Describe the work you do
Before we start a tour I write up the Riders which cover everything production related; from electrical schematics to backstage layouts. I then advance the shows with the promoter which involves running through everything in all of our Riders and clarifying our requirements.
I liaise with vendors to confirm crew, and put together a routing so that travel and accommodation can be booked.
On a day-to-day basis, I oversee everything associated with the actual show, from the moment the trucks and crew arrive at the gig until the moment they all leave. Anything that takes place on or around the venue including backstage, accreditation and security; all the way through to catering!
What led you to your current work?
I have a background in events and logistics in the corporate sector.
I’d just started working for an industry vendor that was contracted for Ed’s first-ever stadium shows in 2015 and spent several weeks on the road with the tour.
I quickly realised that my experience and skills were completely transferable to a production role and when an opportunity arose for me to join the tour; I grabbed it.
At first, I was managing the trucking and freight, and, as time progressed, I got more and more involved in the production side of things.
What are you working on now or about to start work on?
I’m currently in Australia on Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour. This is the second year of the tour, and we head off to North America with it next month.
What are the good things about your job?
One of the best things is that the job ultimately brings people pleasure. What we do on a day-to-day basis creates moments and memories, and it’s great to be able to do a job that makes people happy!
Also, I get to work with an amazing bunch of people and travel around the world.
What are the worse things about your job?
Long days and lack of sleep! It’s very hard to have a day off, especially on a tour like this. On a non-show day, you are either travelling or dealing with things ahead of the next venue, and in the breaks between legs, you are advancing the following run. Also, being away from family and friends for long periods of time can be difficult.
What, so far, has been your career highlight?
Being part of Ed’s record-breaking Divide Tour was pretty amazing.
Also, being named Production Manager of the Year at our industry awards this year (TPi Awards) was very special.
However, the first night of the Mathematics Tour last year at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland was a night I’ll never forget. It was the culmination of two years of work behind-the-scenes, numerous challenges and sleepless nights; along with the determination of an amazing crew that culminated into something really special. That was the first time that the world had seen the new design, so to share that excitement with the crowd that night as they watched the first-ever show was just incredible.
What is the most blatant example of sexism you have encountered at work?
The only time I’ve encountered any real issues was when I was dealing with trucks.
I found some people unwilling to discuss truck movements and load-in plans with me and would often direct answers to my questions to my male colleagues.
As a woman working in live music touring, I’m definitely in the minority but I don’t necessarily see that as a disadvantage, and being different can often be a strength.
There are situations where I have got a resolution to an issue that a male counterpart might not have.
What advice would you give to any woman thinking of a career in the entertainment industry?
Don’t be deterred by outdated stereotypes and misconceptions of the industry.
I’ve never felt it necessary to downplay my femininity at work in an effort to fit in; you shouldn’t have to compromise who you are – just be good at your job.
What is your career goal?
It’s hard to think of one as some of the things I have already been part of are bigger than I could ever have imagined!
