ABSTRACT
In earlier times, touring had a magnetism that attracted people to it. It was unchartered waters and possible to start very successful careers without theatrical training. That is a bygone age and is not likely
to happen that way today. Road crew members have evolved into trained technicians with specific expertise in electronics, musical instrument repair, lighting, sound, video projection, camera technology, and the allied theatrical arts. The untrained hangers-on of the early years have been replaced by dedicated, trained, touring professionals. Call them equipment managers, technicians, graphic artists, directors, or managers. The explosion in technology for both sound and computer lighting means that the people on the road today have received extensive training, usually by the rental equipment company, before they can go on the road. You can’t just pick someone up off the street; there isn’t a place for “grunt” labor anymore.
