5 Key Lessons Every Set Carpenter Learns After Years on Tour
As you dive deeper into the world of set carpentry, you'll start to pick up on certain attitudes and approaches that are key to success in this field. Just like in any profession, there's a learning curve, but don't worry—you'll get the hang of it.
In the next few years, you'll find yourself adopting the mindset and techniques that many seasoned set carpenters swear by. So, buckle up and get ready to learn the ropes of this exciting profession
1. Work ethic: Work smart and hard
The first lesson you'll quickly learn is the importance of working smart and working hard. It's not just about putting in the hours; it's about being efficient and effective in everything you do. When you're assigned a task, aim to complete it swiftly and accurately on the first try. Sure, there's room for creativity and experimentation, but if there's a tried-and-true method, stick to it. Avoid the temptation to overcomplicate things—simplicity often yields the best results.
One key principle to remember is the rule of never touching anything twice. This means planning your approach, knowing exactly what needs to be done, and executing it in one go whenever possible. Constantly moving things around or revisiting tasks wastes valuable time and energy. Instead, focus on streamlining your workflow and minimizing unnecessary steps.
Another important aspect of being a successful stage carpenter is understanding the difference between looking busy and being productive. It's not about appearing to work hard; it's about actually getting things done. Don't fall into the trap of busyness for the sake of it. Instead, prioritize completing tasks efficiently and effectively.
Ultimately, success in this profession is measured by your ability to tackle challenges head-on, adapt to changing circumstances, and deliver high-quality work consistently. So, roll up your sleeves, stay focused, and remember: it's all about working smart, working hard, and getting the job done right the first time.
2. Think about your tasks and what they need
It’s all about efficiency and practicality in our line of work. It's crucial to assess each task and determine the most effective way to get it done. Take, for example, assembling decks for a drum kit. They need to be sturdy to ensure they don't budge while the drummer is doing their thing. However, when it comes to installing legs for decks holding just a few lights, there's no need to go overboard. Hand-tightening is often sufficient.
Consider this: using a drill to secure a leg might make it super tight and seem secure, but it could cause unnecessary delays during setup and teardown. Plus, it serves no real purpose since the leg isn't supporting much weight. Instead, think about the functionality of each task. If it doesn't require excessive tightening, there's no need to break out the power tools.
Remember, the goal is efficiency. Tighter isn't always better if it doesn't serve a practical purpose. So, next time you're on a job, think about what needs to be done and how to accomplish it in the most efficient way possible.
3. It’s all held together with clamps and straps in the end.
This is the one thing that's crucial for surviving festival runs and arena gigs: maintenance. Trust me, you're never gonna get through one without needing a little TLC for the stage. But here's the good news: most of the issues are minor and easily fixable with a few simple tools.
So, first things first, stock up on essentials like gaffer tape, electric tape, cable ties, ratchet straps, and clamps. You'll want plenty of these babies in your toolbox. Think about the sizes you'll need and where you might use them on the stage. It's all about being prepared.
Now, let's talk spares. Bring along a few extras of things like legs and wheels. These tend to go missing (not for me yet), especially during hectic festival runs when you're rushing to tear down and move to the next stage. Trust me, you'll thank yourself for having spares on hand when you need them most.
But here's the real MVPs: ratchet straps and clamps. These babies can work wonders and hide a multitude of problems or errors made during builds. So, always, always make sure you've got plenty of these in your arsenal. They'll save your butt more times than you can count.
So, remember, be proactive, be prepared, and always have those ratchet straps and clamps ready to go. You'll thank me later.
4. Come with the right attitude
Believe it or not, having the right attitude can be your golden ticket to getting invited back next year. Now, I've heard some murmurs about set carpenters with less-than-stellar attitudes on tour, and while I've been fortunate enough to never encounter any major issues myself, it's definitely something to be mindful of.
See, production managers have a keen eye for attitude because it can make or break the vibe of the whole tour. That's why they often have their go-to set carpenters that they trust and enjoy working with. Unlike other professions that are usually acquired through equipment rental companies, being a set carpenter is all about the relationships you build and the impression you leave.
So, here's the deal: always keep your attitude in check. Remember who you're talking to and the kind of relationship you're likely to have with them. Think twice before you speak, because once those words leave your mouth, there's no taking them back. Trust me, it's better to bite your tongue than to say something you'll regret later.
Even seemingly harmless things, like griping about a load out in front of an artist, can have consequences. Your words have a way of finding their way back to the production manager, and suddenly, you're the one causing headaches.
So, bottom line: be mindful, be respectful, and always think before you speak. Your attitude can make all the difference in the world out there on tour.
5. Do your homework
Being a set carpenter is a bit like being a scout - “you've always got to be prepared”. That means thinking ahead, way ahead, like three to five shows ahead. Anticipate what you'll need, what concerns might pop up, and what you can do now to avoid headaches later.
Before the tour even kicks off, try to get your hands on the blueprints for the stage. Make a list of everything you'll need and consider your game plan. You should never walk into rehearsals or a venue without a clear picture of how you'll approach the day. Sure, there'll be surprises you can't predict, but by planning ahead, you'll be ready for whatever comes your way.
Stay on top of the schedule and any changes that might crop up. Know if you'll have extra duties and what time the artist is hitting the stage. Don't just assume it's the same routine every day. Trust me, doing your homework now will lead to a much smoother and more relaxed show later on.
