Careers – Roadie and Lighting Crew

 

What are the lighting crew and roadies?

These jobs are based strictly in the area of live music and have no part to play during the recording, post-production or sale and distribution of music. Most live shows will have some sort of lighting arrangement and in larger shows and tours this will be large and elaborate. The lighting crew is person or team responsible for all aspects of lighting and visual effects. The term ‘roadie’ refers to those employed on tours and large gigs to help with the set and the equipment, as well as any other manual labour that is required.

What do the roles involve?

The lighting crew’s duties involve the design of the lighting plot for the performance, the setting up of equipment, the operation of the lighting board and spotlights and possibly the set up and operation of pyrotechnics, lasers, smoke and other special effects. Their priorities are to enhance the show visually and to make sure the artist or band on stage is visible and well lit. The job of a roadie is often unskilled manual labour before and after the performance, setting up and removing equipment and when on tour, supervising its storage and transport to the next location. However some roadies will perform as backline technicians who supervise the instruments, amplifiers, stands and stage set. They will check that all instruments and amps are working correctly prior to a performance, build or fix parts of the set where necessary, tune the guitars and drums, replace any strings or drumheads and aid the performers during the set with any equipment problems.

Making money as a roadie or lighting crew?

Venues may employ their own in-house lighting crew or an outside crew can be hired for a specific show or tour. The more experienced and senior you are, the more money you will make will lighting directors leading the team and often being head of their own lighting company. Roadies are generally hired for a single tour and again, experience is beneficial with supervising roles being more profitable. However, it is possible that artist or particular tour managers will have a list of trusted roadies to call on each time they go on tour.

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