Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Photos
The pictures I've posted here so far are from my phone. I have an album with pictures from my other camera if you'd like to see more. Click here to check it out!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
1/25/09
Columbus, OH
You know this blog is also helpful for me so I can remember what happened. It's been about a month now, and I'm already having trouble remembering where I've been and what happened when.
We had dinner at a Red Lobster in Pocatello, then left for Salt Lake City where the next show was. The show in Montana was the first time we were able to hang and use both projectors, and this was the second. We finally have both turned on and merged to the screen in case one goes down during the show.
I got a really nice view of the city when I went to the top floor of the arena. I had to go up there to put head sets and belt packs at the spotlights. Here are a couple of the pictures:
Some of us had our laundry done to save money on checked baggage. We just put it in a bag on the bus and the runner took it. It cost $13 which was better that about $30 for checking it.
I still haven't been able to sleep on the bus very well. I'm a pretty light sleeper, so the movements and noises wake me up every now and then. I can't really get a full 8 hours anyway because of the schedule. Usually we're back on the bus by 1am and I get up between 9 and 9:30. The is the second time I got a cold in a month, probably because I'm not getting enough sleep. I'm home for 4 days now, so I'm going to try to catch up as much as I can. It's getting late, so I should probably work on that now.
You know this blog is also helpful for me so I can remember what happened. It's been about a month now, and I'm already having trouble remembering where I've been and what happened when.
We had dinner at a Red Lobster in Pocatello, then left for Salt Lake City where the next show was. The show in Montana was the first time we were able to hang and use both projectors, and this was the second. We finally have both turned on and merged to the screen in case one goes down during the show.
I got a really nice view of the city when I went to the top floor of the arena. I had to go up there to put head sets and belt packs at the spotlights. Here are a couple of the pictures:
Some of us had our laundry done to save money on checked baggage. We just put it in a bag on the bus and the runner took it. It cost $13 which was better that about $30 for checking it.
I still haven't been able to sleep on the bus very well. I'm a pretty light sleeper, so the movements and noises wake me up every now and then. I can't really get a full 8 hours anyway because of the schedule. Usually we're back on the bus by 1am and I get up between 9 and 9:30. The is the second time I got a cold in a month, probably because I'm not getting enough sleep. I'm home for 4 days now, so I'm going to try to catch up as much as I can. It's getting late, so I should probably work on that now.
1/20/09
Pocatello, ID
Yesterday Jacqueline picked me up at the hotel around 1 and we went to a little bakery/cafe called Toast for lunch. She was in Long Beach for the weekend which was about an hour away from where I was. She had never seen the Hollywood sign, so we drove over to see that. We found a little place to park and walk up a trail for a nice view of the sign and city. Then we just drove around the Hollywood hills for a while trying to get closer to the sign, but we didn't find a way to do that. Then we stopped at a little market for some drinks and a bathroom break, then drove to the Beverly Hills area. We just drove around enjoying the view and joking around. We were going to do some shopping at Melrose when I got a text from Brandon letting me know the crew was about ready to go to dinner. We headed back to the hotel to meet everybody and then we all walked to Barney's Beanery which is an old restaurant/bar. Jacqueline had to get back home and everyone else headed back to the hotel until about 11:30 when we had to get back on the bus.
We drove and drove and drove (Dana the bus driver is a machine) until a little after 1 today when we stopped in Pocatello for showers, food and sleep for Dana. Funny story: We had 4 rooms booked at a Holiday Inn, but when we tried to check in they couldn't find our reservation. Turns out the rooms were booked for yesterday. And being that we were in Idaho, every room was booked that day for a big potato convention. Imagine that! A potato convention in Idaho! The desk clerk called other nearby hotels and luckily we got rooms at a Ramada Inn. He said people from all over the world come to this convention to learn how to grow better potatos.
So we all showered, chilled on the bus, and Tim, Doug and I walked to a Game Stop and WalMart because there was a 360 game they wanted to get, and I didn't want to sit on the bus anymore. I also had to stock up on some toiletries. I guess we can get our laundry done which means we don't have to fly our big suitcases back and forth whenever we fly.
I also bought Harry and the Hendersons on DVD which I am about to watch in my bunk :)
Yesterday Jacqueline picked me up at the hotel around 1 and we went to a little bakery/cafe called Toast for lunch. She was in Long Beach for the weekend which was about an hour away from where I was. She had never seen the Hollywood sign, so we drove over to see that. We found a little place to park and walk up a trail for a nice view of the sign and city. Then we just drove around the Hollywood hills for a while trying to get closer to the sign, but we didn't find a way to do that. Then we stopped at a little market for some drinks and a bathroom break, then drove to the Beverly Hills area. We just drove around enjoying the view and joking around. We were going to do some shopping at Melrose when I got a text from Brandon letting me know the crew was about ready to go to dinner. We headed back to the hotel to meet everybody and then we all walked to Barney's Beanery which is an old restaurant/bar. Jacqueline had to get back home and everyone else headed back to the hotel until about 11:30 when we had to get back on the bus.
We drove and drove and drove (Dana the bus driver is a machine) until a little after 1 today when we stopped in Pocatello for showers, food and sleep for Dana. Funny story: We had 4 rooms booked at a Holiday Inn, but when we tried to check in they couldn't find our reservation. Turns out the rooms were booked for yesterday. And being that we were in Idaho, every room was booked that day for a big potato convention. Imagine that! A potato convention in Idaho! The desk clerk called other nearby hotels and luckily we got rooms at a Ramada Inn. He said people from all over the world come to this convention to learn how to grow better potatos.
So we all showered, chilled on the bus, and Tim, Doug and I walked to a Game Stop and WalMart because there was a 360 game they wanted to get, and I didn't want to sit on the bus anymore. I also had to stock up on some toiletries. I guess we can get our laundry done which means we don't have to fly our big suitcases back and forth whenever we fly.
I also bought Harry and the Hendersons on DVD which I am about to watch in my bunk :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
1/19/09
Los Angeles, CA
Yesterday was a fun day. I stayed in bed until about 11am. I could hear a lot of noise in the room which was annoying. A lot of footsteps and rolling carts or something. It's an old hotel, but it's very stylish. Last night I kept the air conditioner fan going to cover up some of the noises.
Some of us met downstairs around 1 and headed for the Ripley's Believe it or Not museum. One of the guys had friend me up with us and she wanted to go there. We stopped at a little Mexican food place for lunch. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of Mexican foods, but I got a quesedilla that was awesome. Very cheesey and came with good guacamole. Then we walked to the Chinese Theatre and stopped and did some shopping. Tim and his friend went to Ripley's and the rest of us walked around and did more shopping. The only thing I bought was some nail clippers from an Army surplus store. It's kinda funny because we're in LA, the guys bought clothes and I get nail clippers. I had just bought some clothes back home before this trip, so I didn't feel like getting more.
We did a lot of walking which was probably the worst part of the day. We walk around all day when we're working, so it was a bit much for a day off.
While we were on our way to Hollywood Blvd. two of the guys tried to make a bet with eachother not to say negative things or make fun of the other. It was pretty funny because I'm sure a lot of the "nice" things they said were pure sarcasm. It lasted maybe a couple of hours.
Then we came back to the hotel, got cleaned up, and the crew plus Marnell went to dinner at Saddle Ranch on Sunset. I'm sure you can imagine what kind of place it was. Very good food and plenty of it! We all had some drinks there as well. There were 2 guys who came around to tabels with accoustic guitars taking requests. Brandon requested Wanted Dead or Alive, then when they came back later they did Snoop Dog's Gin and Juice. Our waitor brought us what was probably the best dessert I have ever seen. On the house, too. It was a long tray with chocolate chip cookies, brownies, strawberries, bananas, whip cream, and a huuuuuge wad of cotton candy on a pedastal in the middle of the tray. It was amazing :)I took a picture with my other camera, I'll have to post those when I get back home.
After Saddle Ranch, some of us headed to the Rainbow bar further down on Sunset. There was too much of a gap between drinks for me, so I was feeling pretty tired when we got there. I just had a couple more beers and headed back around midnight. Right now it's almost noon and I'm in bed watching TV. I'm meeting Jacqueline this afternoon for lunch, sight-seeing and who knows what else!
Yesterday was a fun day. I stayed in bed until about 11am. I could hear a lot of noise in the room which was annoying. A lot of footsteps and rolling carts or something. It's an old hotel, but it's very stylish. Last night I kept the air conditioner fan going to cover up some of the noises.
Some of us met downstairs around 1 and headed for the Ripley's Believe it or Not museum. One of the guys had friend me up with us and she wanted to go there. We stopped at a little Mexican food place for lunch. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of Mexican foods, but I got a quesedilla that was awesome. Very cheesey and came with good guacamole. Then we walked to the Chinese Theatre and stopped and did some shopping. Tim and his friend went to Ripley's and the rest of us walked around and did more shopping. The only thing I bought was some nail clippers from an Army surplus store. It's kinda funny because we're in LA, the guys bought clothes and I get nail clippers. I had just bought some clothes back home before this trip, so I didn't feel like getting more.
We did a lot of walking which was probably the worst part of the day. We walk around all day when we're working, so it was a bit much for a day off.
While we were on our way to Hollywood Blvd. two of the guys tried to make a bet with eachother not to say negative things or make fun of the other. It was pretty funny because I'm sure a lot of the "nice" things they said were pure sarcasm. It lasted maybe a couple of hours.
Then we came back to the hotel, got cleaned up, and the crew plus Marnell went to dinner at Saddle Ranch on Sunset. I'm sure you can imagine what kind of place it was. Very good food and plenty of it! We all had some drinks there as well. There were 2 guys who came around to tabels with accoustic guitars taking requests. Brandon requested Wanted Dead or Alive, then when they came back later they did Snoop Dog's Gin and Juice. Our waitor brought us what was probably the best dessert I have ever seen. On the house, too. It was a long tray with chocolate chip cookies, brownies, strawberries, bananas, whip cream, and a huuuuuge wad of cotton candy on a pedastal in the middle of the tray. It was amazing :)I took a picture with my other camera, I'll have to post those when I get back home.
After Saddle Ranch, some of us headed to the Rainbow bar further down on Sunset. There was too much of a gap between drinks for me, so I was feeling pretty tired when we got there. I just had a couple more beers and headed back around midnight. Right now it's almost noon and I'm in bed watching TV. I'm meeting Jacqueline this afternoon for lunch, sight-seeing and who knows what else!
1/18/09
Los Angeles, CA
LA is a pretty cool place! The weather was sunny and close to 80. We were at the Gibson Ampitheatre at Universal Studios. It's a really cool venue. The back wall of the stage opens up and looks over a lot of the area and the mountians.
We only had one truck because we used their lights and speakers. We were pretty much done with load in after lunch. The show went really well too. A lot of important people were there because that's Jeff and Brian's hometown. Robin (who is not a manager like I mentioned before, but the promoter) said we did a good job all week. Steve said he had a lot of people telling him we did well.
I like working in the theaters. I don' t think we'll have many more though.
Jacqueline came to the show last night which was cool. I met her at the enterance and got to talk to her for about 10 minutes before the show. I came up to her at intermission, too. We went to the bathroom and had to wait a while of course and by the time we were done I had to go back. I actually made it back right at the last second before I had to play the video. It was close.
We tried to load out and leave in a hurry because Steve and Marnell decided we should go to In and Out Burger for our late dinner, but they closed at 1:30. We made it there at about 1:20. I didn't get anything because I'd feel like crap eating a burger so late at night.
Tonight and tomorrow night we're at the Grafton Hotel on Sunset Blvd. It's really cool. I can't wait to see LA tomorrow and the next day!
LA is a pretty cool place! The weather was sunny and close to 80. We were at the Gibson Ampitheatre at Universal Studios. It's a really cool venue. The back wall of the stage opens up and looks over a lot of the area and the mountians.
We only had one truck because we used their lights and speakers. We were pretty much done with load in after lunch. The show went really well too. A lot of important people were there because that's Jeff and Brian's hometown. Robin (who is not a manager like I mentioned before, but the promoter) said we did a good job all week. Steve said he had a lot of people telling him we did well.
I like working in the theaters. I don' t think we'll have many more though.
Jacqueline came to the show last night which was cool. I met her at the enterance and got to talk to her for about 10 minutes before the show. I came up to her at intermission, too. We went to the bathroom and had to wait a while of course and by the time we were done I had to go back. I actually made it back right at the last second before I had to play the video. It was close.
We tried to load out and leave in a hurry because Steve and Marnell decided we should go to In and Out Burger for our late dinner, but they closed at 1:30. We made it there at about 1:20. I didn't get anything because I'd feel like crap eating a burger so late at night.
Tonight and tomorrow night we're at the Grafton Hotel on Sunset Blvd. It's really cool. I can't wait to see LA tomorrow and the next day!
Gibson Ampitheater lobby
Friday, January 16, 2009
1/16/09
San Diego, CA
Last night we were in Tucson, AZ. The show itself went a lot better than NM. Load in and out took a long time because of the rigging stagehands. They were taking a looooong time hanging the points for the PA (large stacks of speakers). Riggers will go up into the catwalks of the arenas and hang the chain hoists that lift all of our speakers and truss.
One random funny thing was a stagehand who was a body-builder type and his name was Vitamin. He was pretty cool. I just thought that was a sweet name for someone like that.
Today's load in was our fastest yet. We started at 10 and most of us were done by 3:30. I'm chilling in the bus right now. Jacqueline is coming to the show tonight so that will be cool. I'll be able to see her before the show and probably briefly at intermission. Then when we go to LA we'll actually get to hang out because we'll be off for about 2 days! :)
The weather is beautiful here. Sunny and in the 70s. I've only been in the parking lot, but I'll take that! I got an e-mail from Dad with pictures of nearly a foot of snow in their back yard, and he said it was -15 degrees. I'll admit, I had to laugh a little. Sorry, Ohio... If it makes you feel better, we'll be in Montana in a few days.
Last night we were in Tucson, AZ. The show itself went a lot better than NM. Load in and out took a long time because of the rigging stagehands. They were taking a looooong time hanging the points for the PA (large stacks of speakers). Riggers will go up into the catwalks of the arenas and hang the chain hoists that lift all of our speakers and truss.
One random funny thing was a stagehand who was a body-builder type and his name was Vitamin. He was pretty cool. I just thought that was a sweet name for someone like that.
Today's load in was our fastest yet. We started at 10 and most of us were done by 3:30. I'm chilling in the bus right now. Jacqueline is coming to the show tonight so that will be cool. I'll be able to see her before the show and probably briefly at intermission. Then when we go to LA we'll actually get to hang out because we'll be off for about 2 days! :)
The weather is beautiful here. Sunny and in the 70s. I've only been in the parking lot, but I'll take that! I got an e-mail from Dad with pictures of nearly a foot of snow in their back yard, and he said it was -15 degrees. I'll admit, I had to laugh a little. Sorry, Ohio... If it makes you feel better, we'll be in Montana in a few days.
1/14/09
Rio Rancho, NM
This was probably the prettiest place (that we could see) we've been to, but also the worst show. Lots of problems in video. Not too much that the audience would notice, but still the most we've had yet. Could have been we're a bit rusty from the 10 day break, who knows. Today we were supposed to finally have both projectors up and running, but one decided to crap out in a way we couldn't fix. Tomorrow we're going to ship it to Barco in LA (that's the brand) and hopefully it will be fixed for us to pick up when we're there. Our camera riser is not very sturdy and that causes a shaky camera shot. Sometimes we use our riser instead of the house's because it takes up less room and that way they can sell a few more seats. There was also a roll in the screen that we've never had before. The projector and screen weren't originally hung right, so Brandon had to go up into the truss twice.
We got into town last night on a plane and stayed in a hotel. Then we met Robin (Jeff's manager) and Jeff's bus driver at a Mexican restaurant. I was able to see some of NM when we were driving to the venue from the hotel this morning. I think it's really pretty out here. I like the mountians and sand and Southwest-y feel. It was pretty cold though. In the 40s I think.. But it was a lot better than what was going on back home with at least 5 inches of snow and temperatures in the negatives!
Robin explained a bit more about how Jeff is and how it just takes him a while to come around. He said part of it was because "he's already got at least 6 voices in his head."
He also said the past few shows we've done have been the first in a while where he didn't have knots in his stomach worrying about what was going to go wrong. We obviously have our share of problems, but Steve and everyone are continuing to make them all better. Hopefully soon we'll get there.
Monday, January 12, 2009
A few more pictures
(from Brandon's camera)
View of the house from backstage ^
me at video control^
video control ^
audio and lighting control ^
the start of every day
bus chillin' ^
View of the house from backstage ^
me at video control^
video control ^
audio and lighting control ^the start of every day
bus chillin' ^1/3/09
Well the first stretch out on the road is over, and we're on our way back to Columbus from Philly. I don't think I mentioned this yet, but this tour is also nice because we're not on the road for 6 months solid. When there are large gaps between show dates we get to come back to Columbus. If we're home for more than 3 days we'll have to do our regular LiveTech work in town.
Anyway, tonight seemed to go well again. We were done with load in by about 4pm which gave us some time to relax on the bus before the show. Load out only took a little over 2 hours which I think was one of the fastest we've had so far. Brian ("Guitar Guy," Jeff's opening act) was talking to Brandon and I and he said we're doing a nice job and both he and Jeff have been happy with the production. That's definitely good to hear! After the show he came back to say "see you in 10 days" gave Brandon a handshake and me a hug.
I actually had a brief exchange with Jeff today for the first time. I was at the video control area which is backstage by their entrance, and when he was leaving the stage after sound check he saw me and said, "Hi, how are ya?" I just said, "Good!"
I think we really have an excellent crew out here. Everyone knows their equipment pretty well and knows how to troubleshoot things. Yeah, it's the same show every night, but new problems always arise. Like tonight, Brandon left the back cap on the projector lens, so he had to go up into the truss and take it off.
I keep thinking about how years ago I thought I could see myself being a roadie. It was just one of those things I thought I could do for a while. Now I'm pretty much doing it! Not a typical job for a girl my age, but that's what makes it even cooler :)
I don't know how long I'll be doing this or what I'll do when it's all over. I just keep living day to day. I am enjoying it so far!
Anyway, tonight seemed to go well again. We were done with load in by about 4pm which gave us some time to relax on the bus before the show. Load out only took a little over 2 hours which I think was one of the fastest we've had so far. Brian ("Guitar Guy," Jeff's opening act) was talking to Brandon and I and he said we're doing a nice job and both he and Jeff have been happy with the production. That's definitely good to hear! After the show he came back to say "see you in 10 days" gave Brandon a handshake and me a hug.
I actually had a brief exchange with Jeff today for the first time. I was at the video control area which is backstage by their entrance, and when he was leaving the stage after sound check he saw me and said, "Hi, how are ya?" I just said, "Good!"
I think we really have an excellent crew out here. Everyone knows their equipment pretty well and knows how to troubleshoot things. Yeah, it's the same show every night, but new problems always arise. Like tonight, Brandon left the back cap on the projector lens, so he had to go up into the truss and take it off.
I keep thinking about how years ago I thought I could see myself being a roadie. It was just one of those things I thought I could do for a while. Now I'm pretty much doing it! Not a typical job for a girl my age, but that's what makes it even cooler :)
I don't know how long I'll be doing this or what I'll do when it's all over. I just keep living day to day. I am enjoying it so far!
12/31/08
Minneapolis, MN
Yesterday was a nice day. I didn't end up going into the city because I thought it would be better to just relax, so that's what I did. I stayed in the nice hotel bed until 11:30, got a shower, a bagel from the bakery downstairs and basically watched TV until about 3. Then I went to the bus until dinner.
Today in Minneapolis was pretty good. Even though we're doing the same show there are always different variables such as the stagehands and the venues themselves. Things started slow today because the rigging hands were going slow, but we got everything up and running fine like we do.
We were getting the trucks loaded at the time of the year change since it was New Year's Eve. We were done around 1am. Then after we were all on the bus we had a little toast with some cheap and kinda nasty champagne.
We'll actually be stopping in Columbus tomorrow because there is no show and we're on our way to Virginia. I'll do some re-packing and laundry and stuff like that. But now I should sleep. Happy 2009!
Yesterday was a nice day. I didn't end up going into the city because I thought it would be better to just relax, so that's what I did. I stayed in the nice hotel bed until 11:30, got a shower, a bagel from the bakery downstairs and basically watched TV until about 3. Then I went to the bus until dinner.
Today in Minneapolis was pretty good. Even though we're doing the same show there are always different variables such as the stagehands and the venues themselves. Things started slow today because the rigging hands were going slow, but we got everything up and running fine like we do.
We were getting the trucks loaded at the time of the year change since it was New Year's Eve. We were done around 1am. Then after we were all on the bus we had a little toast with some cheap and kinda nasty champagne.
We'll actually be stopping in Columbus tomorrow because there is no show and we're on our way to Virginia. I'll do some re-packing and laundry and stuff like that. But now I should sleep. Happy 2009!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
12/29/08
Rosemont, ILToday we were in the Rosemont Theater outside of Chicago. It was nice because we didn't use as much of our gear since the theater had a lot of it. We used their lights and hung a smaller screen. It's also nice because we have two more shows here tomorrow so no load out tonight. We're staying in a hotel right across the street, so that's also very nice!
(view of the theater from my room)Sounds like everyone is still happy with the show. Something else that's pretty cool is we get per diem of $30 for every day we're out on the tour. We got $300 for this first stretch, and I haven't had to use any of it yet since our meals are catered and there is plenty of food on the bus. We were treated by Marnell tonight at the hotel restaurant/bar.
I've packed a ton of stuff which has been kind of annoying. That's part of being a girl I guess. I didn't know if we'd be going places outside of where we were working so I packed some "normal" clothes too. So far we haven't been able to though. That's where guys have it easier. They can wear t-shirts and jeans when they go out. I'll wear that for work, but girls like to look a bit nicer for other things, you know.
Tomorrow we don't have to be back at the theater until 6pm, so I don't know what I'll be doing during the day. I'd like to try to see downtown Chicago because I've never been there. We'll see. It's just nice to sleep and shower in a nicer place for a decent amount of time :)
(view of Chicago from my room)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
more details
The last two entries were from the little notebook I wrote in before I'd got to sleep on the bus. As I was typing them out I realized I should probably give a little better explanation of what we actually do on a daily basis.
There are 8 people on our crew from Live Tech: Steve, 2 audio guys, 2 lighting guys, Brandon and I, and a set/camera guy. We all travel on the bus along with Marnell the tour manager, and Anthony the merchandise guy.
If you haven't already guessed, I'm the only girl. I've worked with these guys for a year and half now and we all get along well. We joke around and make fun of each other just like any group of friends or family. I would not have done this if I didn't think I would feel comfortable with anybody.
As I mentioned, the bus is driving to the next city while we're sleeping. Then we wake up and head into the arena. There are at least 10 local stagehands at each venue to help us with our set-up (which we call load in) and tear-down (load out). We have two semi-trucks full of equipment. The stagehands unload the trucks and we tell them where to push the cases. Then once everything is off the truck, the hands divide up between the different departments (audio, video, lighting, and set) and we put everything together. The video set up includes putting together a 19' x 25' screen and mounting it to truss that hangs above the stage, mounting two 225lb projectors to truss that hangs in front of the stage above the audience, setting up a camera, running cables from the camera and projector to the video control area backstage, setting up our control area.
We get catered lunch and dinner at the venues. Jeff and Brian and their people sometimes have dinner when we do. They don't sit at our table though of course, so I don't really have any stories about that, but it's been kinda cool eating in the same place at the same time.
For the show Brandon calls cues and switches what is going on the screen (camera shot, video playback, graphic, etc.). I play a video before Jeff walks on stage, control the iris on the camera, record the show to DVD so Jeff can go back and watch a performance, and keep track of how long each performer and character are on stage. Then about 2 1/2 hours later the show ends, we pack everything back up, and after about another 2 hours later we hit the showers and get back on the bus.
When we get back on the bus there is another meal waiting for us. I usually just have Vitamin Water for breakfast. We eat lunch around 12-1, dinner at 5-6, and late dinner at 1-2am. Then we chill on the bus watching movies, talking, playing scene it or whatever until we trickle off to bed. It usually takes me a while to wind down. One night I couldn't get to sleep until 4:45. Most of the time it's been close to 3. We start loading in at 10, so I get up around 9:30 and do it all again!
There are 8 people on our crew from Live Tech: Steve, 2 audio guys, 2 lighting guys, Brandon and I, and a set/camera guy. We all travel on the bus along with Marnell the tour manager, and Anthony the merchandise guy.
If you haven't already guessed, I'm the only girl. I've worked with these guys for a year and half now and we all get along well. We joke around and make fun of each other just like any group of friends or family. I would not have done this if I didn't think I would feel comfortable with anybody.
As I mentioned, the bus is driving to the next city while we're sleeping. Then we wake up and head into the arena. There are at least 10 local stagehands at each venue to help us with our set-up (which we call load in) and tear-down (load out). We have two semi-trucks full of equipment. The stagehands unload the trucks and we tell them where to push the cases. Then once everything is off the truck, the hands divide up between the different departments (audio, video, lighting, and set) and we put everything together. The video set up includes putting together a 19' x 25' screen and mounting it to truss that hangs above the stage, mounting two 225lb projectors to truss that hangs in front of the stage above the audience, setting up a camera, running cables from the camera and projector to the video control area backstage, setting up our control area.
We get catered lunch and dinner at the venues. Jeff and Brian and their people sometimes have dinner when we do. They don't sit at our table though of course, so I don't really have any stories about that, but it's been kinda cool eating in the same place at the same time.
For the show Brandon calls cues and switches what is going on the screen (camera shot, video playback, graphic, etc.). I play a video before Jeff walks on stage, control the iris on the camera, record the show to DVD so Jeff can go back and watch a performance, and keep track of how long each performer and character are on stage. Then about 2 1/2 hours later the show ends, we pack everything back up, and after about another 2 hours later we hit the showers and get back on the bus.
When we get back on the bus there is another meal waiting for us. I usually just have Vitamin Water for breakfast. We eat lunch around 12-1, dinner at 5-6, and late dinner at 1-2am. Then we chill on the bus watching movies, talking, playing scene it or whatever until we trickle off to bed. It usually takes me a while to wind down. One night I couldn't get to sleep until 4:45. Most of the time it's been close to 3. We start loading in at 10, so I get up around 9:30 and do it all again!
12/28/08
St. Louis, MO
It's pretty odd to say that I'm in all these cities because I don't actually get to see them. I'm sleeping during most of the traveling, and pretty much the rest of the time is spent in the venue. I knew it would be like this, so I'm not complaining. I'm just letting you know how it is.
So today we had another 8am call. We loaded in a lot faster than yesterday. Brandon (the other video tech) and I actually got a little break around 3:30 because we were all set by then. Hopefully as we get better at this we'll have more time between load in and the show. We're still working out issues with the projector and rack patching. We've had a different set up for the projector every time so far. Tomorrow will be different again because we're in a theater rear projecting.
I haven't actually met Jeff yet. We've met and talked to Brian, his opening act, and he's really cool. Jeff is very talented though. I think some of his humor isn't very exciting, but seeing him in person really makes you realize what a talent ventriloquism is. People get so caught up in it and forget he's the only one up there. At one point Walter makes a statement and Jeff says, "What?" and Walter says, "What do you mean 'What?' You actually don't know what I just said??" It takes people a minute to get the joke.
Tonight's show went well. Marnell the tour manager said we did "fabulous" and they want every show to run like that. I was surprised to hear that on our second show. Definitely a good thing though!
It's been a bit odd being the only girl on the crew. Mostly because of the showering situation. We have to shower in the arena after the show's done and the trucks are all packed up (unless it's the rare occasion that we're in a hotel). Most of the showers are locker-room style. Steve said he wants to make sure I stay safe and comfortable so if I can't find a room with a lock, I have one of my co-workers (who is very cool and I know I can trust) guard the door. It's worked out fine so far.
It's also a bit empowering being the only girl though. Matt, our lighting director, said he noticed the stage hands listen to me a bit better, so I guess that's good.
It's tough, but I'm glad I'm doing it. I just can't believe what a big deal this is. I had no idea he was so popular until we started this thing.
It's pretty odd to say that I'm in all these cities because I don't actually get to see them. I'm sleeping during most of the traveling, and pretty much the rest of the time is spent in the venue. I knew it would be like this, so I'm not complaining. I'm just letting you know how it is.
So today we had another 8am call. We loaded in a lot faster than yesterday. Brandon (the other video tech) and I actually got a little break around 3:30 because we were all set by then. Hopefully as we get better at this we'll have more time between load in and the show. We're still working out issues with the projector and rack patching. We've had a different set up for the projector every time so far. Tomorrow will be different again because we're in a theater rear projecting.
I haven't actually met Jeff yet. We've met and talked to Brian, his opening act, and he's really cool. Jeff is very talented though. I think some of his humor isn't very exciting, but seeing him in person really makes you realize what a talent ventriloquism is. People get so caught up in it and forget he's the only one up there. At one point Walter makes a statement and Jeff says, "What?" and Walter says, "What do you mean 'What?' You actually don't know what I just said??" It takes people a minute to get the joke.
Tonight's show went well. Marnell the tour manager said we did "fabulous" and they want every show to run like that. I was surprised to hear that on our second show. Definitely a good thing though!
It's been a bit odd being the only girl on the crew. Mostly because of the showering situation. We have to shower in the arena after the show's done and the trucks are all packed up (unless it's the rare occasion that we're in a hotel). Most of the showers are locker-room style. Steve said he wants to make sure I stay safe and comfortable so if I can't find a room with a lock, I have one of my co-workers (who is very cool and I know I can trust) guard the door. It's worked out fine so far.
It's also a bit empowering being the only girl though. Matt, our lighting director, said he noticed the stage hands listen to me a bit better, so I guess that's good.
It's tough, but I'm glad I'm doing it. I just can't believe what a big deal this is. I had no idea he was so popular until we started this thing.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
12/27/08
Kansas City, MO
Last night (it seems like longer ago) we got on the bus and left from the shop. The bus is super nice. It was built in 2005, but just got refurbished before we used it. It has a front lounge and back lounge with leather seats and flat-screen tvs. The back lounge has a PS3 and xBox360. There is plenty of food and drinks on the bus too, and the tour manager said just write down what we want and he'll have it on the bus for us. There are also 12 bunks and a small bathroom.
We mainly watched TV, ate snacks and talked last night. Then we had to be in the arena by 8am the next morning. I did not sleep well at all. I don't know if it was all the movement or what.
It was a busy day for sure. We pretty much loaded in until about 5pm, and soundcheck was at 6. I don't know how much I'll be able to write because I'm really tired. I'm sure it will be like that every day. As usual, we had problems and snags to work out but the show went off fairly well. Pretty good for our first one. I'd go into more detail but it's almost 3am and I'll probably be getting up around 7:30.
Last night (it seems like longer ago) we got on the bus and left from the shop. The bus is super nice. It was built in 2005, but just got refurbished before we used it. It has a front lounge and back lounge with leather seats and flat-screen tvs. The back lounge has a PS3 and xBox360. There is plenty of food and drinks on the bus too, and the tour manager said just write down what we want and he'll have it on the bus for us. There are also 12 bunks and a small bathroom.
We mainly watched TV, ate snacks and talked last night. Then we had to be in the arena by 8am the next morning. I did not sleep well at all. I don't know if it was all the movement or what.
It was a busy day for sure. We pretty much loaded in until about 5pm, and soundcheck was at 6. I don't know how much I'll be able to write because I'm really tired. I'm sure it will be like that every day. As usual, we had problems and snags to work out but the show went off fairly well. Pretty good for our first one. I'd go into more detail but it's almost 3am and I'll probably be getting up around 7:30.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Welcome
Hello, and welcome to my tour blog! I've had a few requests to keep some kind of journal to share, so this is it! I'll be posting some pictures as well.
You probably already have a basic idea of what I'm doing, but I'll use this first entry to go into a bit more detail.
I've worked for a stage production company called Live Technologies since June 2007. We provide lighting, audio, video and sets for live events ranging from music festivals, award shows, concerts, and corporate meetings. A few months ago people were talking about a new business opportunity which would be going on tour with the comedian, Jeff Dunham. Our company has never provided equipment or crew for a tour, so it would be a whole new thing for us. This opportunity came about because the head of our fabrication shop, Steve Quinn, knows Jeff's touring manager. They were not happy with their current production crew, so to make a long story short, we took it over!
Steve is pretty much our guy in charge on the road, and he has quite a bit of touring experience. He was on the road with Loverboy and AC/DC back in the 80s. Our audio technician also worked on the road with Fastball, Duncan Shiek and others. But this whole thing is pretty new to the rest of us. There is a total of 8 Live Tech employees on the tour. This has been good for the company because we've been losing quite a bit of buisiness lately since many companies are trying to save money because of the economy. It's also good for the tour crew because it's job security for at least the next 6 months, and we all got a decent pay raise.
They basically asked everyone if this was something they would want to do instead of throwing them into it whether they liked it or not. Not too many people were completely willing to do this, but I was! I knew it would be different and a challenge, but also a once in a lifetime experience. Before we left Steve was telling how how happy he was to get back out on the road, and that this should be a lot of fun for us. I still can't quite believe all of it. I just think of it as a job, but every once in a while I stop and realize what a big deal it is! It's been great so far, and I feel very lucky to be doing this.
So thanks for stopping by! I'm excited to share things with you. I started to write things in a little notebook for the first week of the tour so I'll be adding that here shortly. I'm sure after a while there won't bee too much to write because it will be a lot of the same thing going on. But for now, I hope you enjoy it!
You probably already have a basic idea of what I'm doing, but I'll use this first entry to go into a bit more detail.
I've worked for a stage production company called Live Technologies since June 2007. We provide lighting, audio, video and sets for live events ranging from music festivals, award shows, concerts, and corporate meetings. A few months ago people were talking about a new business opportunity which would be going on tour with the comedian, Jeff Dunham. Our company has never provided equipment or crew for a tour, so it would be a whole new thing for us. This opportunity came about because the head of our fabrication shop, Steve Quinn, knows Jeff's touring manager. They were not happy with their current production crew, so to make a long story short, we took it over!
Steve is pretty much our guy in charge on the road, and he has quite a bit of touring experience. He was on the road with Loverboy and AC/DC back in the 80s. Our audio technician also worked on the road with Fastball, Duncan Shiek and others. But this whole thing is pretty new to the rest of us. There is a total of 8 Live Tech employees on the tour. This has been good for the company because we've been losing quite a bit of buisiness lately since many companies are trying to save money because of the economy. It's also good for the tour crew because it's job security for at least the next 6 months, and we all got a decent pay raise.
They basically asked everyone if this was something they would want to do instead of throwing them into it whether they liked it or not. Not too many people were completely willing to do this, but I was! I knew it would be different and a challenge, but also a once in a lifetime experience. Before we left Steve was telling how how happy he was to get back out on the road, and that this should be a lot of fun for us. I still can't quite believe all of it. I just think of it as a job, but every once in a while I stop and realize what a big deal it is! It's been great so far, and I feel very lucky to be doing this.
So thanks for stopping by! I'm excited to share things with you. I started to write things in a little notebook for the first week of the tour so I'll be adding that here shortly. I'm sure after a while there won't bee too much to write because it will be a lot of the same thing going on. But for now, I hope you enjoy it!
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