Speaker

Speech-following text

Notes and scripts scroll on the Mac with the presenter and hold when tracking is uncertain.

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Resilience

Native fallback

On separate Program and Presenter displays, Downstage aligns its overlay above the native Keynote or PowerPoint presenter view.

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Show machines

Distribution and launch

Send decks, scripts, notes, and DSM presets to Main, Backup, and auxiliary Macs, then load or launch from Control.

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Director

Multiview, TRT, and messages

Monitor Program, Presenter, and Light Table; track TRT and embedded video; send acknowledged messages to the DSM.

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Presenter

Clocks and timers

Place clocks and countdowns in any presenter layout.

Founding beta

The founding beta is limited to 25 operators.

Good fit

You can rehearse on the intended rig.

  • Apple Silicon show Mac recommended; Intel supported
  • Access to the intended displays, presentation apps, and local network
  • Ability to report issues after rehearsal or show use
Wait

The beta is not a fit if you need:

  • Windows support
  • First use without rehearsal
  • Remote control between networks that cannot reach each other
External apps

macOS, Keynote, and PowerPoint updates can change permissions or launch behavior.

Local network

Keep Downstage devices on the same tested private network with client isolation off.

Speech following

Test the intended microphone, room noise, and presenter delivery during rehearsal.

Founding beta · 25 operators

Check your setup.

Review the hardware and network requirements. If your rig meets them and you can rehearse before live use, request access.

Request beta access Review requirements →