What to Expect as a Set Carpenter on the Festival Circuit
In this blog, your find bits and pieces to help you navigate your first festival show successfully. From dealing with unpredictable schedules and constructing stages in tight spaces to keeping a close eye on your gear and building strong relationships with the stage team. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your tour experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
1. Expect the Unexpected: The Schedule Isn't Always Set in Stone:
You can expect that every aspect of the schedule will most likely change. Yes, it might say you're loading in at two o'clock, but it's always best to stay near the stage because that can easily change. You don't want to be miles away when you get the call that they've started early. You need to be ready to go at a moment's notice.
2. Constructing a Stage in Tight Spaces:
Even if you're building directly on stage, you can be guaranteed to receive constant changes to your workspace. One moment, you'll have loads of space, and the next, not enough. You'll hear, "Move everything to stage left," or "Move everything to stage right," or "That's in the way." You'll often spend more time moving your equipment or looking for it than actually building. You'll be shuffling boxes out of people's way and trying to find places to store them. And sometimes you'll even have to fight for the space you need. It's your responsibility to get that show up and ready, no matter the challenges.
3. Watching Your Gear:
Very rarely will you hear a roadie get to a stage and say,
"Wow, that’s more then enough space."
With countless tours and roadies coming and going every day, along with a rotating local crew that won’t know the details of your build, you have to keep a close eye on your equipment. This is when things can easily go missing. Try to keep all your gear together and store loose items securely, ideally on the truck if possible. Be mindful of where your equipment is, especially when other tours are loading out. It's easy for someone to grab a box from your area and shove it onto their truck, which may seem minor to them but can have a big impact on you.
It's your responsibility to keep track of everything, so do whatever you can to keep an eye on your gear and check even the most unlikely places. We've all found lost items under the stage for no apparent reason.
4. Building Relationships with the Stage Team:
Crew bosses, stage managers, truss operators, as well as a few others. While you don't need to know all of them, it's crucial to be friendly and get familiar with the key people who will help you get your show ready. You don't want to be scrambling to find the truss operator with only a few minutes to go to get your backdrop set. Everyone is there to make a good show happen and have a smooth day, so do what you can to build good relationships and work together. It makes the whole process a lot easier for everyone involved.
Have a great show.
