Stage Building for a Music Show: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a set carpenter, you're one of the first teams to rise and shine, kicking off the loading process bright and early. It's not just about being early birds, though; it's about setting the pace for the entire production. We've got to keep things moving smoothly, ensuring we're done before the back line rolls in, and we don't hold up the rest of the crew.
Safety and precision are our watchwords; a small slip-up in the beginning could snowball into a major headache later. So, buckle up as I take you through a typical day in the life of a set carpenter loading in for an arena show. And remember, things might vary if you're on a festival tour, but the fundamentals remain the same. Let's dive in and uncover the secrets of crafting unforgettable stages!
Early Riser: Getting the Show Started
The day begins bright and early, often before the crack of dawn. While most are still sleeping set carpenters are up and about, grabbing coffees and brushing their teeth, gearing up for the day ahead. Loading in a music show can be a race against time to ensure that everything is in place, and no one is held up.
It's essential to have all your equipment prepped and ready to roll before hitting the sack the night before. That way, when morning comes, all you need to do is wake up, get dressed, maybe snag a coffee and visit the facilities. But then, it's all about getting into gear and hitting the ground running
On the Move: Journey to the Venue:
Getting to a venue can take different forms: you might have prearranged travel waiting for you, or you might need to make your own way there. Regardless, it's crucial to plan ahead the night before, figuring out your route into the venue unless you already know or have someone guiding you. Waking up without a plan can lead to unnecessary stress and delays.
Venue Reconnaissance: Scouting Out the Terrain
Upon reaching the venue, your main priority is swift readiness, though you'll gauge this as the tour progresses and you understand your time constraints better. If time allows, it's helpful to locate catering and restroom facilities, but it's not essential if time is tight. What truly matters is ensuring your equipment is set up and primed, ready to hit the ground running whenever duty calls. Being caught unprepared when summoned to work isn't a good look, so staying proactive is key.
Communication Central: Briefing with the Stage Managers
Next on the agenda is a crucial meeting with the stage manager or production manager. This exchange of information is invaluable, providing insights into the progress of the load-in process and any challenges that may have arisen. Details such as crew allocation and schedule adjustments are discussed, laying the groundwork for the day ahead.
Gearing Up: Preparing for Action
Armed with the necessary information, set about gathering your equipment. From Allen keys to helmets and high-visibility vests, each item serves a specific purpose for stage construction. It's a moment of anticipation as you ready yourselves for the task at hand. I personally carry a few of each ‘vital’ tool for the load in, in my toolbox. A lot can happen during a three-month tour, and you don’t want to have to start borrowing other peoples tools, or hunting around on your day off for tool shops.
Briefing the Crew: Setting the Stage
With gear in hand, assemble your crew and lay out the plan for the day. Give clear instructions to your crew, detailing the objectives, task allocation, and expected timelines. It's a collaborative effort, with everyone working together towards a common goal. People always find things easier if they’re kept in the loop and know what to expect. So, tell them what the plan is, what pitfalls to avoid, and what must be achieved before they get that long awaited break. Remember, they most likely have had a difficult week, and have not enjoyed the same facilities as you in their travels. But you still have a job to do at the end of the day.
Hands-On: Building the Stage
Once the team is in sync and the work is underway, your role is to maintain momentum, ensuring tasks are executed correctly and halting any errors in the build process. If things veer off track, quick adaptability is key to rectifying the situation and ensuring everyone's safety.
As the build progresses, you'll discern the strengths and weaknesses within the crew. Identifying the stronger members allows for strategic team adjustments, as weaker links can hinder progress. Keeping a cohesive, efficient team is paramount; mixing underperformers with top performers risks dragging everyone down. This phase presents an opportunity to pinpoint standout crew members, laying the groundwork for a robust team during loadout.
People Person: Managing Crew Dynamics
Interpersonal dynamics play a crucial role in the success of the operation. A good set carps understands the importance of treating crew with respect and professionalism. They foster a supportive environment, offering guidance and support during the build, where needed.
Quality Check: Ensuring Perfection
Once the stage is complete and breaks have been given, conduct a thorough inspection. Any mistakes or issues should be addressed promptly, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards. Look out for damaged equipment, and possible safety concerns or trip hazards for the artist. Fix anything you can as soon as you can, but if not, plan to for the future. Accomplish any work when you have loads of time, rather than waiting for the loading in, or out, when you are under the thumb.
Wrapping Up: Tying Up Loose Ends
As the day draws to a close, turn your attention to the remaining tasks. Responsibilities such as equipment clean up and load-out procedures might need attended to, ensuring that everything is ready for the next performance. With a job well done, take a moment to rest and recharge, ready to tackle your load out.
To summaries, the role of a set carp is one of dedication, skill, and teamwork. While their efforts may go unnoticed by the audience, they are indispensable in ensuring the smooth operation of a production. So, the next time you find yourself mesmerized by the spectacle on stage, take a moment to appreciate the hard work of those behind the scenes who make it all possible. Most people only notice, when it goes wrong.
