Thirty-five seconds. That's the heartbeat of the Eurovision Song Contest's stage change, where every second counts to prevent any on-stage chaos. A dedicated "invisible crew," led by Dutch stage manager Richard van Rouwendaal, executes speedy transformations between acts, ensuring props are perfectly in place and performers are ready to shine.
This pit crew of sorts operates under intense pressure, rehearsing weeks in advance with stand-ins to perfect their timing. Each crew member has one specific task, from relocating props to ensuring that microphones are at the correct heights—tight choreography is key. "It's like ice skating," Richard says, emphasizing the precision needed in these fleeting moments.
Cleanliness is crucial too; between performances, a dedicated cleaning team sweeps the stage to maintain an impeccable appearance for the cameras. Last-minute changes can cause a stir, like when an artist's footwear changes can mess with mic placements, simplifying their already complex duties.
As props have become a hallmark of Eurovision’s extravagant performances, managing logistics means organizing how elements enter and exit the stage seamlessly. "The planning is all in a kind of circle. The props come in from the left, and exit to the right," explains production deputy Damaris Reist.
Notably, audiences may be unaware of the carefully orchestrated "smuggling routes" that allow for surprise elements to spring to life. An unforgettable example was during Sam Ryder's standout 2022 performance—where Richard sneakily delivered a guitar to stage in perfect sync with the dazzling production.
Preparations for the unexpected are essential; if something goes off track, tactical switches to audience or previous footage allow for adroit cover-ups without the viewers catching on.
Behind closed doors, organizers have established new protocols to ensure the cast and crew's welfare amidst the whirlwind of excitement—a vital element of maintaining sanity during grueling rehearsals.
Despite the pressure of elevating the grand show, Richard emphasizes the importance of keeping the atmosphere upbeat and fun among the crew, leading to unforgettable moments and shared laughter. At Eurovision, while the performers steal the spotlight, there lies an extraordinary team who thrive in the shadows, ensuring every second sparkles on stage.
This pit crew of sorts operates under intense pressure, rehearsing weeks in advance with stand-ins to perfect their timing. Each crew member has one specific task, from relocating props to ensuring that microphones are at the correct heights—tight choreography is key. "It's like ice skating," Richard says, emphasizing the precision needed in these fleeting moments.
Cleanliness is crucial too; between performances, a dedicated cleaning team sweeps the stage to maintain an impeccable appearance for the cameras. Last-minute changes can cause a stir, like when an artist's footwear changes can mess with mic placements, simplifying their already complex duties.
As props have become a hallmark of Eurovision’s extravagant performances, managing logistics means organizing how elements enter and exit the stage seamlessly. "The planning is all in a kind of circle. The props come in from the left, and exit to the right," explains production deputy Damaris Reist.
Notably, audiences may be unaware of the carefully orchestrated "smuggling routes" that allow for surprise elements to spring to life. An unforgettable example was during Sam Ryder's standout 2022 performance—where Richard sneakily delivered a guitar to stage in perfect sync with the dazzling production.
Preparations for the unexpected are essential; if something goes off track, tactical switches to audience or previous footage allow for adroit cover-ups without the viewers catching on.
Behind closed doors, organizers have established new protocols to ensure the cast and crew's welfare amidst the whirlwind of excitement—a vital element of maintaining sanity during grueling rehearsals.
Despite the pressure of elevating the grand show, Richard emphasizes the importance of keeping the atmosphere upbeat and fun among the crew, leading to unforgettable moments and shared laughter. At Eurovision, while the performers steal the spotlight, there lies an extraordinary team who thrive in the shadows, ensuring every second sparkles on stage.
